We are so fortunate to have so many incredible coaches, so we wanted to start giving them a more in depth introduction so you all can learn more about their backgrounds and what they love about teaching! This week we’re interviewing Coach Shelby!
1. Interviewer: Can you share a bit about your journey—how did you get started in teaching?
My movement journey started when I was just three years old when I began dancing. I trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and Irish dance until I was about 11, then transitioned into springboard diving. I competed in diving through college, reaching multiple national finals, CIF finals, and CIF State finals. In my senior year of high school, I placed in the top five divers in the state and the top seven in the nation.
I was offered a scholarship to dive at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where I competed in the Mountain West Conference during my freshman year. That same year, I fell in love with hand-to-hand acrobatics and started seeking opportunities to learn more. When I returned home to San Diego for the summer, I discovered the San Diego Circus Center and decided to move back home to train full-time. Eventually, I relocated to Las Vegas, where I trained with incredible Cirque performers and performed at various events and parties. In 2020, I moved to Los Angeles and officially began my teaching journey.
2. Interviewer: Have you had any mentors or key influences that shaped your coaching and teaching style?
I actually thought about this question for a while. I’ve had many different coaches throughout my diving and acrobatic training, but to be honest, I can’t say I drew much inspiration from them. Most of my coaches were very strict and believed there was only one correct way to learn skills.
I take a much more open-minded approach. I believe skills can be learned in many different ways, and I focus on making the process fun—something I never really experienced with my own coaches.
3. Interviewer: What classes do you currently teach, and who are they designed for?
I teach handstands on Tuesdays at 2:30 PM and Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. My class is designed for anyone who wants to learn a handstand! As a prerequisite, I ask that students be able to comfortably kick up into a handstand against the wall. Since this is a “beginner-intermediate” class, the level can shift depending on who attends—it sometimes skews closer to intermediate.
4. Interviewer: What goals or outcomes can students expect from your classes?
Any handstand goals you can dream of! Some students are working on their freestanding handstands, while others are focusing on press handstands, one-arm balances, or even contortion-style handstands. The possibilities are endless!
5. Interviewer: How would you describe your teaching style in three words?
Personalized, embodied, fun.
6. Interviewer: How do you tailor your approach to meet the needs of different individuals or groups?
Handstands are an incredibly personal journey. Everyone has different strengths and flexibility levels when they start, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why I naturally tailor my teaching to each individual.
In class, we begin with a warm-up and conditioning set together, followed by endurance handstand holds against the wall. Then, we break off to work individually while I go around and give each student personalized feedback and drills that address their specific needs.
7. Interviewer: What sets your classes apart from others in the field?
One thing I’ve noticed about my teaching style is that I’m really good at explaining corrections in different ways. Everyone processes cues differently, and I pride myself on being able to find the right words to help each student truly embody the correction I’m giving.
8. Interviewer: Can you share a favorite success story or a moment you’re particularly proud of in your career?
It’s actually a moment I’ve experienced with multiple students. I have a really great tip for handstand presses that most people haven’t heard before, and after I give this cue they almost always get their press on the spot!
9. Interviewer: What’s your favorite part of teaching and coaching?
It’s so rewarding to watch my students grow. I think it’s incredibly brave to decide, as an adult, that you want to learn a handstand. It’s a very challenging skill that goes against a lot of our natural instincts. Seeing people show up, put in the work week after week, stay patient, and then finally experience that breakthrough moment when everything clicks—it’s just the coolest thing to witness.
9. Interviewer: Where can people connect with you directly?
People can connect with me on Instagram, and Tik Tok at @shelb_bell
