Learning the ropes

I'm four classes into a six-class series on learning how to do rope suspensions -- it's been awesome. As I continue exploring Things To Do With Rope Besides Walk On It, I came across an online resource on trick roping that seems pretty informative -- The Lasso: A Rational Guide to Trick Roping. I've got a lot of projects in the works right now, but as I find time I'm reading through it, and I've got a lasso on the way to play around with. Of course, different kinds of rope lend themselves to trick roping vs. suspension vs. slack rope walking, but even so I figure there could be some interesting ways to combine these skills.

I have fond memories of seeing Rob Petres' Rope back when I was in Moment of Flight...

Handstand February

One of the benefits of having to see a physical therapist for my foot injury is that I've been able to seriously embark on my quest to learn handbalancing.

Back in August, as my foot became increasingly troublesome and my physical activities more limited, I decided to take an introductory handbalancing course at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts. Being able to hold a handstand with no support is something I've wanted to do for ages, with the goal of eventually being able to walk on my hands. As much as I tried, though, I didn't seem to ever make much headway practicing on my own. I figured there were probably aspects to handbalancing that were currently lost on me, and getting some instruction could help me make progress a lot faster. The class at SANCA was really informative, but I had to quit just a few sessions in -- partly because my foot kept getting worse, but partly also because some of the exercises intended to help us build up to full handstands created strange sensations and temporary numbness in my shoulder. I was leery of injuring my arm in addition to my foot, so I backed off.

What with all the foot trouble, I've talked with a few different physical therapists since then, and slipped in some questions about my shoulder as well. It turns out my left shoulder joint is plenty strong but the way I use those muscles makes it less stable and prone to injury. So while doing PT for my foot I've also started working to retrain and strengthen my shoulder muscles for handstands.

A Facebook post from one of my former pole instructors tipped me off about Handstand February, a month of random handstands. I'm not participating with daily handstands -- I'm taking it slow and careful with getting my shoulder muscles ready first -- but these shoulder muscle exercises are something I'm working on daily. Once again I have to say I love having a good physical therapist -- it's a great feeling to have the security of checking in regularly with someone who can help identify and address issues before they become problems. I'm hoping for slow and steady progress uninterrupted by injury, and with any luck I'll be able to participate in Handstand February with daily handstands next year!

And yesterday my Pandora channel played a song about handstands. Well, there you go.
Bruises by Chairlift