Class Descriptions
Find information below on the large variety of classes and levels we teach. There is truly something for everyone! Interested in trying a class? Check out our Schedule to create and account and register.
Youth and Teen Classes
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Youth Circus
Ages 6-10
Each class will consist of a group warm up/cool down and 2-3 rotations in small groups. Participants will be introduced to the foundational concepts of object manipulation/juggling, aerials on multiple apparatuses, and floor based acrobatics.
Min to run the class: 3 . -
Youth Acrobatics
Age: 9-14
A youth foundation class to develop form and body awareness in ground acrobatic skills. This class will focus on the basics of tumbling, mini tramp, partner acrobatics, & pyramid building.
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Youth Aerial Class
Ages 9-14
Beginner level 1 aerial class for kids, focusing on building a strong foundation for basic aerial skills. Class consists of conditioning, stretch and skill building and emphasizes body awareness.
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Teen Aerial
Ages 11-16
We currently offer beginner and intermediate (Levels 1 and 2) aerial classes for teens in Lyra and Silks.
Intermediate (level 2) classes do require that student has either completed the level 1 skill requirements.
Adult Aerial Classes
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Intro to Aerials
Perfect for students who have little to no experience in group fitness or movement arts such as dance, gymnastics or yoga. This class is designed to provide a gentle introduction to various aerial apparatuses such as Fabric, Lyra, Hammock and Trapeze. It also gives the student a chance to learn the basic body alignment and terminology, allowing for an easy and seamless transition into a level 1 beginner class.
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Aerial Fabric
Aerial Fabric or Silks are long pieces of fabric that hang from ceiling to floor. RI Circus Space currently offers four levels of classes…
Level 1: Students will learn foundation skills such as climbs, inversions, foot locks and simple poses, with an emphasis on building strength and flexibility.
Level 2: Students shift their focus to building stamina through creating skill sequences in addition to learning new and more complex skills, including drops and rolls.
Level 3: Students will learn more advanced skills such as wheel downs, stacked drops, multiple belay entries, complex climbs, and straight arm inversions, swivels , and beats while continuing to build endurance.
Level 4: Students will focus on skills such as C-shaping, balances, open drops, and increase their understanding of fabric theory.
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Aerial Lyra
Lyra, or aerial hoop, is a circular metal bar that is suspended from a single or double spinning point and is used in aerial dance or acrobatics.
Level 1: Students who are new to this apparatus will work on building strength and flexibility while learning foundational skills. These skills may include static poses, basic transitions, and an introduction to beats (movements in which the person swings their body on the apparatus).
Level 2: Students who have demonstrated competency in level 1 skills, will expand on static poses and beats, and adding rotations and beginning sequencing (linking together multiple skills in a sequence).
Level 3: Students will focus on adding drops, hangs, spins, and increasing endurance for sequencing.
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Aerial Rope
Aerial rope, also known as corde de lisse, is a vertical sheathed rope that is suspended from a single point and is used in aerial dance or acrobatics. This apparatus can be more challenging to work with than aerial fabric, such as silks, as it requires a greater degree of strength and control.
Aerial rope lessons are typically offered as private lessons, workshops, or in higher level mixed aerials classes. These classes are suitable for aerialists who have already gained competency on another aerial apparatus (level 2 or above), such as aerial fabric, and are looking to challenge themselves with something new.
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Aerial Hammock
Aerial hammock, also known as sling, is a looped length of fabric suspended from a single point. Similar to traditional aerial silks, it allows for acrobatic skills while providing additional support for the aerialist. Aerial hammock should not be confused with aerial yoga, which uses fabric hung from two points at a lower height to support yoga poses.
Level 1: Designed for students new to the apparatus, this class emphasizes building strength and flexibility while learning foundational skills, including basic inversions, with the support of the hammock. Instruction focuses on static poses. Level 1 may be taken as an introductory class.
Level 2: Students advance beyond Level 1 skills by utilizing the full length of the hammock to learn more complex poses, drops, and sequences. This level introduces spinning sequences and may involve working at a higher apparatus height.
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Dance Trapeze
Dance Trapeze is a straight bar apparatus that is suspended by ropes to a single spinning point. This apparatus can have some crossover skills with other aerial apparatus such as Lyra and Fabric, particularly when using the ropes.
Level 1: Students work on building strength and flexibility while learning basic skills common on bar apparatuses. These skills include different mounts, static poses, basic transitions and an introduction to beats (swinging the body while hanging)
Level 2: This class is generally more advanced than Level 1 and introduces more challenging skills and techniques, such as rotations and small controlled drops, as well as familiarizing with sequencing while spinning.
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Aerial Straps and Conditioning
Aerial straps consists of two long straps (cotton or nylon, sometime sheathed in suede) that are hung from a spinning single point. Aerialists use these straps to perform a variety of skills including inversions, balances, and dynamic movements such as swings, flips, and drops.
Straps conditioning class is a type of aerial fitness class that focuses on enhancing strength and conditioning for aerial work on any apparatus. This class is recommended for students who are already at Level 3 or higher on another apparatus.
Pre-requisites for this class include: being able to perform 3 full extension pull-ups with good form, 10 push-ups (not modified), 5 consecutive tuck rocks, a 1 minute hollow hold a and a 1 minute plank.
Adult Ground Classes
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Hand Balancing
Hand balancing (handstands) class is a type of ground based group fitness class that offers a unique and fun way to develop upper body strength, coordination and balance. The class typically begins with a warm-up that includes stretching and conditioning exercises for the wrists, forearms, shoulders, and core.
The instructor introduces students to the basics of proper handstand alignment before progressing to more advanced hand balancing techniques and tools.
Ability to kick up to a supported handstand is required, otherwise all levels are welcome.
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Partner Acrobatics
Partner acrobatics is an alternative group fitness class that is performed with a partner or group and combines elements of gymnastics, hand balancing, and yoga. Students will learn how to support and be supported by their partner(s) as they execute a variety of poses and transitions. You do not need to bring your own partner to join.
Partner acrobatics classes typically begin with light weight-bearing exercises to teach proper positioning, weight distribution, and safe points of contact. As students build confidence, the class progresses to more challenging combinations requiring increased strength, coordination, and balance.
The skills and techniques taught in each class vary by instructor. Partner acrobatics offers a rewarding way to work collaboratively, explore new challenges, and safely push physical limits.
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Tumbling Class
Circus tumbling is a dynamic form of acrobatics often seen in circus performances, involving jumps, flips, somersaults, and other high-energy movements executed with precision and grace.
Tumbling classes improve physical conditioning by enhancing strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness while also developing spatial awareness, orientation, and problem-solving skills. These benefits are valuable not only for acrobatics but also for various sports and physical activities.
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Deep Stretch
Deep Stretch is the perfect addition to any physical fitness training or can be taken as a way to help with the muscle pain and tightness we all experience from daily life activities.
Students will learn to holistically and safely increase their flexibility and mobility through various guided stretches. This class begins with a good warm up and then focuses on combining passive and active stretching to help make your flexibility gains last. As well as giving you the tools you need to know how to stretch at home.
This class is highly recommended for students of all ability levels! It is a good idea to bring layers to keep your body warm throughout class.
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Strength Training for Circus Arts
This ground-based fitness class incorporates the use of weights, bands, loops, and body weight resistance training.
The focus of the class is on building strength specifically for circus arts, making it an appropriate for all students (including intro level) who are looking to build strength, coordination, and balance.
Aerial apparatuses will often be used as a fun additional training tool to add challenge, but students will not be asked to be more than a step from the ground.
Open Training, Circus Jams and More
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Open Training
Open training is a session, usually 2 hours in length, offered to students who are already at Level 2 or higher on their chosen aerial apparatus or who have been approved by an instructor. This type of training is an opportunity for students to practice and work on their skills without the direct guidance of an instructor, though one will always be supervising to ensure a safe environment for the participants.
During open training, participants should only work on skills that they have been taught in a class or lesson setting with an instructor. Instruction between participants is prohibited, as the focus of open training is on individual practice and improvement.
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Circus "Jam" Sessions
Jam sessions are informal gatherings that allow participants to explore and practice a variety of circus or movement arts skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. These sessions can have any focus that the community shows interest in, and could include activities such as juggling, handstands, straps, partner acrobatics, hula hooping, tumbling, stilt walking, aerial partnering, poi, and dance.
Jam sessions are often a great opportunity for participants to try out new skills or activities, have fun with friends, and build community, whether they are seasoned performers or new to the circus arts. These sessions may be hosted by experienced instructors or by members of the community who have a particular skill or passion they want to share.
It's important to note that jam sessions may vary in terms of structure and content depending on the host and the focus of the session. Jam sessions can be a fun and rewarding way to explore and expand your skills in the circus arts.
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Private Lessons
Private lessons are a 1 hour session students can schedule individually or as small group. These are a learning opportunity with an instructor of their choice at a time that fits their schedule.
Students can focus on a specific discipline and the lesson is tailored to the student's individual learning style and pace. Private lessons can be a valuable and rewarding way to learn and progress.
Private lessons are a great option for students who…
Are looking for a more personalized and focused learning experience
Want to build a strong foundation or advance their skill set
Want help creating a routine or sequence or meeting another specific goal
Who have busy schedules and prefer to schedule their lessons at a time that is convenient for them.
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Community Class
Community Circus Class (Sliding Scale)
A monthly community-focused circus class featuring one ground-based discipline and one aerial discipline. Classes run 75–90 minutes and are open to ages 5+ and all levels. Expect a guided, jam-style format that allows participants to explore skills at their own level.
This class is ideal for trying a new discipline, training alongside friends or family, or inviting someone new into the circus space. More experienced students are welcome and encouraged to participate alongside newer students.
Disciplines and instructors rotate monthly. -
Skill Tune Ups
Skill Tune-Ups are an easy way to get a little extra support right when you need it. Think of them as a micro private lesson: a 20-minute, highly focused coaching session designed to give enrolled students targeted feedback without committing to a full private.
You bring the question, we help you work it out. Tune-Ups are ideal for dialing in a specific skill, troubleshooting a technical detail, or getting unstuck. They work best right before or after a scheduled class, or during Open Training when a coach is available.
Tune-Ups can be requested through the private lesson request form, or added on in person when a coach is available and agrees.
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Youth Circus Camps
These weekday camps are designed for kids ages 6–14 who love to move, play, and explore circus arts in a supportive environment. They are offered periodically during school break periods only.
Each day runs from 9am-3pm and includes games, a guided warm-up, circus skill rotations, lunch with a circus-themed movie or show, and afternoon skill time. Campers should bring a packed lunch and snacks. Optional early drop-off (8:30 am) and after-care (until 4:00 pm) are available for an additional fee.
Please Sign Up for the newsletter or Contact us to stay informed about upcoming camps and to learn how to register.

