Class Levels

Our classes are organized into a system of levels which are progressively more advanced. Each level is designed to build understanding, skill, strength,and endurance in order to prepare you for the next level. You learn at your own pace, in a safe and encouraging environment. The length of time you will spend in each level depends on your fitness level and your dedication. We recommend at practicing at least 2-3 times/week to retain the skills you learn and build strength. We work in the air, without harnesses or safety nets, so it is very important for students to master skills low to the ground before advancing to harder skills or greater heights. Please do not rush through to more advanced skills, because people can and do get hurt in the circus arts.

Each level covers the following material:

  • Skills and sequences in Level
  • Safety and body positioning
  • Technical accuracy and efficiency
  • Theory of movement
  • Building confidence with heights
  • Conditioning for strength and flexibility
  • Creating seamless choreography
  • Expressing creativity and style
  • Professionalism as an artist


To move up to the next level, students must show proficiency in each pose and sequence, and then perform a routine that incorporates key vocabulary from that level.

 

Level : Vertical

Apparatus

Prerequisite

Introducing

Focus

Basics 1

Hammock, Fabric

None

Knot moves, footlocks, climbing

Building strength for climbs, footlocks

Basics 2

Hammock, Fabric

Climb 3 steps, footlocks on ground

 

Standing in footlocks

Basics 3

Hammock, Fabric

Climb to top, footlocks in air

 Straddle from ground - Crochet wraps

Double wraps 

Intermediate 1

Fabric

Straddle from ground

Hip Key/ Open wrap 

Crochet – Symmetric wraps 

Intermediate 2

Fabric

Straddle in air

 

Open wrap

Intermediate 3

Fabric

 

 

S-wrap/Hanging leg moves

Advance 1

Fabric, Rope

Straight arm straddle ups

 

Stacking Drops

Advance 2

Fabric, Rope

Single arm hang

 

Swivel hip straddle up

Advance 3

Fabric, Rope

 

 

Momentum



Level : Horizontal

Apparatus

Prerequisite

Focus

Beginner 1

Trapeze, Lyra, Hammock, CS

None

Building strength, developing balance

Beginner 2

Trapeze, Lyra, Hammock

knee hang

Straddle from ground

Beginner 3

Trapeze, Lyra, Hammock

Straddle from ground

Straddle in air

Intermediate 

Trapeze

 

Intermediate 

Lyra

 

 

Intermediate

Hammock

 

 

Advance

Trapeze

Momentum 

Advance

Lyra

Momentum

Advance

 Hammock

 

Momentum