How to Choose the Right Level for You (and feel great about it)

6/26/2026 |

Category: circus, thrive movement studio, performance, lifestyle, movement, health, fitness, wellness

When I first began training circus, everything was new. Each trick accomplished, every sore muscle and new training bruise was a delight to me. Proof that I was working hard, learning lots and developing a strong and sturdy circus body. As I progressed, these “wins” became less frequent. New skills required a longer development period – additional conditioning, increased flexibility or even asking my psyche for more bravery to achieve my next goal.

Signing up for session classes became a whole new task of its own. I had to consider what I had learned, what prerequisites were needed for the next level. Soon another option began to take up space in my mind – the class I felt I should be in. The should option comes with a lot of tricky and icky thoughts, filling my mind with a slew of doubts and unhelpful questions. Why is that person getting it faster than me? Am I falling behind? What am I missing in my training or my body? Do my teachers think I am good enough? I must prove to them I am!

Ultimately, this brain space only left me feeling down about aerials; a circus practice I love. What I’ve learned over the years is the importance of listening to my needs for success in a class, rather than the extreme expectations I put on myself. Previously, when I felt behind in a class, I didn't motivate to get better, I just felt defeated. I know now in my journey as a circus artist that I feel best being in a class where I sit comfortably in the middle. I enjoy a teacher who is supportive, can provide a detailed explanation of the skill and how the body accomplishes it. I look for a coach who has an intuitive connection to the body and can help guide me to useful techniques and practices to grow. My wins are personal to me now and my goals are based more on my consistency and enjoyment rather than a grand achievement or a higher level class.

I have now created a practice of reflection which helps me make the right choice and feel good about it. I have learned to seek out coaches I trust, who help guide me down the right path. I’ve learned to look past my class level or my self-imposed competition and trust that I am right where I belong; practicing circus and enjoying the journey.

Allison McDermott is a circus performer, coach, creator and director from Middletown, CT. See what she is up to on her website or instagram page.

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