December 2025 and What This Year Has Taught Me (Part 1)⛄

This year has been one of the most transformative yet; a true paradigm shift in what it means to build community, courage, and connection through movement medicine.

With the announcement of the pending closure of the first studio I founded over a decade ago, it feels like a full-circle moment. Even though I sold the business three years ago and it evolved in its own direction, knowing it has now come to an end stirred up a lot of reflection because its closure symbolically marked the completion of a chapter I began long ago.

And yet… endings create space for new beginnings.

When we opened the new Elevated Aerial Studio in May, it wasn’t just about gaining access to a training space; it was about rebuilding a sisterhood. A place where women (and all humans) could rise up; feel seen; and be unapologetically powerful. My first studio lived by the mantra “where fitness is fun, celebrated alongside empowerment for women,” and I felt called to bring that spirit back to life in a space designed for new awakenings & deeper connections. Higher ceilings; more opportunities to explore; a home where our magic could expand.

When I left my first studio, it was one, big, scary leap. I didn’t know who would follow me into this next chapter. But what I discovered was encouraging: nearly everyone wanted to come along. Together we manifested something bigger, brighter, and more aligned with who we are becoming. And once we released the fear, Elevated Aerial began to bloom.

Today, our studio stands apart in the Flathead; rooted in holistic fitness and intentional growth. With certified instructors creating curriculum, incredibly talented (and insured) performers representing our brand, safety-rated equipment, and an unwavering commitment to each class, we’ve built more than a studio… we’ve built an aerial revolution.

This year taught me something beautifully simple: when you move beyond fear and fill a space with people ready to grow, create, and support one another… everything flourishes.

December's Mantra:

"I choose to step beyond fear, welcome in growth, and will surround myself with others who do the same. "

Things We Are Excited About

❄️The Opportunity to Gift Experiences:

One of the things we're most excited about this season is the chance to share our empowered community with others. Now that we have a space to welcome students, it feels incredible to be able to invite new faces to experience the confidence, connection, and joy that thrive here. Gifting an Elevated Aerial experience isn’t just about trying something new; it’s about stepping into a space that uplifts, encourages, and reminds you of your own strength. Plus, you are supporting a woman-owned, local, small business. We thank you deeply if you can purchase an Elevated Aerial gift card or bring a friend to try a class together!

❄️Festive Gatherings: This season is full of cozy get-togethers, and as a health-minded community, we love keeping delicious, nourishing options at the center of the celebration. One of our favorite ideas this month: adorable Grinch hats made from fruit and a little marshmallow on top. They’re simple, colorful, and a playful way to bring healthier treats into the holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting or attending these cheerful bites make it easy to keep wellness on the table without sacrificing any of the fun.

❄️Our Holiday Blog Collection: With the holidays approaching, I’m thrilled to share our Holiday Blog Collection; a selection of articles designed to help you move through this season with balance, presence, and joy. These posts are full of inspiration, practical tips, and gentle reminders to prioritize your wellness and creativity, even amidst the hustle. I love offering resources that encourage you to stay connected to your body, your breath, and your community so you can fully embrace the magic of the season while nourishing yourself from the inside out.✨

❄️Kalispell's Festival of Trees:

It’s been a longtime dream of mine to stilt walk at Kalispell’s Festival of Trees — my favorite part of the Downtown Holiday Stroll, held on the first Friday of every December. This year, that dream becomes reality! You’ll find our stilt walkers and acrobats bringing festive energy alongside carolers inside the beautifully decorated KM Building.

Step into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling trees, a photobooth, silent auction treasures, a cozy bar, and the heartwarming spirit of community giving. Wander through the displays, bid on your favorite trees, and soak in the magic of the season during the Downtown Christmas Stroll.

All proceeds from Festival of Trees benefit The Montana Bar Fairies, a mom-and-daughter-founded nonprofit created in memory of Bobby Dewbre, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver. The organization’s mission is to shift Montana’s culture around impaired driving through awareness, accountability, and community kindness. One of their signature gestures is leaving coffee gift cards on the windshields of cars left overnight in bar parking lots — a small thank-you to those who made the right choice not to drive drunk.

• Friday, December 5 | 5–9 PM

• KM Building | 50 2nd Street East, Downtown Kalispell

Entrance to this awesome event is totally free - hope to see you there!

Our Inaugural Fire Show

❄️The inaugural Elevated Aerial Group Fire Act at the Whitefish Holiday Stroll:

We are absolutely thrilled to be debuting our Group Fire Act at the Whitefish Holiday Stroll! The inspiration for this project has been burning (literally🔥) for a long time. My first show with fire collaboration was a decade ago, when I organized a show with acrobatic, fire arts, and belly dancing for the community of Polebridge. The turnout and the energy from this show was incredible. Fire arts further captured my heart when I performed in a fire conclave at Burning Man 2022, where I was part of the acrobatics section—yes, acro while holding fire. Performing both during the week and at the burning of the Man on the final night was pure, electrifying magic. Being invited into that conclave was an instant “hell yes!”, and it's time to bring that same energy and inspiration into a new branch of Elevated Aerial.

The seed of the Whitefish Holiday Stroll Show was born when Tala Mulder, Ashton Drake, Skylan Rose, Bailey Plympton, and I put our heads together with a shared spark of excitement to merge our skills into a unified expression of movement, fire, rhythm, and story.

Photos (left to right): Tala, Ashton, and Skylan

From there, our fire family grew as we welcomed more incredible artists into the flame. We are honored to have Alanna Santa, Dan Brua, and Lune Axelsen joining us in this year’s fire team. Each of these performers is deeply dedicated, wildly talented, and brings their own magic to the circle.

🔥 This performance is a gift from the artists to the Whitefish and Flathead community. It is made possible entirely by the time, energy, skill, and personal resources each performer contributes. We create this because we love our communities, we love this art, and we are so excited to share it with you.

We will be performing twice on Friday, December 12th, 2025, both times on Central Ave:

✨ 6:40 PM — Between The O'Shaughnessy Center and Depot Park, following the lighting of the City Tree and Santa’s arrival.

✨ 8:20 PM — In front of Imagination Station following FVCC's Local Jazz Ensemble.

Come feel the heat, see the movement, and celebrate the spark of winter magic with us.

Remember, our new studio isn’t just about the building or its new address; it’s a living symbol of what becomes possible when we stop shrinking and start expanding into our power. Together, we’ve created a community that invites confidence, creativity, connection.

And the wildest part? We’re only eight months in.

Here’s to more movement, more light, more alignment, and more growth as we rise into the final month of 2025. The magic we’ve already unlocked is just the beginning. Join us: 👉www.elevatedfitnessmt.com/book

XOXO, ~Mindy

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Mindy practicing for the 2022 Burn

Mindy Cochran is a dedicated practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, and aerial hoop. With certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and life coach, she combines her passion for aerial arts with holistic health expertise to help others elevate their wellness. Mindy is also a former health columnist for Montana Woman Magazine, where she shared insights on healthy living and balanced lifestyles. To connect with Mindy on Instagram, please visit: www.instagram.com/aerial.mindy; or visit her Linktree here.