Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Phillips.
Hi Megan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
This is the information I have as my “About me” on my website, I think it covers the majority of the info!
In 2014 Megan ran from the cold of Michigan to the warmth of South Carolina. After a short stint in Charleston she moved to Greenville, not knowing a soul and fell in love with the beauty of the city. A few weeks in, she decided on-a-whim to try aerial yoga and just one class in, the spark was lit. Megan was performing in her first aerial showcase with Maya Movement Arts a few months later, and taking part in her first teacher training within the year.
During her time with Maya Movement Arts Megan started off coaching aerial yoga, aerial hammock/sling, and conditioning. Once she tried lyra in an out of state class, she got one of her own and began self-training multiple times a week, while attending private lessons where, and whenever, she could. The more Megan explored the lyra the more she came to love the way she could combine strength and flow. Constantly trying to find the most fun and intricate ways to get from point A to B. Her students fondly call this her “noodle brain” and it has become the basis of her classes. After attending multiple lyra coaching certification courses, Megan built a curriculum and started to spread her love for this apparatus in Greenville.
Since this time, Maya Movement Arts shifted and Megan created M.Alice In Flight Studio, fondly named for her love of word play and “Alice in Wonderland” using her own middle name. M.Alice in Flight has had to make some moves around Greenville due to Covid and other Business’s plans, but has found what Megan believes to be her permanent “home” in Three Bats Aerial Studio.
With extensive practice in both her professional life and aerial work, she has built an understanding of people of all ages, both mentally and physically. She enjoys helping people to recognize the strength they have in themselves that they may not have seen or acknowledged before. As a speech pathologist, she recognizes and enjoys working with different learning styles and finding how to best teach each individual student. She focuses her classes on positivity above all else (followed closely by strength and “noodling”). Once her students are familiar with the hoop, she finds joy in helping them move along with the music and their feelings as a way of expression.
In classes you’re likely to see her jumping around excitedly and telling you (loudly) how great you’re doing. Outside of class, when she’s not working, she’s spending time with her dogs and husband. Likely working with her plants, crocheting, hiking, or looking for her next travel adventure.
Other potentially relevant info:
Aerial Certifications:
Aerial Yoga – Levity Aerial Yoga
Beginner Aerial Arts Training in Aerial Hammock – Circus Arts Institute
Aerial Dance on Sling – Circus Arts Institute
Aerial Hoop Intro, Level 1 & Level 2 – Aradia Fitness
Aerial Hoop Level 3 & Level 4 – Aradia Fitness
Elevate Aerial Teacher Training
Movement Background:
10 years gymnastics training.
14 years dance training.
Highschool choir, swimming, theater, cheerleading.
Education:
Bachelors of Science in Speech-language pathology and audiology. Minoring in Psychology with secondary focus in holistic healthcare.
Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology
“Inside Out Sensory Training” Certification Level 1 & 2
Circus Arts Therapy trained- Circus Arts Institute
Currently:
Currently working as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in bilingualism (Spanish) and fluency/stuttering.
Spending time with her dogs and husband.
Exploring the world whenever possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In 2019 I had to take a hiatus from aerial arts to have surgery on my dominant hand wrist. I was out for 6 months. When it was time for me to come back to training, Covid hit. We were forced out of the space we were coaching from and after a few let-downs from companies offering space for me to rent before understanding the extent of the practice I found a Crossfit gym that let me coach after hours. I worked with them until they sold the business at which point I moved locations again and split my time between a small gym in the veteran’s center and Motive movement arts.
In 2025, Three Bats was started by some of our aerial students who dove in head first just like I did. They came together to get give us an incredible, welcoming and safe physical space that I’m happy to be a part of now.
There have been a few other ups and downs in the community including our main initial “mothership” company splitting up, some coaches who have created less-than-safe situations (they are no longer a part of the community), and the typical struggles of being a small business in a niche activity. All in all, it’s been an exciting and beautiful adventure that has led me to some awesome places and people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an aerial arts performer and coach. I am fondly known for my “Noodle Brain” as I enjoy finding the most interesting ways to move from point A to B on the apparatus and figuring out how to help all different kinds of minds, brains, and bodies learn and move.
When performing, I offer ambient aerial and movement performances including champagne/beverage pour services for parties and events of any kind.
In my “Big kid” world, I work as a pediatric SLP. I do everything I can to combine my two worlds, adding movement and even getting kids into the hammock during sessions. Then, in my kids aerial classes (and some adult) I find myself adding in sensory and emotional regulation, auditory processing, and other strategies.
What I may also be known for is my excitability. There are many times where I find myself celebrating a student’s win even more than they are for themselves. 🙂
What makes you happy?
Helping others – I love when I can help someone “win” in any way! It brings me so much joy to see joy in others.
Flowing in the air – I often say that when I am flowing to the music, it’s the only time that the “static” stops. My brain can calm down and I can really settle into my body and find release for big feelings.
Plants – They just do. My house is a jungle with an entire room dedicated to plants. They’re tattooed on my body, clippings were given as favors at our wedding, they’re my favorite gift to give, and I love when people bring me their “unhappy” or troubled plants to doctor back to health.
Dogs, my husband, crocheting and crafts, being outside. All that jazz 🙂
Pricing:
- Lyra lesson (2 person class) – $45/hr /person
- Large(r) group lyra class (6 person class) – $15/1.2hr/person
- Kids Classes- $40/hr/person
- Private Lesson $100/hr/person
- Other offerings vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maliceaerial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/M.Alice_InFlightAerial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mAliceInFlight/
