Amber Monson
Atlanta, GA
" Welcome to my Site..."
Services: Aerial Tissue / Silks
- $2530 min
- 0Classes Taught
- 5Recommendations
Amber Monson glides through the air, twenty feet from the floor, suspended from the rafters by only two long strands of fabric. There is no safety net.
She wraps herself in intricate knots, stretching and twisting into seemingly impossible positions, then plunging toward the ground in a death-defying roll with the silk curling wildly through the air.
Known as “aerial silks,” it’s a mesmerizing combination of grace, core strength, flexibility, and athleticism right out of Cirque du Soleil.
Monson, a self-described adrenaline junkie and rock climber from Atlanta, took up silks several years ago when she found it difficult to get to the mountains regularly.
“I love the mystique of fabric,” she says. “I come out and play with the silks on the ground and people think this is just a scarf performance. Then I wrap myself, my feet go off the ground and I go. I build the drama and intensity with teases and surprises. ”
She performs her routines at music concerts, conventions, fashion shows, sporting events, special events, and nightclub openings. Because of the physical demands, a silks routine rarely lasts more than 15 minutes.
Monson is dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle of nutrition, exercise, and mental fitness. A graduate of Georgia Tech, she’s an avid reader who does not own a television. She prefers endeavors such as rock climbing and aerial silks since they’re both physically and mentally challenging.
“With rock climbing, you have to overcome your fear of heights and decipher this puzzle of how you’re going to get up this wall,” she says. “All of that translates into aerial silks.”
Her work with silks has become a full-time endeavor in the past two years. She also runs Sky Gym (www.theskygym.com), which offers classes in aerial silks classes in Atlanta, GA and markets products to perform the routines.
Student Recommendations
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McKinley V. January 7, 2011
"I found Amber's website (theskygym.com) looking for a fun, acrobatic inspired form of exercise. I started with her beginner class in October and have progressed to advanced classes with her excellent training and encouragement. Aside from the regular classes, I have taken multiple private lessons with her which have been immensely beneficial. I have also taken choreography and hammock classes which really enhance your creativity and strength. Amber is so supportive and her classes are so fun. She explains all of the moves clearly and really helps to tweak your moves to make them prettier and figure out what you are doing wrong. The classes push your limits but are incredibly safe as Amber really stresses that you listen to your body when you get fatigued or uncomfortable. Amber is so enthusiastic and really inspires you to want to keep flying! "
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HN C. January 13, 2011
"Come out to aerial silks. You'll be so glad that you did. I first started taking classes with Amber back in February 2010. Now I find that nearly all my life dicisions are based on this amazing mix of dance, acrobatics, and athleticism: Can I move to yet another apartment--one with tall enough ceilings to hang silks from? ...Hmmmmm. Should I go away for the weekend? ...And miss open practice?- Definitely not. Should I move with my boyfriend when he decides that he just can't take the Atlanta summers anymore? ...Well, I'll think about it:) If you're looking for a way to incorporate movement and excercise into your routine while also enriching your life, Sky Gym is for you. With introductory, beginners, intermediate, advanced, hammock, wings of steel, doubles, and choreography classes, there is something for everyone. Instructors are well trained, friendly, and supportive. Class sizes are kept small to ensure safety and maximum time on the silks. Class atmosphere is upbeat and positive. Once you start, you'll be hooked. You'll stop thinking about excercise as just one more job you have to squeeze into your busy day. Instead, you'll be running out the door to get yourself to Sky Gym to get your silks on! "
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HN C. January 13, 2011
"Come out to aerial silks. You'll be so glad that you did. I first started taking classes with Amber back in February 2010. Now I find that nearly all my life dicisions are based on this amazing mix of dance, acrobatics, and athleticism: Can I move to yet another apartment--one with tall enough ceilings to hang silks from? ...Hmmmmm. Should I go away for the weekend? ...And miss open practice?- Definitely not. Should I move with my boyfriend when he decides that he just can't take the Atlanta summers anymore? ...Well, I'll think about it:) If you're looking for a way to incorporate movement and excercise into your routine while also enriching your life, Sky Gym is for you. With introductory, beginners, intermediate, advanced, hammock, wings of steel, doubles, and choreography classes, there is something for everyone. Instructors are well trained, friendly, and supportive. Class sizes are kept small to ensure safety and maximum time on the silks. Class atmosphere is upbeat and positive. Once you start, you'll be hooked. You'll stop thinking about excercise as just one more job you have to squeeze in your busy day. Instead, you'll be running out the door to get yourself to the gym to get your silks on! "
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Jennifer C. January 17, 2011
"I learned about Amber's classes from a friend who was going to take them. After one class I was hooked! Each class we learn something new and exciting and it's amazing to see the ways you can push your body to do things you never dreamed of. Amber is very patient and encouraging as you learn new moves and always makes sure you're ready before moving you onto advanced drops and moves. I always get excited about going to class, and I've taken choreography, hammock classes, and private lessons to learn more and get my extra fix. I never thought I would be so enthusiastic about exercise but this is as far from the treadmills and stairmaster as you can get. You will love it! Every time you master a new move it's such a thrill and I cannot wait to learn more moves, drops, and routines. I would highly recommend Amber's classes to anyone that wants to try something new, fun, and exciting that really makes people say "Wow!" "
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Lorraine L. January 20, 2011
"I was first introduced to aerial silks by Circque du Soleil and then when P!nk perfomed "Glitter in the Air". I was awe-stuck and amazed. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I could learn any of it. I started searching the web and found "The Sky Gym" but initially I put it off due to my uncertainty. I wasn't sure if I'd have the strength or grace to be able to take the classes. I then attended a silks workshop and fell in love. I started taking Amber's classes at the Sky Gym and have completed beginners and have done two sessions in choreography. I am about to embark into the intermediate realm and still love it. Amber is a fabulous instructor who meets students at their level and her analytical mind is wonderful at picking apart a move or pose and translating that into words her students can understand to achieve the pose or move. She is patient and very warm and welcoming! I love the progression of the silks - it is a workout but it's so much more than that - you can actually see your achievements as you move from strength to grace perfecting moves. The rewards are tangible - something you couldn't do initially, becomes easy and then you tackle something else. It will also change your body and it definitely excercises your mind too!! I am an extremely clumsy person... but the silks have made me feel graceful :-) I love Sky Gym and all the instructors there!! I totally recommend the Sky Gym to everyone!!"