Classes

Aerial dance program

Sky Gym specializes in aerial silk classes as a means of artistic and athletic expression. Over the years, we have developed a unique curriculum to teach, challenge and inspire people who want to learn how to fly. Aerial silks is an intensely physical art form requiring a high degree of strength, skill, flexibility, and focus. We have designed our class progression for the complete beginner aerialist with no experience to performing professionals. Our curriculum is flexible, to fit students unique goals. Our casual students will have fun and get a great work-out, while our serious student will be challenged to push their physical and creative limits. Students looking for a professional track can join our performing arts group, Liquid Sky. Our aerial dance program covers technical skill, theory of movements and wraps, confidence at heights, strength and flexibility, seamless choreography, creativity and style, and professionalism as an artist.

Group aerial dance classes in Atlanta are hosted at  Wall Crawler Climbing Gym. Classes are limited to 8 people to give each person individual attention and plenty of time on the equipment. Since space is limited, we strongly recommend that you sign-up for classes online to hold your spot. Purchase classes from the Aerial Dance Calendar. To ensure the safety of our students, we require a mastery of each level before progressing to the next level. Students must pass each level test before they are eligible to register for the next level classes. Students may always take classes at or below their level.

(L1) Level 1

Level 1 classes are designed for the complete novice with no experience in aerial dance. All body types and fitness levels are welcome, but those who are able to hang from a bar for 10 seconds, and do 25 sit-ups and 10 leg-lifts will get the most out of the classes. There is no age or weight limit, as long as participants are healthy and injury free. Flexibility is a bonus, but not necessary to do the basic skills.

(L1) Introductory Class
Price: $25
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: One-time 1hr class
Pre-requisite : Must complete Liability Waiver

Working height: hammock hung at 4′ or less
Focus: Introduce key aerial dance concepts
Try the aerial silks Introductory Class to get a feel for flying. The Introductory Class takes you through positions and poses in an aerial hammock to get you up in the air in less than an hour!

This class is designed for beginners, so don’t worry, even if you have no upper body strength, you will still be able to do the basic moves. For those with more upper body and core strength, you will be introduced to advanced variations on the basic poses that will challenge and inspire you too. Express your creativity in the fabrics as you tone your body. Surprise yourself by replicating poses from Cirque du Soleil, and dream of your own debut.

Since classes are limited to 6 people, we strongly recommend that you register online to reserve your spot. Drop-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

(L1) Aerial Hammock
Price: $25 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr class
Pre-requisite : Introductory Class
Working height: hammock 5′ or lower
Focus: aerial hammock
Level 1 Aerial Hammock classes build on what students learned in the (L1)Introductory Class. Working in the aerial hammock, students will learn new poses and sequences, build choreography, and condition their upper-body and core. They will begin to gain an understanding of how their body moves within the fabric and start developing their own style and creativity.

(L2)Level 2

Level 2 classes are designed for students with some aerial dance experience. Aerial silk tails are introduced. Aerial silk tails skills are based off the basic climb, foot-locks, and inversions from ground. Students should take (L1) classes weekly for 1-3 months depending on individual strength, skill, and interest before continuing on to (L2) classes. To move on to (L2) classes, students must demonstrate a complete 3-5minute aerial hammock performance choreographed to music. Routines will be judged by instructor, on control, body positioning, technical ability, and expression. It must incorporate a clean (no jumping or swinging) pull-over into hammock at shoulder height, and a bent arm hang for 10 seconds. Demonstration may be held in class or supervised practice. Students must score at least 75% to pass Level 1.

(L2) Aerial Hammock
Price: $25 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr class
Pre-requisite : Pass (L1)
Working height: hammock 5′ or lower
Focus: Expression, dynamic sequences, partner work
Level 2 Aerial Hammock classes build on what students learned in (L1) Aerial Hammock classes. The poses and sequences presented in (L2) require more strength, control, and understanding. Start exploring unique variations, dynamic sequences and basic partner work in the hammock. Build solo, group, and partner choreography and work on 15 min ambient aerial hammock repertory pieces for Liquid Sky auditions.

(L2) Aerial Silks
Price: $25 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr classes
Pre-requisite : Pass (L1)
Working height: 12′ or less (3 climbs)
Focus: Technical foundation, basic climb and foot-locks on tails
An intensely technical class that focuses on developing a deep understanding of the way an aerialists body moves within the silk tails. The properties of the basic climb, basic foot, and wrist knots are broken down into their elemental mechanics so that the student understands the strengths and limitations of each fundamental skill. This knowledge will set the foundation for professional quality movement as well as give the aerialist freedom to explore variations and styling within the safety limitations of the wraps. The classes build core and upper body strength, but are paced so that you will have short breaks for muscle recovery.

(L3) Level 3

Level 3 classes are designed for students with some aerial dance experience. While (L2) aerial silk classes focused on technical proficiency, (L3) aerial silk classes focus on artistry. Students continue creating routines built from foot-locks, exploring unique variations, seamless transitions, styling, and expression.  Students will start working at greater heights, and developing confidence in their strength and skill. To move on to (L3) classes, students must demonstrate a complete 3-5 minute aerial silk tails performance choreographed to music. Routine will be judged by instructor, on control, body positioning, technical ability, transitions, and artistic expression. The routine must incorporate ground-air transition, a climb to the top, a descent to 12′, a single foot knot sequence, and a double-foot knot cross-back straddle sequence. Students must score at least 75% to pass Level 3.

(L3) Aerial Silks
Price: $25 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr classes
Pre-requisite : (L2) Aerial Silks
Working height: 15′or less (4 climbs)
Focus: Artistic expression of sequences based on foot-knots
Using the fundamentals from (L2) Aerial Silks, students continue to develop understanding of the basic skills and gain comfort working at greater heights. They will also learn new sequences, poses, and transitions, and start exploring their own style. They will start putting sequences together to create basic silk tails routines. Challenges and games will help students explore the properties of the fabrics and creative style.

(L4) Level 4

Level 4 classes are designed for students with a solid aerial silks foundation. Skills and sequences are based off inversions from the air. Students should take (L3) classes weekly for 3-6 months depending on individual strength, skill, and interest before continuing on to (L4) classes. To move on to (L4) classes, students must demonstrate a complete 3-5 minute aerial silk tails performance choreographed to music. Routine will be judged by instructor, on control, body positioning, technical ability, transitions, and artistic expression. The routine must incorporate a ground inversion to air transition, a climb to the top (excluding basic climb), choice of 5 poses in one (L4) Series. Students must score at least 75% to pass Level 3.

(L4) Aerial Silks
Price: $25 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr classes
Pre-requisite : Pass L2
Working height: L2 material – 16′ or less, L3 material – 12′ or less
Focus: Sequences from inversions
Sequences are built from inverted poses including transcendence wrap, hip-keys, and hooks. Students will also begin work on basic drops, slides, and rolls. An in-depth understanding of the wraps and skills is stressed. Once the student has an understanding of the properties of the wraps, they will be encouraged to explore their own variations. Performance and style elements are developed.

(L5) Level 5

Level 5 classes for serious aerialists with a minimum of 8 months experience in aerial silks. Students should take (L4) classes weekly for 3-6 months depending on individual strength, skill, and interest before continuing on to (L5) classes.To move on to (L4) classes, students must demonstrate a complete 5-7 minute aerial silk tails performance choreographed to music. Routine will be judged by instructor, on control, body positioning, technical ability, transitions, and artistic expression. The routine must incorporate 2 climbing styles, a basic drop, and a sequence including 2 poses invented by the student.

(L5) Aerial Silks
Price: $25 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr classes
Pre-requisite: Pass L4
Working Height: Full height
Focus: Creating performance material
Level 5 classes seek to develop students into professional quality aerialists through growth in skill vocabulary, development of seamless transitions and movement, exploration and innovation of skill and apparatus, depth of understanding, strength & conditioning, dramatic interpretation, confidence in air, and performance elements.

All Levels

Wings of Steel Conditioning Class
Price: $15 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr class
Pre-requisites: Introductory Class
Focus: Conditioning
The Wings of Steel aerial fitness conditions students bodies for aerial arts by targeting their core and upper-body. This class is an intensive work-out for all levels of aerialists, from Beginner to Advanced. Prepare to be challenged and totally spent by the end of class! Students work at their own pace both on the ground and in the air. The final half of class will be devoted to intensive stretching. Use Wings of Steel to build up to the next stage of aerial work, to improve your performance, and to create a lean and toned body.

Supervised Practice
Price: $15 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 2 hr practice
Pr-requisite: Introductory Class
Focus: Practice
Supervised Practice is a 2 hour block of time where students can practice and hone their aerial fabric skills. Sky Gym trainers supervise the practice, and give students safety and technical tips. Please note: students will not learn new material during this time. Recommended for all levels.

Junior Sky
Price: $25 drop-in
Location: Wall Crawler Climbing Gym
Schedule: Weekly 1hr class
Pr-requisite: None
Focus: Aerial silks for ages 7-11
The class will work on strength, coordination, balance, and comprehension. It encourages the students to explore their natural curiosity to climb things in a safe and fun environment.