Amy Erickson is an aerialist from Maui, specializing in Lyra, Pole, Aerial Yoga and Lollypop Lyra. Amy's background is in Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Bikram Yoga, and Flying Trapeze, which provide her with the skills required to excel in the world of pole and circus arts.

She began her journey into circus arts five years ago with flying trapeze, and it was love at first flight. Her aerial addiction spread into all the various apparatus' and she now aspires to share her passion with others. Amy believes that everyone should tap into their courageous inner-child. Aerial and pole dance offer the opportunity to do that through spinning, climbing and inverting upside-down. By teaching others how to develop these skills and play, she feels that it helps make the world a better place.

Amy will be joining us for a third straight year!!! Learn how to pole dance with Amy at the EmBODYment retreat during her Saturday and Sunday evening classes. Amy is also available for private lessons on the Lollypop Lyra, a fusion of pole and aerial hoop; private lessons on this fun combination apparatus will teach you two acrobatic skill sets in one!

We talked with Amy about what she loves about the EmBODYment Festival and what newcomers can expect to experience.

Tell us about your offerings at EmBODYment. Why do you love sharing these offerings?

Amy: I am an aerial hoop and pole dance instructor on Maui. I love sharing my passion of movement, especially with first time pole/aerial dancers, because I enjoy taking someone out of their element and showing them a new way to explore their body in space.

Was there a specific moment/experience/insight that helped you realize your passion for aerial arts/pole?

Amy: I discovered flying trapeze on Maui in 2013, and instantly became hooked on circus arts. Flying trapeze led to pole dancing which led to aerial hoop. The feeling of being inverted, of hanging upside down is one of my favorites. Literally viewing the world from a new perspective gives me a new insight to explore different pathways and ways of thinking.

What are you most excited about at EmBODYment this year?

Amy: I’m most excited to reconnect with previous EmBODYment rockstars and establish new friendships with like-minded movers and shakers in the lush, tropical oasis that is Hale Akua.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to try aerial or pole classes for the first time?

Amy: In pole dance class, don’t focus on what other people around you look like, and don’t focus on what you think other people are thinking about what you (chances are they’re not even paying attention to you). Allow yourself to fall in love with your body and movement. Be authentic.

What do you imagine retreat guests will take home with them after a week in paradise taking your classes?

Amy: I imagine that retreat guests will take home memories of character enhancing experiences that will bring a smile on their faces every time they think about their trip.

What advice do you have for first year EmBODYment retreat goers? What do you love about Maui?

Amy: Be flexible and open to new experiences. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves to you, and try something that you normally wouldn’t do. You may not take every class or attend every workshop, and that’s okay. The point of a retreat on Maui is to be in the moment and savor the beauty that surrounds you on this magical island. It will permeate through to your very essence of being and stay with you long after you leave.

Ready to get your groove on with Amy this October? Grab your spot now for EmBODYment Maui, you won’t regret it!

Amy’s returning to the EmBODYment Festival!