Our class types represent a well-rounded aerial training experience, with something for everyone interested in learning a new discipline, building strength and flexibility, building focus, or performing an act. Many of our classes are arranged in a Level System that you can learn more about here.
Class Types at Aerial Fit®
Aerial Skills Classes
Aerial Silks
Aerial Silks (also called Aerial Fabric) is a special strength-tested fabric that hangs in two long tails from a single rig point at the ceiling. This apparatus was first made popular by Cirque du Soleil, and is known for its drama and striking visuals. In Aerial Silks classes you will learn how to climb, invert on the fabric, create beautiful shapes and wraps, and eventually, as you progress, learn dramatic drops, dives, and flips in the air. Aerial Silk students develop strength and grace quickly when they train consistently. Ages 16+
Aerial Sling
Aerial Sling (also called Hammock) is the same material as Aerial Silks, but rigged from a single point with a loop at the bottom. This is the same apparatus we use in Aerial Yoga classes, but in Aerial Sling classes the loop is set higher from the ground. In Aerial Sling classes you will learn various ways to mount and dismount the apparatus, how to invert and support yourself on the fabric, and as you progress, you’ll learn dramatic drops, dives, and spinning sequences. Aerial Sling students develop core strength quickly when they train consistently. Ages 16+.
Trapeze
Static Trapeze is a steel bar connected to either one or two points at the ceiling by two ropes. It’s a classic circus apparatus made popular in old-time circuses, and making a resurgence in modern circus troupes today. In Trapeze classes you’ll learn various skills and movements below and on the bar and, as you progress, above the bar and in the ropes. Trapeze students build core and upper body strength quickly when they train consistently. Note that static trapeze is not the same as flying trapeze. Ages 16+
Aerial Hoop
Aerial Hoop (also called Lyra) is a steel circle connected by one point to the ceiling. It is a classic and beautiful circus apparatus that can create a type of frame around the performer. In Aerial Hoop classes you’ll learn a variety of ways to get on and off the apparatus, postures and transitions inside, below, and eventually, above and around the outside of the hoop, as well as spinning techniques. Aerial Hoop students develop control and confidence when they train consistently. Ages 16+
Ground-Based And Low Aerial Classes
Aerial Yoga
Aerial Yoga classes use the aerial sling in a different way. We hang the sling at about waist height, and use it to explore alignment, release chronic tension, hang around upside down, and have fun! Unnata® Aerial Yoga is taught only by experienced yoga instructors, who use the low hanging hammock specifically for yoga postures. Every class includes decompression, supported inversions, core and upper body strengthening, and deep relaxation. This class is appropriate for anyone whether or not you have previous yoga experience, since the aerial sling helps put us into proper alignment right from day 1. Ages 16+.
Flexibility for Aerialists
Aerialists use active flexibility to create dramatic shapes on their apparatus of choice. This class is for anyone looking to increase their flexibility and strength. In this class you’ll use the floor, a variety of low apparatuses, as well as bands, blocks, and other useful tools to explore a variety of stretches including backbending and splits, and a variety of hand, forearm, head, and chest stand preparations to get you on the road to moving like a contortionist. No pre-requisites. Ages 16+.
Aerial Inversions
Aerialists use their full body strength and coordination to go upside down in the air in a variety of ways on their apparatus of choice. This class is for anyone looking to increase their strength and coordination. In this class you’ll use a variety of aerial apparatuses and the floor to strengthen and develop the full body coordination, timing, strength, and flexibility required for straddle ups, pullovers, circus mounts, and other variations of aerial inversions. This class is appropriate for Levels 1-5, as it focuses on developing strong technique and challenges each student where they are. Ages 16+.
Handstands
Defy gravity and impress your friends. Handstand practice develops extraordinary core and upper body strength that serves you well in any physical activity. Circus handstands are the ultimate fitness challenge, and the strength and control they build is unparalleled. NO PREREQUISITES, we have progressions for everyone from the complete beginner through to the handstand aficionado. Ages 16+.
Acro
Build up to the thrill of being lifted into the air, or feel the confidence of supporting someone above you. In Acro we make friends fast! Students will develop strength, coordination, confidence, and awe-inspiring skills as they work together in groups of 2 and up. NO PREREQUISITES, all levels and abilities welcome and encouraged to attend. No partner required. Ages 16+
Creative Classes
Show Off Night Choreo
Show Off Night Choreo is for students at any level 1-5 to take sequences they’ve learned in classes and begin to develop an act. This class explores movement quality, fluid transitions, and builds endurance as students spend more time in the air. This class also explores creative expression and making the skills unique to each aerialist. These classes require instructor permission, and a new series starts every few months. Ages 16+ See examples of our past Show Off Nights here.
Showcase Choreo: Creating an Act
Our student and staff showcases are renowned for their drama and creativity, and the process happens in this class! Entry into this class is by invitation, for students at a comfortable Level 3 or higher on their apparatus of choice. Each showcase builds over a four-month period, where students develop a theme, a character, their own choreography, and make it into a cohesive show with tickets open to the public. Ages 16+. See examples of our past Student and Staff Showcases here.