Specialty Circus Arts Classes

All Circus Classes Dress Code - If hair is shoulder length or longer; it must be pulled up into a bun or high ponytail, tight fitted shirt, and leggings. You may wear a leotard under leggings or a unitard or shorts over leggings. Sports Bras as a shirt and baggy clothes are prohibited for safety in Aerial apparatuses.

Intro to Aerial Youth

Intro to Aerial is the introduction to all Aerial apparatuses such as Lyra, Aerial Hammock, Aerial Fabrics, Trapeze, Straps, and Spanish Web. You will learn the basics for each apparatus to build strength and endurance so you may learn what apparatus(es) you excel at. Once you find the Aerial path you gravitate towards; you can either pass Intro to Aerial or test out to follow your Aerial specific path and enroll into Straps, silks, Trapeze, etc.

Intro to Aerial Requirements - Required to pass Circus 1 class or test out proving your ability to perform the following skills on/off of apparatuses: Forward roll, backwards roll, hand stand, cartwheel, and round off, invert straddle, mermaid, and man on the moon. To schedule an evaluation please call or email our front desk manager.

Aerial 1

The next level of learning after our Intro to Aerial Youth class is Aerial 1 class. In this class you'll move past the basics and begin to learn specific skills in various aerial apparatus, including lyra, silks, hammock, straps and trapeze. Students will learn how to create a performance act, as well as, learn how to rig equipment.

Intro to Aerial Adult

Aerial specific classes (Lyra, Straps, Spanish web, Silks, or Trapeze) - Required to pass Intro to Aerial or test out proving ability to perform Forward roll, backwards roll, hand stand, cartwheel, round off, shoulder pull ups, inverted tuck, inverted straddle, knee hang (double and single), mermaid, as well as wrist and foot key (applicable to silks and straps).

Aerial Straps

Aerial straps, a pair of two belt-like straps with loops for your wrists or feet, are soon to be your favorite apparatus! In this class well use straps as a tool to build strength in essential aerial poses, understand and explore movement pathways, and perfect your technique in the air. There will be a strong emphasis on proper form and injury prevention. Various skills from hanging and support positions on the straps, both static and in motion. Conditioning and flexibility training will be specifically targeted to improve shoulder stability, body alignment, and shoulder mobility while executing these impressive skills.

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Aerial Lyra

Lyra, also known as "Aerial Hoop" is a large steel ring resembling a hula-hoop, suspended from the ceiling, on which aerialists can perform. The Lyra class is open to students trying aerial arts for the first time as well as students with some experience. We'll warm up with cardio and basic conditioning and then move to the apparatus for apparatus-based conditioning before we get into the air. Each class will be structured so we can learn and practice different tricks and skills that build on what each student already knows. We'll learn how to mount the lyra well practice balance and well learn how to use different parts of our body to hang on and move around the apparatus. When we have time we'll play too! We'll make some space for improv choreography and learning to put together all of these wild things were learning to do in the air. Each class will end with a cool down. This class is accessible to everyone of all bodies and abilities.

Hand Balancing

This class is for anyone looking to learn and master the basic fundamentals of balancing on their hands. Students will learn how to find their correct alignment, balance and control while in a handstand as well as build stamina. With teacher spotting students will learn varied handstand positions while retaining control of their balance. Additional conditioning drills give students the muscle control needed to sustain balance while inverted. Whether you are working towards holding a handstand against a wall, a freestanding handstand on blocks, a one-handed handstand, contortion handstand, or any other hand balancing skill, this class will challenge you and offer you a great way to get fit and strong!

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Flexibility and Alignment

This is an all level class. In this class we will work general flexibility. Strengthen the muscles you use most frequently in aerial. This class will get your body for the endurance it takes to complete sequences and performances, as well as give you strength training tips.

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Hooping

Hoop flow is a fun and expressive form of dance. In this class our focus will be learning to dance with the hoop while letting the hoop become an extension of your body. We will start with the basics such as hand spinning and waist hooping and work our way up to skills involving foot hooping in an elbow stand.

Phoenix Academy of Performing Arts of Pennsylvania
118 Hawbaker Industrial Dr
State College, PA 16803

814-470-5911