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 |
|
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 |
|
|
Momentum |