THIS week we chat with our third and final Stage 29 Studios cross-disciplinary dancer, Elise Birthisel, who describes her style as grounded in respect for strong technique, steady progression and the strength required to make difficult movements appear effortless.<\/p>\n
What motivated you to take up all of your different dancing pursuits?<\/strong><\/p>\n My dance journey began in childhood and continued through my teenage years, but everything truly expanded when I discovered pole dancing in Bendigo in 2012.<\/p>\n I began teaching in 2013, paused briefly due to a back injury, and returned in 2014 with a renewed passion – not only for pole, but for dance more broadly.<\/p>\n That same year I began training in aerial hoop, hammock and silks.<\/p>\n In 2019, I started teaching aerial silks at Stage 29 Studios.<\/p>\n Silks challenge my body and my mind; the strength, stamina and problem-solving required make every new skill deeply satisfying.<\/p>\n How would you describe your overall movement\/dance style?<\/strong><\/p>\n I would describe my style as grounded in respect for strong technique, steady progression and the strength required to make difficult movements appear effortless.<\/p>\n I\u2019m drawn to fluid, flowing sequences on silks, especially when spinning, but I also love the drama of dynamic drops that align with powerful music.<\/p>\n Which other dancers inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n The dancers who inspire me most are my fellow instructors at Stage 29 Studios.<\/p>\n Many of them balance teaching, training, full-time work and family life – and they still show up with passion and dedication.<\/p>\n Have you had any particular mentors over your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n My greatest mentors have been my fellow silks instructors.<\/p>\n We constantly share new knowledge, support one another and push each other to improve.<\/p>\n Some of my favourite memories are the long Sunday afternoons spent together in the studio – experimenting with new moves, problem solving transitions and building routines for performances.<\/p>\n The camaraderie we share, and our collective love for aerial, creates a bond that continually drives us forward.<\/p>\n What are some highlights from your pursuits so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m incredibly proud of the strength and flexibility I\u2019ve developed throughout my aerial journey.<\/p>\n A major highlight has been continuing to dance while pregnant and returning to teaching silks four months postpartum – rebuilding my strength and reconnecting with something I love felt empowering.<\/p>\n Performing at Ulumbarra each year with Stage 29 Studios since 2019 has also given me some of my most cherished memories.<\/p>\n Whether I was dancing, performing on silks or watching my students shine on stage, those moments fill me with pride and joy.<\/p>\n