Following the Silks: Krysta’s Journey from
Dream to Reality
In the fall of 2022, I was asked by Susie Stevens at Aerial Expressions to
photograph her students in Shreveport. I stopped by the studio to observe
a practice session and get a sense of what I'd be working with.
Watching the young women train, climb silks, spin on hoops, and perform
impossible-looking moves, I couldn't help but feel both impressed and intimidated.
A few weeks later, while I was away at work, Susie sent me videos of one of her students performing on the silks and lyra. Even though the videos were practice sessions with no
costumes or stage lights, her presence was undeniable. I assumed she was a young woman
in her early twenties, already a seasoned professional.
Her skill, grace, and confidence stood out, and I was eager to meet her in person.
When the day of the photo shoot finally arrived, I was surprised and humbled to find
out that the performer I had been so impressed with was just 16 years old.
That was the day I met Krysta.
Throughout photographing her and learning her story, I've been utterly amazed. Krysta's journey is driven by passion, perseverance, and a strong belief that she was meant to be in the air.
Finding Her Path
Krysta's love for aerial arts began when she was just eight years old. One night, she watched Sofie Dossi perform on America's Got Talent, bending, spinning, and hanging upside down with fearless strength. But it wasn't just the performance that captivated her.
"What inspired me most about Sofie's performance was her story," Krysta told me. "How she taught herself contortion and aerial at home, and how her dad built her first handstand blocks from materials they had. Her strength and control, both in the air and on the ground, amazed me, especially seeing her do a neck hang and ankle hang at just 14 years old."
At age ten, Krysta stepped into her first beginner aerial silks class.
"From the moment I stepped onto the silks, I felt an immediate sense of belonging.
it was clear this was where I was meant to be," explained Krysta.
She began her formal training with Kenali Kendrick at Fenyx Aerial Gym in Texas.
After moving, she continued her development at Aerial Expressions in Shreveport.
"From my very first visit, I felt an immediate connection to the space, the instructors,
and the supportive community. It quickly became more than just a convenient option.
it felt like the right place for me to continue growing," she said.
Krysta told me about two key moments when she realized this was her life's calling.
"One move called Windmills, where I roll from the top of the silks to the floor, made me realize this is what I want to do forever. Another moment was learning the Russian Split on the lyra; it gave me a deep sense of purpose and belonging," explains Krysta.
She even said the Russian Split feels like her signature, a pose that stops people in their tracks and feels like a perfect expression of who she is.
Facing Doubts and Finding Strength
Of course, her path hasn't always been smooth.
"About two years ago, I started doubting myself and my future in circus arts. I worried I would never move forward or be 'good enough' to look or perform like a professional artist. With help from my therapist, friends, and family, I began to believe in myself again. They reminded me that everyone has a different journey and that I am enough, just as I am," she said.
Her first coach Kenali, her mom, and Susie all played significant roles in her growth.
"My first coach helped me fall in love with aerial and inspired me to pursue it as a career.
My mom supported me when things got tough. She reminded me why I fell in love with
the circus in the first place and of all the hard work I had already put in. And Susie, even
before I was officially training at Aerial Expressions, helped me create a routine and let
me use her gym to film a competition submission. She didn't have to, but she did,
which shows how kind and generous she is," said Krysta.
The Next Chapter: Circus Juventas
Krysta first learned about Circus Juventas through the Next Gen program affiliated
with Cirque du Soleil. Transitioning from a local studio to one of the top circus
schools in North America was a challenging endeavor.
"The transition was weird and scary at first," she shared. "But after a few months and getting to know everyone, it became much easier. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me achieve more skills than I ever thought I could."
Now, she trains in silks, handstands, dance, theater, and acro.
"Silks is my favorite discipline; it makes me feel both beautiful and strong. It's taught
me patience and helped me understand that even if I don't get a skill right away,
I will eventually, with hard work and dedication." Krysta said.
What Inspires Her
When asked what kind of performances inspire her most, she answered without hesitation.
"The shows that inspire me the most are the ones that tell a story. The first Cirque du Soleil show I attended was called Luzia, which is based on the culture of Mexico. It incorporated elements of history, folklore, and mythology, which I found incredibly inspiring," she said.
If she could choreograph her ideal act, she said "it would be gentle and flowing, inspired by ballet, with grace and elegance woven into every movement."
To Krysta, aerial is more than just performance. "It's love... I've done other sports, but none have made me feel the way aerial does. When I'm in the air, it's like all my problems disappear. I feel free, completely in the moment," explains Krysta.
Krysta's Lessons
I asked her what she would say to a young girl who sees her photos or
videos and wants to follow her example.
"Do what you love. Whether it's silks, lyra, or something unique that not many people do,
follow your heart. Don't let anyone take away your love for your art. Just have fun,
because the more fun you have, the more you'll fall in love with aerial," she said.
She also revealed something people might not expect. "I don't always follow a story or
theme when I perform," she explained. "I perform what I'm feeling in that moment;
if I'm happy, I show that; if I'm sad, I let that come through. Emotion drives my
performance more than structure does," she explains.
Before every performance, Krysta has a quiet ritual. "I say a prayer before I go on stage,"
she said. "I pray that everything goes smoothly, that everyone is safe, and that the
audience has a good time. It helps calm my nerves and ease the anxiety before
stepping into the spotlight," explains Krysta.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
When she reflects on her journey, Krysta thinks back to a video of herself struggling with a skill early on. "I didn't get it right away, but I kept trying, over and over again. Watching that reminds me I'm on the right path. I know I was meant to do this because I never gave up. I believed I would get it one day, and eventually, I did," she said.
Her proudest moment? Not just one trick or title, but holding onto her passion even during the hard times. "That little girl would be proud to see me not only still following my passion but now training in Minnesota, working toward a professional circus career.
"My dream is still to one day perform with Cirque du Soleil, but I also look forward to working with other entertainment companies and traditional circuses as part of that journey," she explains.
Wrapping Up
At the end of our conversation, Krysta left me with a message
that speaks volumes about who she is.
"You did a great job! Your photos always turn out amazing, and I'm so happy that the girls at Aerial Expressions got to be your first big photoshoot. Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Working with you is always a blast," said Krysta.
Krysta's story reminds us of what happens when you follow your heart, trust yourself,
and aim high, even if it seems out of reach. At only 19, she's already encouraging
others to believe they can do the same.
She's only just getting started.
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