Ridgewood Acrobat Plans To Take Fitness To Higher Level

Ridgewood resident Heather Hammond of Helium Aerial Dance isn’t just hanging around—she’s climbing high on her aerial silks.

“One of the best things about performing aerial acrobatics is the feeling of exhilaration that comes from soaring above the audience,” said Hammond. “It’s a great gift to instill awe in another human. Aerial dance is a beautifully communicative art form. It takes dance to a whole new level—literally.”

Originally from Canada, Hammond is an accomplished international aerial acrobat who has graced stages across North America and as far away as Japan. Her company, Helium Aerial Dance, performs at corporate events, festivals and theaters across North America and abroad. They even travel with a portable aerial rig that can be put up indoors or out.

“Our festival show ‘Canadian Circus Idol’ is really fun to do outdoors,” she said. “We perform at all kinds of celebrations like Independence Day or Children’s Festivals. In one segment, we bring contestants up on stage and ask them to ‘bring out their inner performer’ and impress the audience, while playing with hula hoops or juggling scarves. It’s amazing to see what they do! Right now I’m working on a hammock act for a New Year’s Eve gig in Brooklyn.”

Heather Hammond of Helium Aerial Dance, an aerial acrobat who has performed around the world, is launching personal fitness training sessions around Queens this January. When she isn’t performing, Hammond can be found teaching aerial lessons at two locations in Brooklyn. She teaches the kind of tricks one see in Cirque du Soleil but wouldn’t believe they could be capable of performing on their own.

Hammond’s playful yet focused teaching style has been endorsed by many of her students, including actor and sushi chef Simon Feil, a fan of her silks classes.

“Heather’s classes have totally changed my body and my concept of what I am capable of,” Feil said. “I didn’t realize I had no core strength. Now I can hold a plank longer than some yoga and dancers. I am not a gym guy—the main thing that at- tracted me to silks was that I need to have something fun to when I exercise. Heather’s classes are so much fun I can’t wait to do them and I forget I’m working out until my muscles start burning.”

“People think aerial conditioning is going to be really scary, or that they won’t have enough arm strength.

Well, that’s simply not true,” Hammond added. “I work with everyone at their own level, and most people are surprised at how much strength they actually have. People of all fitness levels and ages can experience getting trim and strong while having a lot of fun. My classes are great for people who want to be challenged and try something new. And, who doesn’t love being toned, firm and kicking some butt?”

Hammond’s classes were featured in American Fitness magazine last year, and Helium Aerial Dance was highlighted on NBC TV’s First Look. She also teaches aerial conditioning through Acrobodics at Hype Gym in Manhattan, adding that the class has “taken the workout to a whole new level with exercises on the rope and trapeze.”

Aside from her aerial lessons, Hammond will be launching her Queens in-home personal training sessions in January—just in time for to help those keeping New Year’s fitness resolutions. She will be offering individual sessions or ‘duets’ where you and a friend can workout together. Gift certificates are available and make an ideal last-minute Christmas or New Year’s gift.

“In-home training is great, because it’s like bringing the gym to you,” Hammond said. “It’s amazingly easy to get fit in a workout when you don’t even have to leave the house. It’s a great time-saver and the personal attention is fabulous. Helium Fitness will help you lift your body, mind and spirit.”

Visit Helium Fitness’ website, www.heliummm.com, for more information on the program.