Railroad Aerial Arts is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all people - including customers, employees, visitors, vendors, and clients - regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, and disability.
prerequisites
We are committed to working with all body types and abilities. Aerial is an individual journey and we will modify prerequisites and progression based on individual student needs and practice. We want to work with you to make the experience the best it can be. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to discuss moving up a level.
Intro
There are two sides to our studio - the aerial side and the pole side! Each has different paths to progression.
Intro to Aerial - We don’t currently offer Intro classes for the aerial apparatuses (hoop, silks, sling, and trapeze) but keep checking back because we hope to change that soon!
Intro to Pole - We offer two Intro to Pole classes every week. In these classes, we'll cover everything you need to know, from how to properly grip the pole to basic spins and poses. Plus, we'll go over important pole class etiquette, so you'll feel confident and comfortable in every session.
Level 1
For aerial classes anyone can enroll in Level 1 classes. No flexibility or strength? That’s ok! These will be listed as beginner friendly in the description.
For Pole Level 1 classes you should have taken about 4-5 Intro to Pole classes and feel comfortable using various pole grips and doing floor spins.
level 2
Each apparatus will have specific pre-requisites. However, to move from Level 1 classes to Level 2 Classes on each apparatus you should know and understand the basic vocabulary, be able to hang for 3-5 seconds, and be able to get into and out of the apparatus. For a more detailed list of pre-requisites, please contact us.
Level 3
Each apparatus will have specific pre-requisites. However, to move from Level 2 to Level 3 Classes on each apparatus you should know and understand intermediate vocabulary and be able to complete some moves with only one hand.
For Hoop you should: be able to invert and enter from underneath the hoop and have started conditioning for pullovers.
For Sling you should: understand how to work within the full sling, can invert while pulling up, and have started conditioning for pullovers.
For Silks you should: be able to climb using multiple techniques, be able to do a footlock and hipkey in the air, and have started conditioning inverts from the ground.
For Trapeze you should: be able to invert and enter from underneath the bar and have started conditioning for pullovers.
For Pole you should: be able to invert (or get to an inverted position) and be able to do knee and elbow hangs.
Open Studio
To participate in an open gym session, you must have attended at least 10 Level 1 classes for your apparatus OR have instructor approval. You can find out more info about Open Studio here!
class descriptions
All classes are 60 minutes long and include a warm-up, light conditioning, learning new moves, practicing old moves, a short playtime, and a cool-down.
intro to aerial
This class is a little bit of everything! After the warm up we'll work on learning the differences between each apparatus and how your body feels in them. You'll get the chance to try the hoop, trapeze, silks, and sling. We may also occasionally have classes that focus on just two of the apparatuses.
hoop
The Hoop, also called a Lyra, is typically attached at one point on a spinner. The hoop is great because you can attach it to the rig point in different ways to give you all kinds of opportunities to try out new poses and exercises. This horizontal apparatus is great for beginners and recently gained popularity with the release of the movie The Greatest Showman.
Hoop Level 1 - In this class you’ll learn how to mount (or get into) the hoop, balance on the hoop, basic vocabulary, and body awareness when in, on, above, or under the hoop.
Hoop Level 2 - In this class you’ll learn new mounts, start inverting, work more extensively below and in the hoop, and eventually start to hang from the top bar.
Hoop Level 3 - In this class you'll get the chance to start to work from standing, practice moves from the top bar or above, learn more grip intensive tricks, and prep for slide or drop moves.
sling
The Sling, also called the Hammock, is made up of silk tied together at the top to create a seat at the bottom. This accessible and beginner-friendly vertical apparatus is also used for aerial pilates.
Sling Level 1 - In this class you’ll learn basic vocabulary, how to get into the sling, sitting and standing in the sling, and basic body awareness.
Sling Level 2 - In this class you will learn how to get into the sling, do wraps, prepare for drops, take your hands off, and begin inverting.
Sling Level 3 - In this class you will learn how to get out of moves, start doing drops, get higher on the sling, and do more grip intensive tricks.
trapeze
The Trapeze has two ropes and a bar on a spinner. This horizontal apparatus is a great mix between the hoop and the sling.
Trapeze Level 1 - In this class you’ll learn basic vocabulary, how to enter and exit the trapeze, balance on the bar, and body awareness when interacting with the Trapeze.
Trapeze Level 2 - In this class you’ll learn new ways to get onto the trapeze, improve inverts, practice sitting and standing, and use a combo of the ropes and the bar to “lock” yourself in.
Trapeze Level 3 - In this class you’ll practice getting higher on the ropes, more complicated wraps, slide or drop grips, and more grip-intensive tricks.
silks
Silks are one of the most popular and highest aerial apparatuses. They tend to be more difficult for beginners as they require more cardio than the others because you have to climb. Silks are a vertical apparatus on a spinner.
Silks Level 1 - In this class you’ll learn basic vocabulary, how to climb the silks, put on and get out of footlocks, and body awareness when using the Silks.
Silks Level 2 - In this class you’ll learn how to get into the air, work on the lower half of the silks, prep for drops, take your hands off, and start inverting.
Silks Level 3 - In this class you’ll learn how to get out of moves, work higher in the silks (the top half), perform basic drops, and do more grip intensive tricks.
pole
Pole is a little different than our other aerial apparatuses! This vertical apparatus can be used for both static and spinning classes. We also offer low flow options that incorporate more floorwork than a traditional aerial class. Our poles are 14.5 feet tall, so you’ll have plenty of room!
Intro to Pole - Intro to Pole Info
Pole Level 1 - Pole Level 1 Info
Pole Level 2 - Pole Level 2 Info
open studio
During open studio you will have the chance to create new sequences and practice things you've learned in class. Open Gyms are instructor supervised and we ask that you not try anything you haven’t done before.
special apparatuses ~coming soon~
Flying Pole
Double Sling
Spanset
Cube
Silks + Hoop
Tippy Hoop
Quad Trapeze
Rope
aerial conditioning
You will use all the apparatuses and floor exercises to work on full body conditioning to improve your skills. Our Aerial Conditioning classes are smaller than regular group classes so this is the chance to really dig into your technique and build the little muscles that make all the difference!
equipment
hoop
The Hoop, also called a Lyra, is typically attached at one point on a spinner. The hoop is great because you can attach it to the rig point in different ways to give you all kinds of opportunities to try out new poses and exercises. This horizontal apparatus is great for beginners and recently gained popularity with the release of the movie The Greatest Showman.
sling
The Sling, also called the Hammock, is made up of silk tied together at the top to create a seat at the bottom. This accessible and beginner-friendly vertical apparatus is also used for aerial pilates.
trapeze
The Trapeze has two ropes and a bar on a spinner. This horizontal apparatus is a great mix between the hoop and the sling.
silks
Silks are one of the most popular and highest aerial apparatuses. They tend to be more difficult for beginners as they require more cardio than the others because you have to climb. Silks are a vertical apparatus on a spinner.
Pole
Pole is a little different than our other aerial apparatuses! This vertical apparatus can be used for both static and spinning classes. We also offer low flow options that incorporate more floorwork than a traditional aerial class. Our poles are 14.5 feet tall, so you’ll have plenty of room!