Movement and circus classes are always fun, but sometimes, you gotta take a deep dive into your craft and push the edges of your comfort zone. I’m thrilled to offer a variety of workshops for aerialists, circus artists, and burlesque/variety performers in Orlando, FL. Each workshop is tailored to its participants, and we’ll share ideas and cheer each other on as we learn new skills, refine our technique, and explore the fusion of athletic artistry and circus cabaret!
As a lifelong performer, circus artist of more than 8 years, and huge geek for all things dance and movement, I’m excited to offer the following workshops. Come fly with me!
Circus and Aerial Burlesque
Cost: $50
Workshop Length: 2 hours
Experience Needed: Prior aerial experience recommended but not required
What to Bring:
- Comfortable clothing (not too loose-fitting)
- [Optional] Ballroom/Latin heels and jazz shoes
Workshop Size: Up to 8 students (At least 4 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Circus and Aerial Burlesque Workshop
Aerial Burlesque Choreography
Add a bit of aerial choreography to your burlesque act, or perform the art of the tease in the air! An excellent followup to the Circus and Aerial Burlesque workshop, this session will give you the chance to create your very own cirque cabaret choreography.
Cost: $50
Length: 2 hours
Experience Needed: Prior aerial experience ideal but does not have to be much. I recommend you take the Circus and Aerial Burlesque workshop before this one.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable top with leggings or tights
- Gloves and/or an easily removable top such as a bolero or vest
- [Optional] Ballroom/Latin heels
Workshop Size: Up to 8 students (At least 4 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Aerial Burlesque Choreography Workshop
Aerial Jazz
Learn classic jazz choreography with a circus twist! In this energetic workshop, we’ll explore ground choreo that fuses jazz dance with the aerial lyra.
Cost: $35
Length: 1 hour
Experience Needed: none
What to Bring:
- Comfortable top with leggings or tights
- Jazz shoes recommended but not required (socks will do)
- Water bottle
Workshop Size: Up to 6 students (At least 3 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Aerial Jazz Workshop
Introduction to Aerial Frame
The aerial frame is a rectangular bar suspended from a spanset. A type of lyra, it resembles a trapeze at the top but allows aerial skills similar to aerial hoop. This unique apparatus offers a vintage vaudeville aesthetic and may be more accessible to some than aerial hoop or silks. In this workshop, we will learn basic aerial frame skills as well as a fun bit of choreography!
Cost: $50
Length: 2 hours
Experience Needed: Prior aerial experience recommended but not required
What to Bring:
- Comfortable top with leggings or tights
- Water bottle
Workshop Size: Up to 8 students (At least 4 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Introduction to Aerial Frame Workshop
Lyra Cabaret (Hoop and Frame)
Enjoy some classic circus vibes with the aerial lyra, first made famous by vaudeville and cirque performers of the early 20th century! In this workshop, we’ll explore cabaret-style dance on two types of lyra: the aerial hoop and the aerial frame.
Cost: $35
Length: 1 hour
Experience Needed: Intro to Aerial Frame recommended before taking this workshop
What to Bring:
- Comfortable top with leggings or tights. Socks recommended
- Water bottle
Workshop Size: Up to 6 students (At least 3 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Lyra Cabaret Workshop
Aerial Technique for Injury Prevention
Aerial dance carries a high risk of injury. Thankfully, many injuries can be prevented with proper technique, both in your warmup and your training. In this workshop, we’ll learn conditioning exercises to develop strong muscle memory, safe escape pathways when a skill goes amiss, and the basic physiology behind common aerial movements on silks and lyra. Perfect for practicing aerialists and those who want alllll the safety tips before their first aerial class!
Cost: $35
Length: 1 hour
Experience Needed: Prior aerial experience recommended but not required
What to Bring:
- Comfortable top with leggings or tights
- Water bottle
Workshop Size: Up to 6 students (At least 3 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Aerial Technique for Injury Prevention Workshop
Spin Tolerance and Aerial Endurance
Eager to try aerial lyra or twirling silks skills but can’t stomach the spinning? Finding yourself tired after just a minute in the air? We will build resilience and learn strategies for spin tolerance and endurance.
Cost: $35
Workshop Length: 1 hour
Experience Needed: Prior aerial experience STRONGLY recommended\
What to Bring:
- Comfortable top with leggings or tights. Socks recommended.
- Water bottle
Workshop Size: Up to 6 students (At least 3 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Spin Tolerance and Aerial Endurance Workshop
Aerial Improvisation
Gain confidence in your improvisational skills in the air. This workshop is geared toward aerialists who struggle without clear choreography or draw a blank if they forget their choreo. We will work on “finding flow” in aerial movement, learning how to change course if something goes amiss, and letting go of our perfectionist tendencies.
Workshop Length: 2 hours
Cost: $50
Experience Needed: Prior aerial experience with a good grasp of basic transitional skills on lyra and silks. Must be comfortable spending several minutes in the air — check out the Spin Tolerance and Aerial Endurance workshop, too!
What to Bring:
- Comfortable top with leggings or tights
- Water bottle
Workshop Size: Up to 8 students (At least 4 students required, or class will be rescheduled)
See available dates and times for the Aerial Improvisation Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your qualifications to teach and coach aerial dance?
I have been training in aerial dance for more than 8 years, specializing in aerial fabric (silks and hammock), lyra (hoop and frame), and trapeze. I received aerial teacher training through the Cheval Method, and I’ve now taught at 3 circus schools and counting!
Drawing upon my Master’s in anthropology, which included coursework in anatomy and physiology, I take a culturally inclusive, movement-driven approach to the circus and cabaret arts. I’m currently pursuing my personal training certification with a trauma-informed mindset.
Do I need to be thin and fit to take a workshop?
No and no! There are no size requirements for circus arts or dance. All you need is a willingness to learn and a respect for your body. That means as long as you’re willing to nourish and hydrate yourself — and listen to your body’s cues — you can participate in a workshop. I do recommend prior experience for certain workshops simply based on what we’ll be doing.