Healing Journey: Where Pain and Passion find Purpose
Join us at Sacred Ally, a healing and empowering arts center dedicated to collaborating with our community and local artisans. This month, we are thrilled to showcase incredible talents of Jenifer Shuman, an aerial artist who brings a unique blend of strength, grace, and creativity to her performances.
After a series of hardships, Jen has discovered that both circus arts and aerial yoga offer a dynamic and effective pathway to healing by merging physical activity with creative expression. Engaging in circus disciplines such as aerial sling, hula hoops, or acrobatics provides a comprehensive workout that enhances physical strength, coordination, and flexibility, all of which can contribute to overall well-being. The focus required in mastering these skills serves as a powerful distraction from stress and emotional challenges, allowing herself and other individuals to experience a sense of accomplishment and joy. Additionally, the integration of yoga and artistic elements into these practices enables her and her peers to explore and express their emotions in a safe and creative manner, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body.
The therapeutic benefits of circus arts extend beyond individual healing to promote community and collective well-being. The collaborative nature of circus training often involves working closely with others, which can help build supportive relationships and a sense of belonging. This communal environment has been particularly beneficial for her healing trauma, and a sense of isolation for herself and others, as it offers a space for shared experiences and mutual encouragement. Through group performances and teamwork, her and her peers not only develop new skills but also gain emotional support and a sense of achievement, which are crucial for overcoming personal challenges and fostering resilience.
We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the vibrant artistry of our community!
Meet Jenifer Shuman
Personal Biography: The Foundation of Flight
From the cornfields in Indiana to the mountains in Montana, Jenifer Louise was raised by a military family where adventure, discipline, and resilience were cornerstones of her upbringing. The constant relocations and rigorous lifestyle instilled in her a strong sense of adaptability and determination. Throughout her high school and college years, Jenifer channeled her energy into music and dance, captivating audiences with her grace and embodied movement. After graduating, she explored various paths before discovering yoga in her twenties. This new practice brought her a profound sense of balance and inner peace, complementing her existing physical prowess and creative spirit.
In her thirties, Jenifer found her calling as an aerialist, merging her dance background with her yoga training to create a unique and captivating style. Her performances are a fusion of fluidity and strength, reflecting both her disciplined upbringing and her personal journey toward self-discovery. As an aerialist, Jenifer not only embraces the thrill of flight but also uses her platform to inspire others, embodying the resilience and grace that have defined her life. Throughout the course of her healing arts career, she has led 500+ hours of yoga, meditation, acrobatics, and therapeutic workshops and has also been a member of several performance arts groups.
Jenifer Louise is the founder of Big Sky Circus, an alliance of Missoula based aerialist, acrobats, and artisans joining together on shared values of integrity, compassion, respect, and inclusivity to spread joy throughout the community. She is delighted to share the space for First Friday at Sacred Ally with McKenzie Shoults with Willow Moon Studio and a fellow healing and performing artisan Michaela Sherman.
This is a free event, open to everyone.
Feel free to stop by during our open house from 5-8pm.