DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T…...do THIS at 50

Rebecca Heaps wanted to do something big to mark her birthday

- ANNA MATHESON

Taking a deep breath, I let my grip go on the hoop that’s suspended in the air. Using just my legs and core strength to hold on, I feel like a soaring bird, posing with my arms out wide as the instructor spins the hoop round. You may think trying aerial arts for the first time at 50 is not the best idea, but I wasn’t going to let my age hold me back. And my, did it feel good?!

Growing up in Hertfordshire, I’d always loved going to the circus. The glitz and glamour enthralled me, and I watched the acrobats and aerial performers in awe. I loved the theatrics, but never had the confidence to think about performing myself. Instead, I became a primary school teacher, working on lighting and set design for small theatre productions on the side.