Movement has long been treated as something tied to aesthetics, politics, or permission (picture me rolling my eyes) as if only certain bodies are allowed to take up space, feel powerful, be seen as capable or even rest! But for many people, especially those in marginalized bodies, movement becomes something much deeper: freedom.
In this interview Rachel Taylor shares a glimpse into her world of aerial arts. Through chronic pain, recovery, fear, and self-discovery, she’s redefining what athleticism looks like while proving that joy, strength, and artistry are not reserved for one type of body. Her journey is not just about aerial performance. The journey of stepping into discomfort and discovering yourself on the other side. A bonus is showing others that if she can do it, they can to!
Happy Reading, babes!
Connecting With My Body: Finding Strength and Freedom Through Plus-Size Aerial Arts
Let’s fly into this Q&A with Rachel Taylor. Rachel granted PaSH Magazine honesty, vulnerability and beauty in the interview.
What drew you to aerial performance, and how did you navigate stepping into that space in a body that isn’t always represented?
I originally introduced to my current studio by a friend and was dying to try it after being in a student showcase for the studio as a supporting cast member. I did dance, and helped with prop but seeing so many talented people doing amazing things in the air motivated me to try it. At first, I was extremely intimidated to start because there weren’t any other fat aerialists or students that had a body like mine. But I decided a few years ago while part of a treatment program for atypical anorexia that I was going to do things that scared me. I was terrified for the first 2 months of classes but had amazing friends supporting me and a coach that was excited to teach me.
How has aerial arts shaped your relationship with your body and what it’s capable of?
As a fat person who is also disabled and deals with chronic pain and fatigue it’s been amazing to realize how strong I am. I’ve never thought of myself as athletic because of the false belief that a fat person could never be that. Yet, I now find myself excited to go to the gym and take my aerial class and see what my body can do. I used to dread physical activity for fear I would trigger a flare up and end up in horrible pain but have found that when doing it safely it can help me manage my pain instead.
Was there a moment when you realized your body wasn’t a limitation, but actually your strength?
I’m not sure if I’m at that point yet. I still get frustrated when I see friends doing moves that I can’t do or have to do differently because of my size. But I feel myself getting closer every day. Posting online and finding a community of other aerialists in bigger bodies has helped so much.
How do you define self-love in a discipline that is often tied to aesthetics as much as skill?
It’s been refreshing to be at a place where the idea of thinness is not a priority. I have found that the aerialists I know choose to focus on strength over what is generally thought as “beautiful”. I’m sure there are some who believe that aerialists should look a certain way but I’m blessed to not know those people.
As a teenager I never saw anyone that looked like me just existing online and loving themselves and my hope in posting is that someone will see themselves in me and realize how beautiful they are.
What misconceptions do people have about plus-size bodies in aerial performance, and how do you challenge them?
There is this belief that people in bigger bodies can’t be athletic. That we’re not strong or flexible or motivated enough to try. That’s why I post aerial videos on social media. I want to show people what plus size bodies can do. As a teenager I never saw anyone that looked like me just existing online and loving themselves and my hope in posting is that someone will see themselves in me and realize how beautiful they are.
On days when your confidence feels off, how do you show up for your body and your craft anyway?
On days where I’m feeling negative in my body, I make sure to be gentle with myself, make sure I’m still properly fueling my body, and still show up to class. Knowing that once I get there my whole day will turn around.
How has performing in front of an audience impacted your self-image and sense of visibility?
Yes! I am someone who often wants to be invisible and can be very anxious but performing in front of others and seeing the joy the audience has motivates me to do it again and again. Once I’m onstage all insecurities stay backstage and it’s a very freeing feeling.
What role does community play in helping you feel seen, supported, and celebrated?
Community is huge. My birthday is a hard time of year for me and my friend group knows this. Some of them are aerialists as well and others are just great supporters. For my birthday this year they pooled their money to get me a larger lyra hoop than the standard at my studio. I have never felt so seen and loved in my life and it was a moment I’ll never forget. If it were not for friends I wouldn’t have started aerial to begin with.
Have you ever felt pressure to change your body to “fit” the industry, and how did you navigate that?
Yes. It can be frustrating when my body doesn’t seem to fit, literally. At 5’5 I’m at the taller side for circus as well as being plus size. There are many moves were my belly gets in the way. However, having an amazing coach who is always ready to adjust moves or try something new has been amazing.
For other plus-size individuals who are curious about aerial arts but feel intimidated, what would you want them to know before they even step into a class?
Anyone can do aerial.It might be harder for those in a bigger body but it’s worth it. It’s freeing, fun, and amazing. My first 2 months of constant weekly classes was hard and there were times I hated it. I couldn’t understand why people who were half my body weight could do moves quicker than me. But understanding math and having a positive environment helped a lot. When it all clicked and I started being able to put a routine together that’s when I realized how strong I am.
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