Words by Bolly Golightly, footnote by Katia & Dahlia | Photography by Mia Maraschino
Is dancing, performing or running a business with your buddy twice as nice or double trouble? We profile three dynamic duos of Sky Sirens to find out how they make their partnerships work.
This duo embodies partnership to such an extent, it’s hard to imagine they ever had a life apart. But Katia describes her first impressions of Dahlia when they met working in retail, “I was genuinely scared of her!”. Dahlia was Katia’s boss, though when they discovered they also both worked at the same club the power dynamic shifted. Katia was more experienced at stripping and shared her craft with Dahlia, teaching her how to pole dance.
Despite being very different, both visually and in personality, a mutual love of cats, food, pole and lingerie cemented the friendship and they’ve been inseparable ever since. When Katia revealed her dream to set up an inclusive and glamorous studio, Dahlia was instantly on board. “I never envisaged Sky Sirens without Dahlia. We were always going to do it together”, says Katia. There was always an understanding that Dahlia would be the backbone of Sky Sirens, helping to bring Katia’s vision to life. It’s a partnership of Yin and Yang like contrasts. Katia’s creative and imaginative dreams are balanced by Dahlia’s logistics, calculations and practical solutions that enable fantasy to become a reality. In Dahlia’s words,
“Katia is Santa, and I am every single elf.”
Katia and Dahlia also have a well-known artistic partnership, constantly performing and choreographing together, pushing each other to create exciting new work to tantalise their audiences. Dahlia has been present on Katia’s journey of hearing loss and Deaf gain. When they choreograph together, Dahlia often picks the song (something that Katia can recall hearing) and signs the lyrics for Katia. While they tend to move their bodies in similar or complementary ways, Dahlia performs a series of visual or sensory cues to mark Katia into the song at key moments. This shared language enables the dance of equals that is symbiotic of their relationship.
It’s a relationship characterised by ups, not downs. In fact, when asked how they work through difficult times, they shrug and explain that Katia’s openness and directness is balanced by the calmness of Dahlia. They communicate without judgement and always with compassion. “We’re not scared to tell it how it is” says Dahlia, “And we never let things fester”, adds Katia.
Their symbiosis is perhaps summed up when they both cite each other’s generosity and selflessness when asked what they love most about the other. “Dahlia always puts herself last and never talks about herself”, says Katia, while Dahlia says “She will break her back to help someone else and shows her appreciation constantly. I have never felt taken for granted.”
When Dahlia suggested that Amy and Georgie team up for doubles lyra, the ultimate sassy duo was born. They describe their friendship as a meeting of hearts. Opposite work schedules mean they hardly see each other outside the studio, but they spend so much time together at Sky Sirens that they’ve developed 100% trust.
Amy and Georgie are proud they’ve found a match for their signature styles which ooze sexy hot sultriness.
“We’re both really comfortable with ourselves.”, says Amy. “And we met in Vixens, so we were never shy to get right into it.” adds Georgie.
“She’s just so powerful when she performs”, says Amy, who is trying to adapt Georgie’s ‘whole body flick’ to her own style. Georgie admires Amy’s incredible fluidity which is constantly on show.“Her pace and presentation – it all grounds me when I’m over excited.”
They’re full of admiration for each other’s personalities too. Georgie marvels that Amy can go from vivacious to intellectual mid-sentence. Amy loves that Georgie is so open and can talk about anything. But the best of their partnership comes out to play when they dance together. Amy explains,
“When we’re together, it’s about us, not what the other can or can’t do.. We try to be one shape when we dance.”
There was once Brangelina. There’s Kimye. Now, meet Bambi, Beth and Amber’s couples name, loosely adapted from their own. They even have Bambi t-shirts which they wear to on Week 1 of every Doubles Lyra term. Bambi knew each other outside of Sky Sirens, meeting over 10 years ago through mutual friends. They cemented their friendship on their aerials journey, first in pole, then lyra, loving the motivation of doing aerials with a partner.
They drive each other to train more often, to come to class and to improve.
They encourage each other relentlessly and are always each other’s champion and biggest fan. Bambi had no initial awkwardness since they knew each other before starting doubles lyra, but now have an instinctive grasp of the others style to ways make the moves work for them.
There’s balance in Bambi’s relationship as well. Amber says “I’m the lazy one. Beth pushes me to push myself!” Beth adds,
“Being in a duo pushes you do things safely, but also makes me give more things a go.”
Their complementary bravery is reflected in their personal relationship. Beth says “Amber always makes me feel good about myself. I can rely on her for positive feedback, but honest feedback as well. Amber says that “Beth is unfailingly positive, social and encouraging. And her incredible pointed toes make up for anything we do wrong!”. “In fact” adds Beth,
“We match each other in every way. Including week-to-week outfits. This partnership is a metaphor for life.”
Are you interested in forming your own Doubles Partnership? If so, Dahlia and Katia have compiled a list of their top five Doubles tips on how to navigate the perfect Dynamic Duo.
It doesn’t matter what your size difference is!
Katia is 10kg heavier than Dahlia, and is also 5’8 while Dahlia is 5’3. Don’t spend too much time trying to find someone that looks exactly the same as you, as it’s more important to have doubles chemistry!
Chemistry
Speaking of chemistry - it’s important to find someone who you connect with on a personal level. This person may not be your best friend (yet!), but having an effortless relationship with them is key to looking like one harmonious entity in your performance.
Communication is key.
Being able to have open communication with your doubles partner is pivotal in creating a successful and lasting duo. Being honest with one another when something isn’t working and being flexible with making adjustments to choreography will make you both feel heard and at ease when you take your act to the stage.
Don’t be afraid to Laugh!
In doubles, you’re going to get to know each other well…very well! More often than not, you’ll be kicking one another in unspeakable places, getting stuck underneath one another… and yes even “dropping” one another when learning new moves. It’s important to have a light hearted attitude when going into class or practice sessions so that you can overcome the hurdles of doubles-life!
Practice makes progress!
If you combine all of the points above, and channel your energy into training with your doubles partner - we’re sure you’ll have lot’s of success. Practicing and polishing a doubles routine takes twice as long as a solo performance, as you both bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table. Taking the time to practice with one another is important to your doubles choreography. The more you practice with one another, the more in tune you will become with each others movement. We find that our bodies move in such a natural way when we’re together, that now it takes minutes to create choreography. We have danced together so long, that our movement is instinctual. This is ultimate doubles-goals that can only be achieved with time and practice.