CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

POLE CLASSES

Intro to Pole class is perfect for total beginners and for folks with some pole experience who are looking to refine foundational spins, skills, tricks, and floorwork. This 60m class is designed to build up strength and confidence from the ground up, and it blends our Intro, Pole 1, and Pole 2 curriculums to provide a solid foundation with Pole. No upper body strength or dance experience required, we will build that together. To have the best grip experience we recommend the following – shorts are essential, skin-to-pole contact is what provides the “grip” one needs for spins and sits, high-waisted pole shorts are popular for staying secure while moving, and a supportive sports bra or a fitted tank top. Layering up is perfect – bring joggers or leggings and a sweatshirt for the warm-up to keep your muscles toasty before we get on the poles. Many students go barefoot or wear socks, and heels are most welcome. Please do not apply lotions or oils before class, you will be slippery.

Students must complete the curriculum for each individual level and “level up” with their Pole 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.

Intro to Spinning Pole is an excellent class for brand new to pole folks as well as pole students in level 1 or level 2, or folks with a little bit of prior pole experience. This beginner friendly spin pole class focuses on the foundations of moving and dancing on a pole that rotates.  Students will learn fireman and chair spins, pirouettes, slides down to the floor, floorwork, and low-flow sequences that are curated especially for this class. This class emphasizes safety with building strength and stamina on and off the pole, building comfort with body weight shifts, and learning how to manage momentum with spin pole

Pole Foundations class 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 beginning level skills, tricks, conditioning, and technique. This class combines our Intro to Pole curriculum with our Pole 1, 2, and 3 curriculum. This is a 60 minute mixed beginning 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 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 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 Fluidity focuses on graceful, connected movement, blending pole spins, holds, and floor work into seamless routines that emphasize body awareness, musicality, and smooth transitions over complex tricks. Students are most welcome to wear heels, socks, or knee pads and pack shorts but plan to sometimes flow in sweats. This 60 minute class is perfect for all levels to develop a natural, sensual flow and build confidence. Students need to be in pole level two or higher or have a little bit of prior pole experience to attend this class.

Pole 2/3 is our mixed level intermediate-advanced beginner class that bridges the gap between foundational pole spins, skills, and tricks and building strength in inversions and linking movements into longer fluid sequences. Students will be introduced to leg hangs, inverts including jasmine from standing and handstand shapes, pole sits and spins like corkscrew spin and prana sit, sweeping floorwork, and curated sequences that are level specific. Classes will focus on building strength, stamina, and fluidity for both static and spin pole and sequences will be of a Low Flow style. Students are encouraged to dress in layers for this class with above the knee shorts and a tank top or sports bra underneath joggers or sweat pants; socks, bare feet, and/or heels are all welcome in this class; avoid wearing lotion, oils, or jewelry as they will make gripping the pole more difficult or damage our lovely poles. If you are feeling unsure if this class is for you, send us an email with your pole experience and we will provide helpful suggestions.

Pole 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 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 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 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 1 Pole 2 Pole 3

Pole 1

  • Pole Hold (3-5 seconds)
  • Invert Prep Hold (3-5 seconds)
  • Single Climb Lift
  • Fireman Spin
  • Backwards Spin

Pole 2

  • Pole Climb (halfway up pole)
  • Pole Sit (3-5 seconds)
  • Inversion (from ground)
  • Chair Spin
  • Merry Go Round Spin

Pole 3

  • Pole Up & Hold
  • Exploding V (3 reps)
  • Descending Angel
  • Invert to Handstand
  • Jasmine
Pole 4 Pole 5 Pole 6

Pole 4

  • Side Climb
  • Helicopter Hold
  • Invert to Jasmine
  • Leg Hangs
  • Layback

Pole 5

  • Aerial Invert
  • Shouldermount
  • Butterfly
  • Superman
  • Stationary Caterpillar Rolls

Pole 6

  • Circus Climb
  • Sit & Lift (halfway up pole)
  • Jamilla to Butterfly
  • Ayesha (any variation)
  • Shouldermount Transition

AERIAL CLASSES

Do you want to be able to move furniture by yourself, or carry all of the your groceries in one trip, or feel like a superhero? Come join a group of like-minded individuals who are all here to get strong and have a good time doing it. Cirque Strength starts with an instructor guided warm up then moves into a strength building circus-inspired circuit workout, and ends with a foam rolling mobility centered cool down. Students will be doing exercises they never thought possible, and getting stronger in ways they never expected. This class is designed to be accessible to all levels with modifications offered to honor all bodies and fitness levels – no circus or athletic background required.

Whether you are an absolute beginner, sling curious, or want to review and refine foundational skills and technique, Aerial Sling (aka Aerial Hammock) class is your ticket to fly! This class is accessible to all bodies and abilities, if you have a body, you have an aerial body. The hammock offers incredible support, making it the perfect gateway into the world of aerial arts. After the instructor led warm up, we will move to the Sling for strengthening exercises and fundamental skills and tricks that will have you feeling happily squeezed and accomplished. Form fitting leggings and a tshirt that can be tucked into the pants with no zippers, buttons, or metal parts is perfect attire for this class.

Intro to Silks (aka Aerial Fabric and “those curtain things”) class is perfect for the absolute beginner student, those with a little experience, or anyone wanting to solidify their foundational technique. Class starts with a full-body warm-up on the floor, followed by foundational conditioning to build strength and confidence. Students will learn essential climbs, wraps, and poses close to the ground, focusing on safety and proper form. Intro to Silks covers Intro, Level 1, and Level 2 skills, and offers a supportive and accessible environment to learn the basics or refine your skills on Silks. No experience necessary, and please wear comfortable form fitting leggings and a shirt that covers the waist with no zippers, buttons, or metal parts.

This 60 minute class is a good introduction to the magic of the Aerial Hoop (aka that circle thing). Intro to Lyra is perfect for absolute beginners, rusty aerialists, or anyone wanting to solidify their foundational skills and technique. Come dangle, smile, and spin with us and learn our Intro, Level 1, and Level 2 curriculum in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing that feels good to move around in and that you will feel comfortable going upside down in without any metal parts like zippers or buttons.

This 60 minute class is a good introduction to the magic of the Aerial Hoop and Trapeze. Intro to Trapeze and Lyra is perfect for absolute beginners, rusty aerialists, or anyone wanting to solidify their foundational skills and technique. Come dangle, smile, and spin with us and learn our Intro, Level 1, and Level 2 curriculum in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing that feels good to move around in and that you will feel comfortable going upside down in without any metal parts like zippers or buttons.

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

This 60 minute Intro to Advanced Beginner 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. Intro to Trapeze includes our Intro to Trapeze, Trapeze level 1, Trapeze level 2, and Trapeze level 3 curriculums

This 60 minute Beginning Silks (aka Aerial Fabric “those curtain things”) class is perfect for the brand new Silks student, ages 5-11, 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 curriculum’s.

Bungee is the best way to explore how much fun bouncing around can be in a safe, low impact way. The bungee system allows for exercise that is accessible to all, and is a great addition or alternative to other forms of cardiovascular and strength based activities. It can also be a useful tool for injury recovery. In this class, students will be introduced to foundational bungee movements and terminology, learn proper harness fitting and how to weight check for proper bungee resistance, and building trust with the bungee system. Students need to wear stretchy, comfortable leggings or knee length biker type shorts and a shirt that can be tucked in or that covers the waist area completely. We highly recommend that students come prepared to explore this class with bare feet, grippy socks, and/or exercise sneakers to find what works best for each person as we want to avoid smooshed toes. Each class in this series is 75 minutes.

Aerial Yoga class is an accessible practice combining traditional yoga poses with aerial arts, using a soft fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling for support. Class focuses on building core strength, increasing flexibility and mobility, and decompressing the spine through assisted inversions. The hammock acts as a prop to help deepen stretches, improve balance, and achieve alignment with less pressure on joints. Classes are suitable for all levels, offering a blend of playful, strengthening, and restorative movements.

This class will use low hanging aerial hammocks for gentle stretching and supporting the body in restorative postures to help you relax and recover. We will begin with a short centering meditation, followed by gentle movement using the hammock, and ending with longer held restorative poses where the hammock will support the body. All levels and bodies are welcome.

Whether you are an absolute beginner, sling curious, or an intermediate or advanced slinger, Aerial Sling (aka Aerial Hammock) class is your ticket to fly! This class is accessible to all bodies and abilities, if you have a body, you have an aerial body. The hammock offers incredible support, making it the perfect gateway into the world of aerial arts. After the instructor led warm up, we will move to the Sling for strengthening exercises and skills and tricks that will have you feeling happily squeezed and accomplished. Form fitting leggings and a tshirt that can be tucked into the pants with no zippers, buttons, or metal parts is perfect attire for this class.

This 75 minute aerial rope (corde lisse) is an all-levels class designed for both beginners and experienced aerialists. Youll build strength, coordination, and technique as you learn climbs, wraps, beats, drops, and creative sequences on the rope. Each class focuses on conditioning, foundational skills, and creative exploration. Modifications and progressions are offered throughout. Class will end with a brief cool down. This class is accessible to all bodies and abilities.

Zoe’s Choice is whatever Zoe wants to teach you in this class today! One class might be focused on one apparatus and learning a sequence, and another class might be focused on all four aerial apparatuses and transferring skills and tricks onto each one. You might show up and Zoe wants to play aerial games with you for class time. The focus of this level 2+ aerial arts class is lots of fun and variety for the students, and Zoe. Students need to be in level 2 or higher in any one aerial apparatus and/or have some previous beginning level aerial arts experience, and an open, playful mindset.

Elevate your practice and refine your movement in Trapeze Technique class. This class is geared towards students in Trapeze levels 2-4 or for folks with previous experience. The curriculum focuses on smoothing out rough edges by deepening one’s understanding of the relationship between the body and the trapeze. Students will work on dynamic skills, advancing their grasp of aerial theory through dedicated skills exploration and practical application. By learning how to analyze and build new skills, students will enhance their existing repertoire and develop a more polished, fluid movement quality.

LyraOgraphy is a choreography-based aerial dance experience designed to help students find the flow between the moves. Instead of focusing on static poses, class will prioritize smooth transitions, musicality, and fluid movement. Learn the foundational choreography, then make it your own by adding in your personal flair, expand on the sequence, and truly own the dance. This class is crafted for students in Lyra Level 2 or higher or folks with some previous Lyra experience. No previous dance experience required to attend.

This 75 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.

This 75 minute Sling 3+ class is for students in Sling 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, more complex transitions between poses, as well as be introduced to new wraps, controlled drops and spins, and interesting new ways to link skills together, including unfamiliar entrances to familiar skills.

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.

Trapeze 3+ is a 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.

Elevate your practice in Silks 3+ class, designed for intermediate and advanced aerial fabric students focusing on building in the air stamina, improving technique, and building solid inversions. Students will learn and work on sequencing, climbs, rotational drops, and creative skill linking with new entrances to enhance aerial repertoire. This class is accessible to students in level 3+ and/or instructor approval.

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 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.

This 75 minute Silks 4+ 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, single rotation drops, and interesting new ways to link skills together, including unfamiliar entrances to familiar skills.

Trapeze 1 Trapeze 2 Trapeze 3

Trapeze 1

  • Bent arm bar hold 3-5 seconds
  • Double knee hang 5 seconds (with hands off and with good form)
  • One clean mount and dismount (can be tuck, pike, or straddle)
  • Seashell to candlestick

Trapeze 2

  • Birdsnest to double knee hang
  • Straddle hold 3-5 seconds
  • Hip balance 3-5 seconds
  • Front grip invert prep hold 3-5 seconds
  • Hip hang turnover to seated and reverse (both sides)

Trapeze 3

  • Hip hang roll up to balance 5-10 seconds 
  • Flag foot plange with clean descent
  • Clean transition from dragonfly to one of these exits: sleeper, mermaid, lions, wineglass 
  • A clean inversion from the ground without jumping: tuck, pike, or straddle 
  • Engaged hang from the top of the
    bar for 30 seconds
Trapeze 4 Trapeze 5 Trapeze 6

Trapeze 4

  • Plange and birdsnest in the ropes
  • Single knee hang hold for 5 seconds on each leg
  • 3x clean fly beat
  • 3x skin the cat pulses

Trapeze 5

  • One meathook on each side
  • 3x bent arm/straight leg straddle ups (not touching the floor)
  • Demonstrate one kind of beat 3-5x
  • Student created sequence of 3 minutes (can include the other level up requirements)

Trapeze 6

  • Student created sequence of 5 minutes at minimum (must include 3 skills from each level). Student to demonstrate good technique, body awareness, and proficiency in most of the skills/tricks of the entire curriculum
Lyra 1 Lyra 2 Lyra 3

Lyra 1

  • Bent arm bar hold 3-5 seconds
  • Double knee hang 5 seconds (with hands off and with good form)
  • One clean mount and dismount (can be tuck, pike, or straddle)
  • Seashell to candlestick

Lyra 2

  • Birdsnest to double knee hang
  • Straddle hold 3-5 seconds
  • Hip balance 3-5 seconds
  • Front grip invert prep hold 3-5 seconds
  • Hip hang turnover to seated and reverse (both sides)

Lyra 3

  • Hip hang roll up balance 5-10 seconds (without using hands)
  • A tuck up to double knee hang on the top bar with a clean descent to seated
  • Clean transition from dragonfly to one of these exits: sleeper, mermaid, lions, wineglass 
  • An engaged hang from the top of the bar for 30 seconds, and back to seated 
  • One slow reverse pull up/chin up with a 3-5 second hold
Lyra 4 Lyra 5 Lyra 6

Lyra 4

  • Hip hang roll up to balance 5-10 seconds (without hands)
  • Tuck up to double knee hang on top of bar w/ a clean descent to seated 
  • A clean transition from Dragonfly to one of these exits: Sleeper, Mermaid, Lions, Wineglass
  • An engaged hang from the top of the bar and back to seated for 30 seconds
  • 1 Slow Reverse Pull Up/Chin Up with a 3-5 second hold

Lyra 5

  • 1 meathook on each side
  • 3x straddle ups (not touching floor)
  • Demo one kind of beat 3-5x
  • Student created sequence of at least 3 minutes

Lyra 6

  • Student created sequence of at least 5 minutes (must include three skills from each level)
  • Good techniques, body awareness, and proficiency in most of the skills/tricks of the whole curriculum
Silks 1 Silks 2 Silks 3

Silks 1

  • Foot lock on (feet only) on both sides without coming down
  • Tuck/pike/plange from a front or backflip on the ground
  • Basic climb and controlled descent on both sides (not to ceiling)
  • High and low sideways lean on both sides, hands free

Silks 2

  • Cleanly putting on and taking off double dancer’s locks
  • Climb to the ceiling without stopping on both sides without coming down in between
  • Hold an inverted straddle 3-5 seconds (silks apart or together)
  • Hold a straight arm engaged hang for 15 seconds, with or without wrist wraps

Silks 3

  • At least one solid aerial inversion
  • Cleanly putting on and taking off double dancer’s locks
  • Same side knee hook hip key sequence on both sides, without jumping to invert
  • Double crochet wrap to double crucifix to angel to hip descent
Silks 4 Silks 5 Silks 6

Silks 4

  • Two same side knee hook climbs to star and star roll out on both sides
  • One pull up and five push ups (can be on knees)
  • One double ankle hang, clean entry and exit
  • One clean 360 dive (with leg wraps)

Silks 5

  • Three pull ups and 10 push ups (can be on knees)
  • One clean single star drop on both sides
  • One clean basic dive on both sides
  • One clean S-wrap on both sides
  • Clean belay entrance and exit from crossback straddle

Silks 6

  • Student created sequence of 5 minutes at minimum (must include at least 3 skills from each level)
  • Student demonstrates good technique, body awareness, and proficiency in most of the skills/tricks of the entire curriculum
Sling 1 Sling 2 Sling 3

Sling 1

  • Straddleback to seated
  • High and low side leans from standing on both sides (hands free)
  • Bent arm hold 3-5 sec
  • Long arm hold 3-5 sec

Sling 2

  • 1 clean, foot-only footlock on each side, silks apart
  • Hip balance 3-5 sec
  • Climb to top of sling 1x each side
  • Gazelle to elbow mermaid to hip ball, both sides

Sling 3

  • At least one solid aerial inversion
  • Flamenco to dancers pose on both sides
  • Clean 360 drop
  • Side mount with sling shoulder height or higher
Sling 4 Sling 5 Sling 6

Sling 4

  • One kind of beat 3-5x without stopping
  • Aerial inversion to double crochet and cross x
  • One meathook (in backpack is okay) on each side
  • Engaged hang of 15-30 seconds

Sling 5

  • 1 slow reverse pull up/chin up with 3-5 second hold
  • Student created sequence of 3min
  • Proficiency with flare pathway from backpack
  • Entry and inversion in crossback straddle

Sling 6

  • Student created sequence of 5 minutes at minimum (must include at least 3 skills from each level)
  • Student demonstrates good technique, body awareness, and proficiency in most of the skills/tricks of the entire curriculum

FLOOR CLASSES

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, and the focus of this class is on introductory level ranges of flexibility rather than advanced or contortion level flexibility. 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.

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.

Unlock your body’s movement potential in Flexibility-Contortion class where we ditch stiffness for smooth moves. We will use dynamic stretches and playful flows to boost your range of motion, relieve tension, and make everyday movement feel amazing! Students will learn safe and effective exercises to increase range of motion without compromising strength or function. This class is open to all levels of students desiring to increase their mobility and flexibility from the absolute beginner to the performing contortionist.

Ready to flip your perspective and unleash your inner child? Join us for a playful exploration of all things inverted! In this dynamic class, we’ll conquer our fears and build the strength and balance needed to defy gravity. We’ll start from the ground up with foundational techniques, fun drills, and personalized feedback to help you master stable headstands, confident elbowstands, and soaring handstands. Come ready to laugh, challenge your body and mind, and discover a whole new way to see the world! All levels are welcome—no experience needed, just curiosity and a sense of adventure.

In this class students will learn the foundations of balancing upside down in a fun and supportive environment. In this beginner-friendly class, students will explore balancing on the head, elbows, and hands while practicing three fundamental shapes – straight body, tuck, and straddle. Using props, wall drills, and plenty of guidance, students will build comfort and confidence in going upside down while developing the strength and awareness needed for handstands.

Burlesque Basics class explores foundational sequences and techniques most commonly used in burlesque dancing and performance act building. Students will explore their sensual side and develop a stage presence in a safe and inclusive environment. All skill levels, bodies, and abilities are most welcome.

In this beginner friendly choreography based class, we will breakdown and explore the sensual side of floor and chair movement. It is a great introduction to moving in heels and can be combined with pole and other aerial apparatuses! Think body waves, heel clacks and flexy floor shapes. Students are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel empowered plus knee pads and socks/heels. We have available knee pads if you do not have any. All bodies welcome.

Unwind persistent muscle tension and reclaim freedom of movement in this guided self-care practice. Myofascial Release (MFR) is a safe, gentle, and consistently effective approach to treating pain and immobility by targeting the body’s connective tissue matrix, known as fascia. In this class, you will be guided through specialized self-massage techniques using simple, accessible tools like foam rollers and massage balls to apply gentle, sustained pressure to “trigger points” or areas of restriction. Unlike traditional stretching, SMR focuses on releasing sticky fascia to improve circulation, enhance flexibility, and promote deep relaxation. Learn how to effectively address common high-tension areas such as the neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back. Develop a deeper understanding of your body’s “blind spots” and learn how to use hands-on methods to alleviate chronic pain and movement restrictions. Integrate breath work and guided relaxation techniques to balance your nervous system and release built-up stress and anxiety. Gain a set of self-treatment tools you can utilize anytime to support muscle recovery, enhance athletic performance, and improve overall well-being. This class is suitable for all levels and bodies. Wear comfortable attire that allows for ease of movement and an additional blanket or towel if desired.

OPEN STUDIO

Open Studio sessions are staff supervised for safety, and any and all folks can utilize this studio time to train, play, practice skills and tricks learned from class time, rehearse for performances, and share creative space with others. Open Studio time is an excellent resource for accessibility to the studio space and equipment in a supported environment. For folks with their own aerial equipment, if it looks safe, and we can rig it up to a single drop down point, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Folks can bring juggling equipment, and other props to utilize during open studio time as well. Each person signed up for open studio will have their own space area for the duration of the open studio hour. There is no instruction or skill sharing during open studio. Please be sure to sign up for open studio in advance through your student account.

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

Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna session is a gentle, deep-penetrating heat experience where soothing infrared light warms your body, promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation and enhancing muscle recovery at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. Folks will have up to 60 minutes in the sauna per session and can wear light clothing or be nude. Feel free to bring your own towels from home or use our purple studio towels, either way, please be sure to sit on a towel during your sauna time. Bring a good book, listen to music or a podcast (the sauna has bluetooth), or enjoy some quiet time and unwind as the heat melts away tension, boosts circulation, and leaves you feeling calm, refreshed, and rejuvenated. Please drink water before, during, and after your session. Folks have access to step outside of the sauna behind privacy curtains for a break from the heat, and please exit the sauna if you start to feel dizzy or unwell. A staff member can set up an Aerial Yoga hammock for you to rest in and enjoy, and we also have yoga mats and props for your use as well if a sauna break is desired. Please clean the sauna after your use with the studio cleaner spray bottle and cleaning cloth located near the sauna where the equipment shelving is at.

TOWELS 

Please bring your own towels to sit and sweat on while using the sauna, and also to use for drying off afterwards. If you forget to bring your own towels and decide to sauna while at Empyrean Arts, we have some rectangle sized purple salon style towels available for folks to utilize that are perfect for sitting on while inside the sauna. Please place all used towels/cloths into the appropriate bin on the shelf in the 107D equipment area when finished using them. 

CLEAN UP 

After your sauna session, please use one of our small cleaning cloths and the spray bottle labeled “sauna cleaner” to clean up the sauna, and any sweat that may have dripped, and then place the dirty cloth into the appropriate bin in the 107D equipment area.

REGISTER for CLASSES