Beginner Circus Classes
These classes are completely beginner friendly. They require NO previous experience, and are open to students of all fitness levels and body types. All of our aerial classes have a student-instructor ratio of no more than 6:1. This small size allows us to work with each student individually, and at their own skill level. These classes accept circus credits.
Aerial Yoga
Designed for participants of all fitness levels, this class utilizes an aerial fabric hammock that hangs roughly three feet off the floor for an elevated take on traditional asanas. We swing, sway, breathe, and explore traditional yoga poses with a new relationship to gravity while staying close to the floor. The class begins on the mat, moves to expanded heights, and takes us home to a new sense of center. Beginners to both yoga and aerial are welcome in any aerial yoga class.
All Levels Rope and Spanish Web
This class is suitable for both brand-new and experienced students. Learn rope climbs, foot locks, hand and foot spins, inversions, and static (non-spinning) rope skills. Intermediate students will work on sequencing skills. If a student is strongly averse to spinning, they are welcome to join to learn climbs and static skills only. Spanish web/rope is a suitable stand-alone class, or is a fabulous compliment to silks training. This class is accessible to everyone of all bodies and abilities.
Beginner Aerial
This class is suitable for both brand-new students and existing students working to further develop coordination and control. Class time will be split between 2 coaches and apparatuses, allowing students to broaden their circus horizons in apparatuses such as silks, sling, rope, lyra, trapeze, and more. Learn something new every week, while also reviewing and expanding upon fundamentals. This class is accessible to everyone of all bodies and abilities.
Beginner Fabric
In this class we will practice fundamentals of silks and hammock vocabulary and body awareness, holding ones bodyweight, basic climbs, foot locks, and simple inversions (tilting the body upside down). Expect to learn short sequences that can be performed at a very low height, as well as body-strengthening exercises to develop a safe and strong aerial practice! Vianna's classes will also include elements of aerial dance and theatrical performance to give students tools for future choreography and performance endeavors! This class is accessible to everyone of all bodies and abilities. Pre-requisites: None!
Beginner Hammock
This class is great for total beginners, as well as experienced students who may be new to hammock (aka Sling). We'll cover a variety of shapes and transitions in hammock, and have tons of fun noodling around in a cocoon!
Beginner Lyra
This beginning lyra class is open to students trying aerial arts for the first time as well as students with some experience! We will warm up together, practice getting onto the lyra, and learn and practice different tricks, skills, and shapes. If there are intermediate or advanced students that want to join the class they'll practice foundational skills with the class before working on other skills. Each class will end with a cool down. This class is accessible to everyone of all bodies and abilities.
Beginner Silks
In this class, we will practice fundamentals of silks vocabulary and body awareness, holding ones bodyweight, basic climbs, foot locks, and simple inversions (tilting the body upside down). Expect to learn short sequences that can be performed at a very low height, as well as body-strengthening exercises to develop a safe and strong aerial practice! This class is accessible to everyone of all bodies and abilities. Pre-requisites: None!
Beginner/Intermediate Silks Sequencing
This class will explore movement through different shapes on a silk. You will explore technique, vocabulary, and creativity! If you already have silks experience, you will explore different approaches to moving in and out of established skills. Newcomers will learn basic moves as well as safe and comfortable navigation in and out of those moves. This class aims to help you build the creativity, transitions, and endurance for short routines. Pre-requisites: None.
Lyra+
Aerial is for all bodies. This class will focus on the Lyra from a plus size coach’s perspective. Our bodies are strong and the mechanics or way a move looks will vary depending on our body’s shape or size. This class will support you in accomplishing skills in a way that takes advantage of your body’s strengths while ensuring you feel supported and safe.
Sling - All Levels
Designed for those interested in expanding sling vocabulary and pathways. Previous sling experience not required. The class will adapt to fit the goals of the student.
Strength and Flexibility
This class is an excellent choice for students who are brand new to aerial arts or for existing students looking to further develop their strength and active flexibility! We will utilize a variety of aerial apparatuses and props to strengthen and lengthen our muscles. Class material will change weekly but will always include callisthenic exercises and stretches that can be repeated at home. Do you have any specific aerial-related goals? Share them with your instructor and you will receive personalized exercises to target them!
Beginner/Intermediate Silks
This class is suitable for aerialists with experience on silks who are looking to improve upon coordination and control. This class is a great clinic for students who are feeling stuck on particular silks techniques such as inversions and hip keys. Sequences will be built from a combination of new skills and things learned in beginner silks.
AcroYoga
AcroYoga is a form of partner acrobatics that is fun and accessible for anyone! It combines elements of yoga acrobatics and thai massage. No experience is required and you don't need to come with a partner. We work in groups of three: A base a flyer and a spotter. We make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to try all three of these positions with each move and we usually shuffle the groups up randomly throughout the class. This class involves physical contact so good personal hygeine is a requirement. Open to ages 15+.
Youth Aerial Apparatus
In this class children ages 7-14 will be introduced to aerial silks as well as a variety of other apparatuses including but not limited to: lyra trapeze rope wheel and basic tumblingpyramids. There is an emphasis on form and safety positive self-talk and supportive teamwork. Students are encouraged to attend the same daytime slot each week in order to make the most consistent and comprehensive progress. This class is accessible to everyone of all bodies and abilities.Pre-requisites: None
Queer Circus Jam
Welcome to the circus! The second Sunday of each month we host a donation-based space for queer artists and those new to or curious about circus to come explore movement with guidance from two of our super cool queer instructors. Come explore pole lyra sling trapeze silks or take time to work on handstands juggling acro stretching or anything else that strikes your fancy! This space is open to all folks who identify as LQBTQIA non-binary trans and more! We welcome all bodies and abilities. 14+ all bodies welcome no-sign up required no experience necessary. If you create an account on our website you may sign up in advance and will be able to digitally fill out the waiver. If you do not create an account we will need you to come a little early so you can fill out a waiver in person. We can host up to 12 people and we are so excited to see you!
Juggling
We have a free, casual juggling group for adults! If you are interested in getting more information our juggling group, please contact us at (423) 212-6622.
Intermediate / Advanced Circus Classes
These are classes that require some previous experience. Talk to any NOCA instructor, or contact us at (423) 212-6622 if you're unsure whether you qualify.
Intermediate/Advanced Lyra
This class is suitable for aerialists with pre-existing experience on lyra. Students are expected to be self-motivated and willing to do challenging conditioning exercises, as dynamic skills that require spotting from a coach will be introduced regularly. Release moves/drops will be introduced, but for students who are averse, we will also introduce various rolls, balances, and longer sequences built from beginner/intermediate material. Prereq: Pull-up, and pull over
Intermediate 2/Advanced Lyra
This class is suitable for aerialists with pre-existing experience on lyra. Students are expected to be self-motivated and willing to do challenging conditioning exercises, as dynamic skills that require spotting from a coach will be introduced regularly. Release moves/drops will be introduced, but for students who are averse, we will also introduce various rolls, balances, and longer sequences built from beginner/intermediate material. Prereq: Pull-up, and pull over
Intermediate Silks
This class is suitable for aerialists with experience on silks who are looking to improve upon coordination and control. This class is a great clinic for students who are feeling stuck on particular silks techniques such as inversions and hip keys. Sequences will be built from a combination of new skills and things learned in beginner silks.
Intermediate Bar Apparatus
This class will dabble in a variety of bar apparatuses including trapeze, lyra, and wheel. Students may be asked to utilize a shared apparatus at the same time as a partner and manually support eachother (with hands-on spotting from a coach). A strong sense of body awareness is required to keep students safe. Students will execute skills using the apparatus ropes / span sets. As such we will be expand on material learned from various other beginner-level classes. Pre-Requisites: Ability to execute a pullover unassisted. Ability to safely hang from two knees without using hands. Ability to hold body up in a tuck position with bent arms.
Intermediate/Advanced Sling
Hammock is a wonderful playground for those looking to use what they know from other apparatus in a new and beautiful realm. Hammock generally feels safer and more accessible than other apparatus. If you have a clean inversion, this class will allow you to expand your repertoire.
Advanced Silks
This class is suitable for aerialists with substantial pre-existing experience on silks. Endurance and conditioning will be emphasized in this class, with the goal of learning drops and incorporating them into longer, more strenuous sequences than previous silks classes. Students are encouraged to wear unitards/leotards and pants, or tight thick clothing that covers their abdomen and knees.Pre-reqs: strength and vocabulary to stay in air for 5 minutes
Open Gym
Open gym time for instructors only.
Contortion Acro
In this class, we will move beyond basic flexibility training and into the balance and skill required to execute skills such as: basic tumbling, handstands, walkovers, chest stands, group pyramids, and standing scales. Calisthenic exercises will be introduced to increase safe range motion and stability. It is encouraged but not required to also attend Contortion Flex. Prereqs: instructor approval, ability to hold a bridge/backbend/wheel pose for 30+ seconds, willingness to hold body weight on ones hands.
Contortion/Flexibility
In this class, we will move beyond basic flexibility training and into longer, more intense stretches designed to execute skills such as: oversplits, backbends, straddles, standing scales. Calisthenic exercises will be introduced to increase safe range of motion and stability. Students are encouraged to wear warm layers of clothing. Prereqs: Instructor Approval, ability to hold a bridge/backbend/wheel pose for 30+ seconds, ability to hold split for 90+ seconds (does not have to be flat!)
Intermediate Aerial
This class is suitable for aerialists with pre-existing experience on any variety of circus disciplines. Class each week will explore silks, sling, rope, lyra, trapeze, and more. Classes will incorporate a blend of learning new skills and executing beginner skills within longer sequences.
Novice/Intermediate 1
Somewhere between my Beginner class and Sam's Intermediate class. We'll work on more complex transitions, a handful of small drops, more dynamic skills, and longer sequences. More challenging conditioning will be introduced and utilized. Pre-requisites: Willing to work towards more challenging mounts. Must have a solid double knee hang, and willing to work on hanging with straight arms and bent arms. If you want curriculum heavier on rolls, drops, dives, balances, and all things advanced at a more challenging level, consider Sam's Intermediate 2/Advanced Lyra class. Please reach out via the NOCA phone number if you are not sure which class is right for you. Feel free to take both classes if you are already very experienced in lyra and consistently working at an intermediate or advanced level.