I need to tell you something that might surprise you.
After years of teaching aerial arts, I can predict with remarkable accuracy which students will excel—and it's rarely the ones you'd expect.
It's not always the gymnast with the perfect splits. Not the dancer with impeccable form. Not even the cheerleader who can already do an aerial cartwheel. While these backgrounds certainly help in the beginning, they only take you so far.
The students who truly excel? They're the ones who don't give up.
What Research Tells Us About Perseverance
Grit—defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals—is what leads to success, and this holds true across virtually every domain studied. In athletic performance specifically, athletes who exhibit perseverance are 25% more likely to reach their goals.
Even more telling? Perseverance of effort is a stronger predictor of performance outcomes than consistency of interests. In other words, showing up and pushing through challenges matters more than natural talent or initial enthusiasm.
Grit accounts for an average of 4% of the variance in success outcomes, including educational attainment and retention—a statistically significant predictor that operates independently of talent or initial skill level.
The Cultural Crisis of Quitting
Here's the uncomfortable truth: We're living in a culture that encourages quitting at the first sign of discomfort.
70% of kids quit sports by age 13, often due to burnout from over-competitive parents, ineffective coaching, or simply because they're "not having fun." Each year approximately 35% of young athletes quit participation in sport, and many never return.
But here's what I've observed in my own studio: The moment of wanting to quit is often the exact moment before a breakthrough.
The Pattern I See Playing Out
Red/Beginner Level Starts: Students with gymnastics, dance, or cheer backgrounds often progress faster. They understand body awareness, have existing strength and flexibility, and feel comfortable being upside down. They shine in those first few months.
Class Dynamics After Progression: The playing field starts to level. Those natural advantages begin to plateau. Aerial demands unique strength patterns, specific flexibility requirements, and movement vocabulary that no other sport fully prepares you for. This is where many students with strong backgrounds hit their first real wall—and some of them quit because they're not used to struggling.
After year 1: The students who stay—regardless of background—start developing something beautiful and unique. They've accepted that aerial is demanding. They've learned to measure progress against their own abilities, not others'. They've discovered their personal strengths and learned to work with (not against) their limitations.
Years 2-3 and beyond: These persistent students develop their own style. They become artists, not just athletes. They've learned that setbacks aren't signs of failure—they're opportunities to problem-solve, adapt, and grow stronger.
What I've Learned From My Own Journey
I came into aerial arts with samplings of various disciplines that have helped my journey. Youth gymnastics. Classical ballet. Years of high school and collegiate cheer, plus coaching experience. But I naturally lack flexibility, and I couldn't even do one pullup when I started aerial at 48. What I had most going for me was my stubbornness, curiosity, and an unwillingness to quit when things got hard.
Every student who has stayed with me for years, who has gone on to perform and/or compete, and even teach—they all share this trait. Not natural talent. Not perfect bodies. Not immediate success.
Perseverance.
They're the ones who:
- Come back after a frustrating class
- Practice the same move fifty times until it clicks
- Ask for help when they're stuck instead of giving up
- Celebrate small progressions instead of fixating on what they can't do yet
- View their aerial journey as personal growth, not a competition
The Setback Mindset Shift
Too many students give up because of a little setback or discouragement. They interpret difficulty as evidence they're "not cut out for this" or that they're failing.
But here's the truth: Every challenge is information, not a verdict.
Can't invert yet? That's information about which muscles need strengthening.Can't get a certain wrap to hold? That's information about sequencing or body positioning.Feel discouraged comparing yourself to others? That's information about where your focus needs to shift.
When you view setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than signs of inadequacy, everything changes. You become curious instead of defeated. You problem-solve instead of quit. You progress instead of plateau.
Why This Matters for Your Aerial Journey
Aerial arts are demanding. There's no way around that reality. Some days will feel effortless and joyful. Other days will feel impossibly hard.
The question isn't whether you'll face difficulty—you will. The question is: What will you do when you hit that wall?
Will you interpret it as a sign you don't belong? Or will you see it as the exact moment where real growth begins?
The students who excel aren't the ones who never struggle. They're the ones who struggle and keep showing up anyway.
They understand that:
- Progress isn't linear—some weeks you'll soar, some weeks you'll struggle
- Comparison steals joy—your journey is uniquely yours
- Limitations are just current realities—they shift with consistent work
- Style develops over time—you don't need to look like anyone else
- The process matters more than perfection—enjoyment fuels persistence
An Invitation to Stay
If you're reading this and either you or your child is thinking about quitting because something feels hard, I want to invite you to reconsider.
That difficulty you or they are experiencing? It's not evidence of failure. It's evidence you're at the exact edge of your current capability—which is precisely where growth happens.
Give yourself permission to:
- Progress at your own pace
- Have bad days without making them mean something about your potential
- Ask for help, modifications, or different approaches
- Celebrate small wins
- Stay long enough to discover what you're truly capable of
The most amazing aerialists I know aren't the ones who started with the most talent. They're the ones who refused to give up when it got hard.
Your aerial journey is personal. Make it about progression, not perfection. Make it about perseverance, not comparison. Make it about discovering what you're capable of when you don't give up.
Ready to Keep Flying?
🎪 Struggling with something specific? Talk to your instructor about progressions and modifications - Contact Us
💪 Adult Drop-In Classes: Perfect for maintaining momentum at your own pace - Browse Classes
📅 Family Fun Days Are Coming: Burn holiday energy through playful, fun family-focused fitness activities- View Classes and Schedule
📸 Celebrate Your Progress: Book an aerial photo shoot to document how far you've come - Book Session
🎄 Holiday Kids Camps: Keep your young aerialist's momentum going through the break - View Camp Details
Keep showing up. Keep pushing through. Keep flying.
Ms. Peggy
Eternal Aerial Arts
P.S. Our November Showcase isn't just about perfect performances—it's about celebrating the perseverance and dedication of every aerialist who refused to quit. Come watch your community fly. Get Your Tickets
Add comment
Comments