Regina Money: Finding Flight After Dance
Among the many students who make Aerial Expressions shine, one stands out in a very special way. Her name is Regina Money, and her story is one of resilience, passion, and new beginnings. She proves that it is never too late to find a purpose, and she reminds us that age does not place limits on what we can achieve.
“I am Regina Money, and I live in Tyler, Texas. In my spare time I do aerial silks. My husband is actually the one who found it. At first, I looked at that picture and thought he was crazy. But after learning more, I started to see so much of what I loved about dancing, in it.”
Early Years
Regina grew up in Houston, Texas, in a close-knit southern family. Her parents worked hard to provide for her and her sister, and she filled her childhood with bicycles, skating, jump ropes, and long days of play outside. She was drawn to movement early. The family swing set became her stage. Saturdays were spent at the skating rink, and by first grade she was already standing on a stage with a script in her hand.
Though her parents encouraged piano lessons, she practiced ballet positions in front of the mirror, copying poses from library books. By high school she had joined the dance line. The uniforms, the camaraderie, and the thrill of performance pulled her in completely.
After graduation she worked, put herself through junior college, and paid for her own dance classes. She taught at a local studio and later owned one with her sister after moving to Tyler. At the same time, she and her husband built and ran a flower shop while raising their family. Floral designer by day, dance teacher by night, and wife and mother around the clock. Eventually she stepped away from teaching to focus on her children, a decision she has never regretted.
A Door Closes, A Door Opens
“When I had to stop dancing, I sort of felt empty in a way. It was not just a hobby. It was who I was down deep inside. So. when I hurt my knee and I had to stop, it was hard to deal with. But I knew I had two options. I could feel sorry for myself, sulk, and live in the past. Or I could go out and find a new passion.”
Regina chose the second option.
“It hurts to close the door on something you love, but when one door closes, a world of possibility awaits behind another. It means driving two hours to a class that I absolutely love. I am going to do it. I now have a purpose back in my life and goals to strive for, and I am excited to try and make it my best.”
Her husband had spotted an article about aerial silks classes and encouraged her to give it a try. At first she thought he was crazy. But the more she learned, the more she started to see echoes of the dance world she had loved so deeply.
The nearest trainer was two hours away in Louisiana. Every week Regina made that drive. She used the time in the car to connect with friends and family, turning those hours into something meaningful. Each time she learned a new skill she recorded it so nothing was lost.
“I made the time on the road fly by, so when I got to the studio, I was ready to work.”
Regina laughs, remembering the greetings as she walked in.
“Training with Susie is amazing, and every week I am getting better and better.”
The studio atmosphere is part workout, part family gathering. Susie’s encouragement rings out during lessons. Whether they are playing music or filming moves so Regina can practice at home, the energy is always alive.
Training with Miss Susie quickly became one of the highlights of Regina’s week. Each session challenged her body and mind, and with every class she could feel herself getting stronger and more confident. Susie had a way of balancing encouragement with technical instruction, making sure Regina left each lesson not only with a new skill but also with the motivation to keep pushing forward. The studio was filled with energy and laughter, and it became a place Regina looked forward to returning to again and again. They often kept their phones out during training, recording videos of new moves so Regina could study them later and keep practicing at home.
Her story even caught the attention of T Mobile, who featured her in a short film and article celebrating her journey. That spotlight shared how a knee injury ended her dance career but opened the door to aerial silks, and how even the long drives to practice became a blessing, giving her time to reconnect with family and friends. As Regina puts it, endings sometimes open the door to the very things we need most.
Becoming an Aerialist
From her very first performance Regina knew she had found a new passion. Costume, makeup, lights, and an audience created a thrill that reminded her of her days on the dance line. What began as a single class became a driving force in her life.
Over the years she has grown through challenges and celebrated milestones. Flexibility came naturally from her dance background, but strength took years to build. She recalls that climbing took ten months to master. “If a dancer does not use acrobatics in choreography, they are less likely to have upper body strength. That was me.” But with time and persistence she grew stronger and more capable.
Her dedication took her all the way to Team USA. That journey carried her across the world to Greece, where she represented her country on the international stage. Standing there, she says, was one of the most awe inspiring moments of her life. It was the moment she felt she had truly become an aerialist.
It is never considered polite to ask a lady her age, but Regina volunteered it with a smile. She is 69 years old, and she is competing with Team USA in aerial silks. That fact alone is as inspiring as anything else in her story.
Looking Forward
Her family, once skeptical, has become her greatest cheerleaders. Her husband continues to support her training and even helped her set up a rig at home. Her children and grandchildren encourage her constantly, and her daughter once traveled to Kansas City just to see her compete.
Outside of aerial Regina sings on her church praise team, enjoys karaoke, and treasures time with her family and friends. She helps teach beginner adult aerial classes and works with a developmental team, sharing the joy that has given her so much.
When asked what advice she would give to others who feel it is too late to try something new, she is quick to respond. “Anyone can do it. If you do not like it, that is fine, but if you try and love it, it can change your life. The key is to start.”
Closing
Regina’s story is bigger than aerial silks. It is a story of perseverance, of creativity, and of proving that new goals are never out of reach. She represents the very spirit of Aerial Expressions,
a place built on community, courage, and joy in the journey.
If her story and these photographs move you, and you would love to have images that capture your own strength, spirit, and personality, I would be honored to create them with you.
Reach out today, and let’s bring your story to life.
PS: After I sent this draft to Regina for review, she wrote back with this note. I thought it was too good not to share:
“Wow, you are not only a great photographer but a writer as well.
I just want to let you know I don’t have any biological grandchildren.
The girls at the studio feel like grandchildren to me, so I always say they are my grand girls.
I have three grandcats and one granddog.
My official title would be MEOW-MAW. Lol.”
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