CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Intro to Pole Fitness is perfect for brand new to Pole students, students with a little bit of previous Pole experience, and Pole students wanting to learn or review entry level skills, tricks, conditioning, and technique. This class combines our Intro to Pole Fitness curriculum with our Pole Fitness 1 curriculum. Students can move into Pole Fitness 2 or other Level 2 classes after Intro to Pole Fitness. We recommend that students take 8-10 Intro Pole classes before moving on to higher levels.

This is a 60 minute class focusing on the sporty side of Pole. Students will start with a thorough full body instructor led floor based warm up. The warm up will then continue onto the Poles with different conditioning exercises to help you build strength and stamina. Afterwards, students will learn and practice various entry level spins, poses, and skill and trick combinations using the Pole.

Students must complete the curriculum for each individual level and “level up” with their Pole Fitness instructor when ready before moving into the next level. Unsure of what level you’re in or feeling ready to “level up”? Ask your instructor what the level up requirements are for your level. Our instructors can watch you during or after class for those “level up” skills.

Intro to Pole Dance is a superb way to learn and experience beginning level pole skills and tricks through a dance focused movement lens. This class will weave together instructor created dance choreography, while including our beginning level pole curriculum (Intro-Level 1-Level 2), so students can continue on their pole journey. Dress in clothing that you feel fabulous in. Socks or Heels, and Knee pads are recommended, and the studio has some for students to use.

Hair flips, heel clacks, and floorwork oh my! Intro to Erotique Pole is perfect for the absolute beginning pole student, students with some previous pole experience, and higher level pole students interested in learning the sensual side of Pole. Students will learn sultry choreography that will infuse beginning pole, floorwork movement, and sASS. Heels or socks are recommended, and as for the rest, wear whatever makes you feel confident and sexy!

Intro to Slow Flow is a superb way to learn and experience beginning level pole skills and tricks through slow, sensuous movement. This class will weave together slinky, flowy choreography on static and spinning pole, while including our beginning level pole curriculum (Intro-Level 1-Level 2), so students can continue on their pole journey. Dress in clothing that is comfortable to slink around in, and wear or bring socks for easy sliding on the floor. Knee pads are recommended, and the studio has some for students to use.

Heels go with pole dance like bread and butter. But how do you stand or even dance in those?! If you have been curious about heels, or just want to improve your technique, you are in the right place. In this class students will learn the basics of heelwork, the breakdown of maneuvering the heel and toebox, and different techniques to dancing fluidly with heels on the pole and through floorwork. This class is for all levels of heel lovers.

Liquid Motion® is a movement method and style of dance that primarily utilizes the floor and wall as its classroom, working from the ground up.  It can be done on its own or added to any pole routine. This style of movement trains students on techniques that strive for seamless, organic, and sensual movement exploration and can be an integral part of pole dance training. The focus will be on movement that can be done on or around the pole and incorporating these moves with other pole skills.  This class is for students who want to build strength, improve flexibility, feel more confident about their body, and add sensuality to their movement style. Liquid Motion® will move your body in a very different way and can take your dance & pole training to a new level. No previous dance experience is required and all levels are welcome. Long pants, socks, and knee pads are highly recommended. Heels are not required but always welcome.

Beginning Pole Fitness is perfect for brand new to Pole students, students with a little bit of previous Pole experience, and Pole students wanting to learn or review entry level skills, tricks, conditioning, and technique. This class combines our Intro to Pole Fitness, Pole Fitness 1, and Pole Fitness 2 curriculum’s. Students can move into Pole Fitness 3 or other Pole level 3 classes after completion of Beginning Pole Fitness.

This is a 60 minute class focusing on the sporty side of Pole. Students will start with a thorough full body instructor led floor based warm up. The warm up will then continue onto the Poles with different conditioning exercises to help you build strength and stamina. Afterwards, students will learn and practice various entry level spins, poses, and skill and trick combinations using the Pole.

Students must complete the curriculum for each individual level and “level up” with their Pole Fitness instructor when ready before moving into the next level. Unsure of what level you’re in or feeling ready to “level up”? Ask your instructor what the level up requirements are for your level. Our instructors can watch you during or after class for those “level up” skills.

Pole Fitness 2/3 is a 60 minute beginning-intermediate level class focusing on the sporty side of Pole. Students will start with a thorough full body instructor led floor based warm up. The warm up will then continue onto the Poles with different conditioning exercises to help you build strength and stamina. Afterwards, students will learn and practice more challenging spins, poses, tricks, and transitions than in previous classes. Students will be introduced to climbing, sitting, and inverting in this level.

Students must complete the curriculum for each individual level and “level up” with their Pole Fitness instructor when ready before moving into the next level. Unsure of what level you’re in or feeling ready to “level up”? Ask your instructor what the level up requirements are for your level. Our instructors can watch you during or after class for those “level up” skills.

Pole Dance 2-3 is perfect for students with a bit of previous Pole experience and higher level Pole students interested in learning the dance side of Pole. Students will learn Pole Level 2 and 3 tricks skills and techniques in a way that incorporates a focus on dance based movements. This is a 60 minute class where students will learn and experience the art of Pole Dance. Students do not need to have a previous dance background to attend. This class will start with a thorough full body instructor led floor based warm up. The warm up will then continue onto the Poles with different conditioning exercises to help you build strength stamina and fluidity. Afterwards students will learn and practice instructor created beginning-intermediate level pole dance sequences.

Slow Flow (Pole Level 2-3) is a superb way to learn and experience beginning through intermediate level pole skills and tricks through slow, sensuous movement. This class will weave together slinky, flowy choreography on static and spinning pole, while including our pole level 2 and 3 curriculums, so students can continue on their pole journey. Dress in clothing that is comfortable to slink around in, and wear or bring socks for easy sliding on the floor. Knee pads are recommended, and the studio has some for students to use.

Pole Fitness 3+ is a 60 minute intermediate – advanced mixed level class focusing on the sporty side of Pole. Students will start with a thorough full body instructor led floor based warm up. The warm up will then continue onto the Poles with different conditioning exercises to help you build strength and stamina. This class is a high flying composition of challenging new thigh and hip holds, impressive spins, and new strength building techniques. Students will learn new ways of climbing and inverting on the pole as well as truly acrobatic aerial static holds. This class will challenge you with exciting new feats of athleticism!

Students must complete the curriculum for each individual level and “level up” with their Pole Fitness instructor when ready before moving into the next level. Unsure of what level you’re in or feeling ready to “level up”? Ask your instructor what the level up requirements are for your level. Our instructors can watch you during or after class for those “level up” skills.

So youve learned some cool pole tricks but how do you incorporate them into a flow or sequence? This is a Pole Level 3+ class that will focus on learning a sequence or choreography that highlights skills and tricks (some new ones too!) Heels are welcome but not required. Unsure of what level youre in or feeling ready to level up? Ask your instructor what the level up requirements are for your level. Our instructors can watch you during or after class for those level up skills.

Pole Fitness 4+ is a 60 minute intermediate – advanced mixed level class focusing on the sporty side of Pole. Students will start with a thorough full body instructor led floor based warm up. The warm up will then continue onto the Poles with different conditioning exercises to help you build strength and stamina. This class is a high flying composition of challenging new thigh and hip holds, impressive spins, and new strength building techniques. Students will learn new ways of climbing and inverting on the pole as well as truly acrobatic aerial static holds. This class will challenge you with exciting new feats of athleticism!

Students must complete the curriculum for each individual level and “level up” with their Pole Fitness instructor when ready before moving into the next level. Unsure of what level you’re in or feeling ready to “level up”? Ask your instructor what the level up requirements are for your level. Our instructors can watch you during or after class for those “level up” skills.

Bendy Shapes & Tricks (Pole Levels 4+) is an intermediate level pole class focused on finding creating and practicing different shapes using the pole and then building combos utilizing those shapes. Students will start with a thorough full body instructor led floor based warm up. The warm up will then continue onto the poles with different conditioning exercises to help build strength stamina and flexibility. Once we are all warmed up students will learn and practice instructor-created flexy focused pole sequences with seamless transitions and how to put an emphasis on shapes and pauses in between movements. This class is for pole students in level 4 or higher or intermediate-advanced level pole folks.

This 60 minute Beginning Silks (aka Aerial Fabric, “those curtain things”) class is perfect for the brand new Silks student, those with some previous Silks experience, or those desiring to review Silks foundational skills and tricks. Students will learn, practice, and refine the skills for building a solid and safe foundation on Silks. This class begins with a thorough total body warm up led by the instructor and continues onto the apparatus for beginning level  conditioning exercises. Beginning Silks includes our Intro to Silks, Silks level 1, and Silks level 2 curriculums.

This 60 minute Beginning Lyra (aka Aerial Hoop, “that circle thing”) class is perfect for the brand new Lyra student, those with some previous Lyra experience, or those desiring to review Lyra foundational skills and tricks. Students will learn, practice, and refine the skills for building a solid and safe foundation on Lyra. This class begins with a thorough total body warm up led by the instructor and continues onto the apparatus for beginning level  conditioning exercises. Beginning Lyra includes our Intro to Lyra, Lyra level 1, and Lyra level 2 curriculums.

This 60 minute Beginning Trapeze class is perfect for the brand new Trapeze student, those with some previous Trapeze experience, or those desiring to review Trapeze foundational skills and tricks. Students will learn, practice, and refine the skills for building a solid and safe foundation on Trapeze. This class begins with a thorough total body warm up led by the instructor and continues onto the apparatus for beginning level  conditioning exercises. Beginning Trapeze includes our Intro to Trapeze, Trapeze level 1, and Trapeze level 2 curriculums.

Aerial Yoga class uses a soft low hanging hammock to support and suspend the body. Gravity helps to lengthen strengthen contract extend muscles and connective tissues to improve posture and add gentle traction effects. The hammocks are an excellent way to safely explore inversions (going upside down) while being held and supported as much or as little as desired. This class is a great one to start with if you are new to the studio curious about the aerial arts nervous about trying the aerial arts recovering from an injury regaining a regular movement practice wanting to try something new and so much more! This class is really great for every body. Come feel how awesome the hammocks are!

Aerial Flexibility/Aerial Yoga classes use a soft, low hanging hammock to support and suspend the body. Gravity helps to lengthen, strengthen, contract, extend muscles and connective tissues to improve posture, and add gentle traction effects. The hammocks are an excellent way to safely explore inversions (going upside down) while being held and supported as much or as little as desired. This class is a great one to start with if you are new to the studio, curious about the aerial arts, nervous about trying the aerial arts, recovering from an injury, regaining a regular movement practice, wanting to try something new, and so much more! This class is really great for every body. Come feel how awesome the hammocks are!

Aerial Yoga class uses a soft low hanging hammock to support and suspend the body. Gravity helps to lengthen, strengthen, contract, extend muscles and connective tissues to improve posture and add gentle traction effects. The hammocks are an excellent way to safely explore inversions (going upside down) while being held and supported as much or as little as desired. This class is for folks who have a regular Yoga, Flexibility, Contortion, or Aerial Yoga practice and are interested in a higher level Aerial Yoga class.

This 60 minute Trapeze (all levels) class is perfect for the brand new Trapeze student through advanced level Trapezists. Beginning levels students will learn, practice, and refine the skills for building a solid and safe foundation on Trapeze. All students will build aerial vocabulary on Single Point Dance Trapeze and Double Point Static Trapeze. Intermediate and Advanced level students will work on inversions, intricate wraps in the ropes, drops and beats, and will learn how to piece skills together for effortless movement sequencing.

This 60 minute aerial sling (aka aerial hammock) class is perfect for anyone from a brand-new student to those with prior experience on sling! This class begins with a thorough warm up led by the instructor and continues onto the apparatus for conditioning and skills. Students will then learn, practice, and/or refine their hammock repertoire! Class will end with a brief cool down. This class is accessible to all bodies and abilities.

Get slithery! This lyra class is open to lyra students and will focus on fluidity of movement between floor work and low lyra flow. We will start with a warm up and conditioning then learn a sequence that students will have the opportunity to make their own. Wear clothes that you are comfortable moving around. Socks knee pads are encouraged.

Erotique Lyra is here to bring out the gooey flow and softer, sensual side of Lyra. In this class, students will learn and practice fluid movement, slink, flow, and Lyra dance. Get ready to let your body release & move to the music! Dress in layers and wear clothing that makes you feel good and is comfortable to move around in. Also bring either heels or socks, and knee pads if you have them. The studio has some knee pads available for student use and also some for sale.

This 60 minute Intermediate-Advanced level Lyra class will build aerial vocabulary on Single Point Lyra (aka Aerial Hoop), Double Point Lyra, and Tabless Lyra. Students will work on inversions, rope work, drops and beats, and will learn how to piece skills together for effortless movement sequencing. Students must be Lyra level 3 or higher to attend this class, or have instructor approval before the start of class.

Trapeze 3+ is a 60 minute class for intermediate-advanced students. Class will build aerial vocabulary on Single Point Dance Trapeze and Double Point Static Trapeze. Intermediate and Advanced level students will work on inversions, intricate wraps in the ropes, drops and beats, and will learn how to piece skills together for effortless movement sequencing. Not sure which level you are in? Ask your instructor or email us at info@empyreanarts.org.

This 60 minute Intermediate-Advanced Silks class is for students in Silks Level 3 or higher, or with an Empyrean Arts instructor approval prior to the start of class. Students will focus on stamina and technique in the air, and especially on strong inversions, as well as be introduced to new climbs, single rotation drops, and interesting new ways to link skills together, including unfamiliar entrances to familiar skills. For advanced students, skills requiring increased strength, including single arm strength, multiple rotations, theoretical understanding of wraps and setups, and dynamic skills and releases will be taught. Students may develop a preference for the the single strand and sturdiness of rope or the split strand and fluid possibilities of fabric. Endurance and supervised invention and creation will be goals for the advanced student.

Unsure of what level you are in? Ask your Empyrean Arts instructor at the studio or shoot us an email at empyreanartsnc@gmail.com.

This single-tab Lyra sequencing class is a great fit for Lyra students level 3 and above who are excited to piece together skills and improve their fluidity of movement in the air. This class will start with a full body warm-up as well as conditioning on the single-tab aerial hoop. We will focus on finding fluidity moving through transitions that will come together as a sequence specialized for the class. At the end of class students will have time to flow through the sequence and add their own flare to it!

This double-tab Lyra sequencing class is a great fit for Lyra students level 3 and above who are excited to piece together skills and improve their fluidity of movement in the air. This class will start with a full body warm-up as well as conditioning on the double-tab aerial hoop. We will focus on finding fluidity moving through transitions that will come together as a sequence specialized for the class. At the end of class students will have time to flow through the sequence and add their own flare to it!

This 60 minute intermediate level Trapeze class is perfect for students in our Level 3 or 4 curriculum or for folks who meet the level ups for attending this class. Students will build aerial vocabulary on Single Point Dance Trapeze and Double Point Static Trapeze. Intermediate students will work on inversions, intricate wraps in the ropes, drops and beats, and will learn how to piece skills together for effortless movement sequencing.

Enliven elevated elasticity in this flexibility based bar-work class. We will use Lyra to flow through contortion-style aerial choreography, using the apparatus to assist us in safely and progressively accessing new depth in breath-taking shapes. The intention of this class is to offer challenging new bendy bar-work for you to fortify the integral relationship between strength and flexibility at your own pace. This class is for intermediate-advanced Lyra students in level 4 or higher or with instructor approval.

Enliven elevated elasticity in this flexibility based bar-work class. We use trapeze  to flow through contortion-style aerial choreography, using the apparatus to assist us in safely and progressively accessing new depth in breath-taking shapes. The intention of this class is to offer challenging new bendy bar-work for you to fortify the integral relationship between strength and flexibility at your own pace. This class is for intermediate-advanced Trapeze  students in level 4 or higher or with instructor approval.

This 60 minute Silks and Rope class is for students in Silks Level 4 or higher or with an Empyrean Arts instructor approval prior to the start of class. Students will focus on stamina and technique in the air and especially on strong inversions as well as be introduced to new climbs drops and interesting new ways to sequence skills together–including unfamiliar entrances to familiar skills! Endurance and supervised invention and creation will be goals for the advanced student.

Unsure of what level you are in? Ask your Empyrean Arts instructor at the studio or shoot us an email at empyreanartsnc@gmail.com.

In Advanced Trapeze Sequencing 4+ class students will learn new entries, transitions, how to find flow, and exiting with grace. We will focus on choreographed Trapeze aerial dance with the intention to embody easeful, energetic expression. Students will have the opportunity to refine the choreography by adding their own unique sparkles, shapes, and style. Students must be in Trapeze Level 4 or higher to attend this class or have instructor approval.

In Advanced Lyra Sequencing 4+ class students will learn new entries, transitions, how to find flow, and exiting with grace. We will focus on choreographed Lyra aerial dance with the intention to embody easeful, energetic expression. Students will have the opportunity to refine the choreography by adding their own unique sparkles, shapes, and style. Students must be in Lyra Level 4 or higher to attend this class or have instructor approval.

Burlesque Basics class focuses on sexy movement combos and the techniques and tricks of the tease trade. No dance experience needed, and all skill levels, bodies, abilities welcome!

Intro to Erotique Movement is a 60 minute all levels class that breaks down skills and movement patterns helpful for dancing low or on the floor, chair, wall, or any other surface you want to move on. Students will learn sultry sequences that can be done in combination with pole or aerial equipment or to expand your existing repertoire of movement knowledge. This class focuses on feeling good through movement and every body is welcome. Students are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel sexy and is also comfortable to move and dance in. Knee pads and socks are excellent for this class. Heels are optional but welcome!

A combination of flexibility-inspired floor moves from body rolls shoulder stands and stretching techniques to increase mobility and strength. This flexibility and floor work class helps you have a broader knowledge of pathways your body can take through slow “feel good” movement and to explore from there in your own way. Socks sleeves and knee pads suggested for maximum slithering. Heels are optional. All bodies welcome.

This class is to help you get familiar with inverting before getting upside down! We will build technique through exercises that mobilize the shoulders and hips plus strengthen the core and back to create a strong foundation to go upside down safely. Come explore both passive and active inversions, including variations of backbends, handstands and forearm stands. All bodies and levels welcome. This is a great class for conditioning your body to enhance overall strength, mobility and flexibility.

At Empyrean Arts we strongly believe in sustainable athletic training because we really love what we do and want to continue doing so for a long, long time. We encourage both our staff and our students to train both strength and suppleness for a balanced body. Our flexibility classes are open to all levels of students desiring to increase their mobility from the absolute beginner to the performing contortionist. Having mobility and flexibility is having the quality of moving and bending freely and easily without breaking. In our flexibility classes students will learn safe and effective exercises to increase range of motion without compromising strength or function. Students will learn and participate in Active, Passive, Assisted, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching and strengthening techniques. Together we will work on bringing balance to the body by lengthening our muscles and connective tissues, correcting muscle imbalances, and building strength for flexibility that can be used.

Let’s get inverted! This class will equip you with the practice, tools, progressions, and conditioning that you need to safely and effectively learn how to handstand. Build strength and stamina, learn reliable techniques, and experience empowering exercises that will flip your world. All levels are welcome.

Slither Sessions is about letting go of the mind’s ideas about movement, and moving into the body for an unrestricted movement exploration experience. This class focuses on one’s relationship with the floor and sometimes other objects and aerial apparatuses. We will attempt to reconnect the body and mind and spirit through movement exercises, breath work, guided relaxation, prompts, writing, and trigger point release work.  Students will learn tricks, skills, and transitions on the floor and on different aerial apparatuses, and will explore those movements to find their own dance. Slither Sessions is a low to the floor movement class and is accessible to most bodies and abilities who are interested in trying new things and pushing out of their comfort zone in a safe space. The focus of class will change each time while staying within the confines of movement exploration. No dance or aerial experience is required to attend.

Students should wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and that does not restrict any movement possibilities. Loose, comfortable pants with socks and kneepads and dressing in layers for the upper body is ideal attire for this class.

Contortion class is 75 minutes in length and is designed for students who already have a regular flexibility practice. We will focus on advanced flexibility training, classic contortion tricks, sequences and arm balances. Students will learn safe and effective exercises to increase range of motion without compromising strength or function. Students will learn and participate in active, passive, assisted and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching and strengthening techniques. Together we will work on bringing balance to the body by lengthening our muscles and connective tissues correcting muscle imbalances and building strength for flexibility that can be used. Prerequisite: Ability to push to a bridge and a regular split practice. Flat splits are not necessary.

Open studio is a supervised time in which any student can utilize the studio to practice, play on the equipment, and meet fellow students and Empyrean staff. Open studio is an excellent resource for improving strength and technique, and perfecting tricks and skills that you have learned from an instructor. There is no instruction or skill sharing during open studio. Sign up and come hang out with your fellow students while practicing your art at your own speed. Feel free to film or take photographs during open studio time, but please be respectful of other people in the studio while doing so.

The studio currently has the following equipment available for use during open studio session:

• single point dance trapeze
• double point static trapeze
• double point lyra
• single point lyra
• tab-less lyra
• sling
• static fabric (low stretch silks)
• dynamic fabric (high stretch silks)
• rope (corde lisse)
• one 16 foot high brass spin/static pole
• three 16 foot high stainless steel spin/static poles
• crash mats
• stretching mats
• foam blocks
• therabands
• straps
• foam rollers and myofascial balls
• stall bars
• ankle and wrist weights
• training/reference books