Get Ready for Aerial!

We've adopted the motto, "Keep yourself safe, keep others safe, and be kind!"

HDA is happy to offer four levels of aerial training with three apparatuses (sling, hoop, and low silks) and several performance opportunities.

Before joining our classes, please familiarize yourself with our safety guidelines. Safety is our top priority, and we require all participants to sign a liability waiver before starting their training.

Are you looking for adult aerial classes? Visit AmpedbyHDA.com!

Safety Guidelines

Students eight to 17 must wear T-shirts covering their shoulders and stomach, and pants covering the knees. (To prevent painful silk burns.)
To avoid equipment tears, students must remove jewelry and not wear clothing with sharp edges or zippers.
Hair must be pulled back; a bun is required for hair longer than shoulder length.
We share apparatuses – practice good hygiene and wear fresh clothes to class.
For better grip, please refrain from applying lotions 90 minutes before class.

Any student who fails to follow the guidelines might be asked to sit and observe during class.

Practice Considerations

Instructors will provide at least three options for each exercise, including the option to opt out of any exercise that isn't accessible at that moment. As we say here, watching is the fastest (and safest) way to learn aerial—quiet observation is always welcomed!
Aerial is a novel form of physical activity that introduces more complex exercises than a typical dance class. Some exercises will be accessible and fun, while others might require patience, observation, and continued practice. Exercise variability is normal and expected for aerial practitioners at every level!

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. In this safe and brave space, you’re also welcome to confidentially disclose any health information you would like us to consider during practice. (Injury, illness, disability, neurodivergence, or mental health considerations.)

FAQs

Can I do aerial if I'm not that flexible? While it's true that flexibility is a component of aerial practice, it's not the only one. Our classes prioritize strength, stability, and coordination, with flexibility coming in as a close second. And the good news is, aerial practice can actually help you become more flexible. So, the answer is a definite YES: you can do aerial!
I'm not that strong. Can I still do aerial? YES. Our classes include strength and stability training that will positively impact your aerial practice and dance practice, too!
What's Aerial Dance vs. the other classes? In a nutshell, there are two primary types of aerial training: dance and circus. Aerial Dance focuses on incorporating aerial apparatuses into dance performances. The class is longer and features more dance exercises. Jumpstart, Aerial I, and Aerial II focus on apparatus-specific tricks and transitions (i.e., circus). If you are passionate about dance, take weekly classes, and want more performance opportunities, consider joining our Aerial Dance class! If you're interested in tricks with friends, Friday nights are your jam.
What are the benefits of aerial practice? We could write a book on this topic, so we'll keep it brief.
- We offer the unique opportunity to practice risk in a safe environment. Studies show that risk-taking enhances resilience, confidence, problem-solving, fear management, creativity, and innovation.
- Our classes are intentionally small to foster highly individualized instruction, ensuring each student's unique needs are met and promoting a sense of belonging and value.
- Strength and mobility training translates across all physical activities.
I have a health condition. Can I practice aerial? Yes. Many successful aerialists have health conditions and say aerial is their preferred method of physical activity. While each person's needs are unique, our instructors have experience working with people with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and a spectrum of disability. Please get in touch with our program director, Sarah Atenhan, to discuss specific needs and to determine which type of class is best for you or your loved one. (Group or private).
I want my kid to do aerial at home – how can I make that happen? By hiring a structural engineer and a certified professional aerial rigger. Before that, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can I afford the necessary costs: professional fees, equipment costs, and inspections?
- Is my child in an advanced level of aerial?
- Do I know the foundations of aerial to be a qualified observer? (Practicing aerial alone is never OK.)
- Am I prepared for an aerial accident with my child?
- Am I prepared for an aerial accident with a guest in my house? (Consider your liability.)
- Do I know how to make the equipment inaccessible when not in use?

Do you have a question we didn't answer above? Contact us below.

Liability Waiver

Participants are required to sign a waiver once every 12 months. To learn more about our aerial partner, Satellite Dance, please scroll to the bottom of our Aerial Page.

Liability Waiver