Please note that you can register and pay for upcoming sessions on-line. Just go to the “Classes” tab, click on “Sign Up!” from the drop down menu. Just find your class(es) and click “Register Online” to complete the registration/payment process!
Trapeze
Trapeze is the ballet of the air–the fundamental form on which all others are based. Aloft highly recommends (but doesn’t require) beginning your training with at least one session of trapeze classes to build your upper-body, learn basic aerial vocabulary and hone your aerial awareness. Aloft teaches mainly static trapeze technique, but classes sometimes incorporate single-point/dance trapezes.
In Trapeze One, you will learn essential body positioning and technique, as well as basic (but exciting) skills such as knee and ankle hangs, beats, pullovers and much more. You’ll be hanging upside down by the end of your first class!
Intermediate and advanced classes (Trapeze 2-4) progress with rope work, creative transitions and advanced drops and hangs, like toes and heels. Each class will challenge you, even after years of training!
Free Trapeze taster classes happen once a month from 11.30-12.30 and 1.00-2.00. Free Silks taster classes happen once a month from 11.30-12.30. They always fill up, so click on “Classes” and select Free Taster Classes to see when the next ones are and to register (one class per weekend, please).
Aerial Silks and Rope
Students in beginning silks and rope will spend a lot of time just learning to climb the damn things, and perform basic holds on feet, hips and hands. You’ll learn how the silks behave, and how to control them. You’ll probably be doing the splits within the first month, and that’s always impressive!
Intermediate and advanced students will learn more complicated drops and creative positions, as well as work though exercises to build endurance, discover new movements and build skills into routines. In the more advanced classes we focus on silks and rope as very separate disciplines and students are encouraged to chose one to focus on.
Aerial Conditioning and Technique
Aerial Conditioning is a great class for students at any level. Focusing more on fundamentals and building core skills than on fancy tricks, Conditioning will whip you into shape, whether your goal is to become a top-notch aerialist, or just to make people nervous when you flex. For two whole hours, Elena Brocade will lead you through cardio, strengthening and flexibility exercises on the floor and in the air. You’ll be smiling as you limp home. Aerial Conditioning and Technique is available at as a drop in class ($25) or you have the option of buying a 4 week package ($100) or an 8 week package ($200).
Beginning Tight Wire
This class is designed for those with limited or no experience on the wire. Emphasis will be on mastering fundamental technique necessary for simply balancing. Other basic skills covered include walking forward and backward, turning, kneeling, and lunging. You will be asked to strengthen your mind as well as your body. Develop core postural muscles you never even knew existed and challenge your mind to be present in every step across the wire.
Intermediate Wire
This class is designed for those with a basic knowledge of wire technique (forward and backward walking, turning, lunging, kneeling) and ability to successfully execute these skills most of the time. We will explore elements of Wire Dancing; faster and more complicated footwork, jumps, and partner work. If you can do it on the ground, you can do it on the wire, or at least you can try.
*All wire classes require soft full soled dance/acro shoes. Leather or suede soles are preferable to rubber as the techniques used require sliding across the wire. If you have questions regarding footwear please feel free to contact instructor via email: ariele@arieleebacher.com
.Acrobatics/ Handbalancing
Have you ever wanted to learn acrobatics but been shy to try? Now is your chance. Focusing on alignment, agility and core connection, we will cover partner acrobatics, basic tumbling and flexibility in a safe, non-competitive environment. Acrobatics is a wonderful base skill to have for all circus arts, a fabulous conditioning tool, an inspiring confidence builder and and a great way to learn to control your body moving through space. Plus, it’s a blast!
I don’t know about you, but I love to stand on my hands. I think it’s one of the body’s most perfect positions, because when you find the balance, it feels like you are weightless, flying up-side-down. In this class, you will build strength, body awareness and balance through a series of drills and moves designed to get you closer to a solid hand stand. Come join in the fun as we learn to defy gravity one inversion at a time. Prerequisites: none.
Pole Acrobatics
Students will learn how to climb up the pole properly, land safely and begin to learn how to invert from the ground and hold themselves in basic inverted positions. The class will progress towards students being able to climb, invert and land, and to hold basic inverted and upright tricks. Depending upon the strength/experience of students, the last few weeks could begin to cover making aerial transitions from one trick to another. Prerequisites: One session of Trapeze I, Silks I, Hand Balancing or 8 weeks of Aerial Conditioning and Technique.
Beginning Stretching/Contortion
pre-req: none
Really want that split? Or just to touch your toes? This class will get you there. The class will combine active and passive stretching, partner work and resistance to help you reach your flexibility goals.
Beginning Single Point/Dance Trapeze
pre-req: at least one session of Trapeze II
In this class you will learn to combine the fluidity and motion of dance with the skills and technique of static trapeze. The class covers spinning technique (there are several kinds!), circle running and more.
Open Gym
Held twice a week, open gym allows those who have completed at least one 8 week session of a level two or above class the opportunity to work on skills taught in class on their own time.
Aerial Hammock/Sling
pre-req: none
Using aerial fabric in the shape of a cocoon students will learn how to create beautiful shapes, do drops and increase their strength at the same time. No aerial fabric experience is needed (but of course it does help) for this alternative apparatus that is often used for aerial hang-about presentations. Please wear clothing that covers both your waist area (a leotard) and your armpits.
Tumbling
pre-req: none
This class will focus on tumbling and solo dynamic acrobatics. We will begin with a good stretch , focusing on backs and shoulders, then move to tumbling from handstand walks to walkovers to back handsprings and more.
Swinging Trapeze
pre-req: at least two sessions of Trapeze II
Learn to fly high off the ground on a solo swinging trapeze. Push your trapeze skills further and learn dynamic drops, swings, and releases, and build your stamina while you’re at it! Fun and challenging, it will let you fly higher than ever before! This is one of the most popular forms of trapeze right now! Also for people who have taken swinging previously, you will be able to progress in what you have learned, and add to your skill base. Bring your courage, enthusiasm, and gumption! If you own trapeze boots of any kind, please bring them too!
Juggling
pre-req: none
Students will learn a wide range of techniques and concepts for use in the art of play.
Time in each class session will be devoted to increasing skill, understanding, and exhibition.
German Wheel
pre-req: none
The Aloft and The CirquesExperience Company gym wheel program is one of the few places in the USA that offers Gym Wheel classes, taught by high-skilled certified coaches and athletes who have competed at the Gym Wheel World Championship . Gym Wheel is a stunning sport and performing art that allows the participants to work on their balance, strength and flexibility, with the benefit of being a low impact activity, in addition of being extra fun to roll around in this apparatus! Every student in this class will have the chance to join the Team, as well as perform at different shows.
Gym Wheel is one of the rare gymnastic sports and circus arts you are able to start at every age. The impact on the joints is minimal are very often seen as an all round Pilates workout with an acrobatic feeling.
