Kathryn Kelly - Intermediate Hoop (She/Her)
WINNER
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN doing HOOP?
I took my first lyra class years ago, but I didn't start training seriously until the fall of 2022.
IS THIS YOUR FIRST PERFORMANCE?
No.
Is this your first competition?
No.
WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THIS PERFORMANCE?
The weekend before Christmas this past year my retina detached. The doctor told me I needed to have emergency eye surgery within 48 hours or I'd go permanently blind in my right eye. The surgery was successful, but I spent two months without being able to lift more than 10 pounds, let alone train aerial. I work as an actor, but my eye was bright red and swollen partially shut for three months and I couldn't perform. When my eye finally healed, my vision was permanently impaired, leaving me needing corrective lenses the rest of my life. This performance is about my relationship with my body. I've had so many major injuries these past few years, and like an on-again off-again romance, it's hard to trust that I have healed. But I have healed, and I am capable of incredible things.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THIS COMPETITION?
Slowly and mindfully. In addition to my eye injury, I had a major injury to my knee, and the repair this spring set me back even further. I only got back to training regularly at the beginning of August, so I've been trying ramp up steadily without overdoing it. I've been taking lyra classes, but also training in pole and aerial silks and sling. I've also been taking dance classes in a variety of styles and working assisted pull ups and chin ups.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING HOOP?
I love the risk! I'm still very new to performing on lyra, and while I'm rehearsing my piece to death, anything could happen on competition day. I'm so excited to jump into the unknown and try and make some magic! This piece is deeply personal and important to me, and no matter what happens, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to tell my story.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SKILL/MOVEMENT THAT YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR UPCOMING PERFORMANCE?
I'm really proud of my center spin. It took me so long to get this!!! I'm tall with a really long torso, so I wasn't able to practice it without hitting my head until I got an extra large hoop, and even then, it was a JOURNEY. I'm really hoping it goes well in competition - cross your fingers for me!
WHAT GOALS ARE YOU AIMING TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT YEAR?
I would love to get my unassisted pull-up back. It's one of many skills I lost this past year while my body was healing, and I'd love to get it solid enough to incorporate into a lyra spin.