Q&A with Danielle E.Danielle Emery Head Shot CoTAC 2016

 

 

Quick bio (how long have you been teaching? Related degrees and/or certifications?) I started teaching aerial hammock classes in August 2015 after practicing aerial arts on a variety of apparatuses for a little over 3 years. While I do not have a long history in athletic endeavors, I have been a professional educator since 2004 and I find that my toolbox of instructional techniques and ability to accommodate different learning styles and proficiency levels transfers well into teaching aerial classes, especially when I am working with a group of aerialists with a wide range of abilities. I currently hold 8 Texas educator certifications spanning all grade levels, all special populations, and most subject areas, including health and physical education. 

What do you teach at Urban Vybe? Aerial hammock classes – yoga, tricks, dance…whatever people are interested in doing!

What song(s) do you love to play in your classes? I love soundtracks and cover songs performed in a different genre from the original version. I frequently use the Gone Girl soundtrack and will soon be incorporating songs from the television series, Westworld.

Favorite class or workout (outside of your own)? Pole Aria. It’s a combination of pole fitness and aerial silks and it is SO much fun! Unfortunately, it’s rare to find a class like this, so I don’t get to do it very often.

How did you come to Urban Vybe? I was preparing for an aerial competition and needed additional practice opportunities, so I started looking into classes at various studios in the area and discovered this amazing place right by my house!

What makes Urban Vybe different than other gyms/studios? The atmosphere and positivity of the staff and students is incredibly welcoming and supportive! Everyone is genuinely kind and encouraging of each other.

What’s your favorite cheat snack/food/drink? Hint of Lime Tostitos with spicy fat free refried beans. Oh! Vanilla cupcakes with a ton of white frosting! And sesame seed bagels with mountains of cream cheese. Annnd those soft sugar cookies with thick icing. And anything with rice. Wait…Am I only supposed to pick one?! Pizza.

What’s currently your favorite local small business (can be anything – retail, restaurant, etc)? Enzo’s Pizzeria in Parker Square.

Best advice for someone new to your class? Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, assistance, or a demonstration. Hammocks are difficult to get used to: you’re upside down, you’re working with balance and counterbalance components, and you’re using muscles in new ways, so always ask if you are unsure of how to do a pose, move, or trick and I’ll be right there to help you through it!

What’s something you say (Inspirational quote, phrases, etc.) often in your classes? “What made you happy today?”

MTPS butterfly set up