Aerial Silks FAQ
I'm brand new — where should I start?
Start with any class labeled Beginner or All-Levels. Those classes are built to support first-timers and returning students at the same time — you'll be given options and progressions so you can work at the right level for your body and experience.
If you're unsure which class fits your goals (strength, flexibility, artistry, confidence, "just try it once," etc.), reach out and we'll help you pick a great first class.
If you're unsure which class fits your goals (strength, flexibility, artistry, confidence, "just try it once," etc.), reach out and we'll help you pick a great first class.
I want to try aerial silks, but I have no upper body strength (yet). Is that okay?
Yes — and you're in very good company. Most people do not arrive with aerial-specific strength. We teach beginner-friendly skills that build strength and coordination over time, and we'll give you variations so you can participate fully from day one.
Consistency matters more than "starting strength." Even one class per week can create noticeable progress — and if you pair classes with gentle cross-training (mobility, yoga, basic strength work), you'll progress faster.
Consistency matters more than "starting strength." Even one class per week can create noticeable progress — and if you pair classes with gentle cross-training (mobility, yoga, basic strength work), you'll progress faster.
Is it safe?
Safety is our #1 priority. Aerial is a real physical activity with some inherent risk — but it can be practiced responsibly in a professional environment with trained instructors and clear safety standards.
At NOCA:
At NOCA:
- Aerial classes are capped so instructors can actively coach and supervise.
- Students are required to work over an 8" crash mat in group classes.
- Beginners learn skills low and controlled, with clear limits on height and skill selection.
- If something feels unsafe for you, you can always say "no," ask for a spot, or come down.
I'm nervous / I'm afraid of being embarrassed. Everyone will be better than me, right?
Totally normal fear — and no, you're not "behind." Aerial has a learning curve, and everyone starts somewhere.
NOCA classes are intentionally non-competitive and judgment-free. You'll often see different levels in the same room, and that's expected. We don't want you comparing yourself to others — we want you building your own skills safely, steadily, and with support.
NOCA classes are intentionally non-competitive and judgment-free. You'll often see different levels in the same room, and that's expected. We don't want you comparing yourself to others — we want you building your own skills safely, steadily, and with support.
I'm bigger-bodied. Is that okay? Is there a weight limit?
Bigger-bodied students are welcome here. There is no “aerial body type,” and we work hard to create a supportive, body-positive environment.
Our equipment is professional, purpose-built, and inspected as part of our safety culture — and we focus on teaching technique that works for your body mechanics. Some skills may feel different at different sizes (that's normal), and we'll help you find the right pathways and progressions.
Our equipment is professional, purpose-built, and inspected as part of our safety culture — and we focus on teaching technique that works for your body mechanics. Some skills may feel different at different sizes (that's normal), and we'll help you find the right pathways and progressions.
What should I wear? What about jewelry and piercings?
Wear athletic clothing you can move in. Many students prefer fitted clothing that stays in place when you invert or climb. Longer fabric coverage can also make wraps more comfortable (for example: leggings that cover the backs of knees).
Important safety rule: remove or fully cover all jewelry and anything with metal parts — including piercings, zippers, clasps, and similar hardware — before participating. If you're not sure whether something is safe, ask your instructor before class.
Important safety rule: remove or fully cover all jewelry and anything with metal parts — including piercings, zippers, clasps, and similar hardware — before participating. If you're not sure whether something is safe, ask your instructor before class.
Do I need to register ahead of time?
Yes. All students must have a NOCA account and a completed waiver before participating. Instructors must verify your waiver before you touch any apparatus.
We don't have a full-time front desk/receptionist, so we rely on the online system for registration, waivers, and cancellations. If you need help getting set up the first time, reach out — we're happy to help.
We don't have a full-time front desk/receptionist, so we rely on the online system for registration, waivers, and cancellations. If you need help getting set up the first time, reach out — we're happy to help.
When should I arrive? What if I'm late?
Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and be ready to start on time.
If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, instructors may refuse to let you participate. This is because the warmup is an important part of the class for safety, and missing it can increase your risk of injury.
What is your cancellation / late cancel policy?
Because class sizes are small, late cancellations affect both instructors and other students who could have taken the spot.
Early cancel: cancel 24+ hours before class to keep your credit.
Late cancel: cancel within 24 hours and you'll lose the class credit.
Early cancel: cancel 24+ hours before class to keep your credit.
Late cancel: cancel within 24 hours and you'll lose the class credit.
I have an injury, medical condition, or disability. Can I take class?
Often, yes — but it depends on the situation and the type of class. We're not medical providers, so we can't give medical advice. If you're unsure what's safe for you, ask your licensed healthcare provider first.
If you're cleared to participate, please tell your instructor what they need to know (no private details required — just the information that helps us coach safely). We can often offer modifications or suggest a class type that's a better fit.
If you're cleared to participate, please tell your instructor what they need to know (no private details required — just the information that helps us coach safely). We can often offer modifications or suggest a class type that's a better fit.
Can I take classes while pregnant?
Pregnancy participation is handled safety-first and case-by-case. We can't give medical advice — this is ultimately a decision between you and your licensed healthcare provider.
In general, beginner-level aerial training has a higher fall-risk profile (new skills, unexpected balance loss), so we typically can't accommodate beginner pregnant students in aerial classes. If you are already training with us and become pregnant, continued participation may be considered with instructor approval and (when requested) written clearance from your OB/GYN or midwife.
If you're pregnant and want ground-based options, please contact us before purchasing credits so we can guide you to the safest option for your situation.
In general, beginner-level aerial training has a higher fall-risk profile (new skills, unexpected balance loss), so we typically can't accommodate beginner pregnant students in aerial classes. If you are already training with us and become pregnant, continued participation may be considered with instructor approval and (when requested) written clearance from your OB/GYN or midwife.
If you're pregnant and want ground-based options, please contact us before purchasing credits so we can guide you to the safest option for your situation.
I've taken aerial somewhere else. Can I jump into intermediate?
Maybe — and we're glad you're here! Different studios use different terminology, progressions, and safety standards, so we usually start with one of two pathways:
Option A (most common): Take a Beginner or All-Levels class first so we can get to know your movement patterns, safety habits, and vocabulary, and then we'll recommend placement.
Option B: Book a private lesson for a focused skill assessment and placement recommendation (especially helpful if you're returning after time off, or if you trained at a very different type of program).
Either way, we'll meet you where you are — safely.
Option A (most common): Take a Beginner or All-Levels class first so we can get to know your movement patterns, safety habits, and vocabulary, and then we'll recommend placement.
Option B: Book a private lesson for a focused skill assessment and placement recommendation (especially helpful if you're returning after time off, or if you trained at a very different type of program).
Either way, we'll meet you where you are — safely.
What are the class rules / studio expectations?
The full policies live in the NOCA Handbook, but a few big ones to be aware of include:
No teaching other students. (Including spotting or technical advice.)
No equipment before class begins or after class ends.
No impairment. Students must be sober and not impaired.
Be kind. NOCA is an intentionally non-competitive environment, and we do not tolerate harassment or discrimination.
These rules exist to protect safety and create a great experience for everyone.
No teaching other students. (Including spotting or technical advice.)
No equipment before class begins or after class ends.
No impairment. Students must be sober and not impaired.
Be kind. NOCA is an intentionally non-competitive environment, and we do not tolerate harassment or discrimination.
These rules exist to protect safety and create a great experience for everyone.
What is Open Gym?
Open Gym is supervised practice time for students to work on skills they have already learned in class — it is not a class, and not a time to experiment with new moves from the internet.
To attend Open Gym, you must:
• Be 16+
• Have taken at least 10 NOCA aerial classes on the apparatus you want to use, with the most recent class within the past 30 days
• Have instructor permission
Teaching during Open Gym is not permitted. If you want coaching, book a class or a private lesson.
To attend Open Gym, you must:
• Be 16+
• Have taken at least 10 NOCA aerial classes on the apparatus you want to use, with the most recent class within the past 30 days
• Have instructor permission
Teaching during Open Gym is not permitted. If you want coaching, book a class or a private lesson.
Can I bring a friend to watch? Can I observe a class first?
Because classes are small and personal, we don't treat group classes like spectator events. In some cases, observation may be allowed with instructor approval — but it's limited, and observers must follow studio rules (including no photos/videos without explicit permission).
Note: Aerial Yoga classes do not allow observers because the class format benefits from a calm, private environment.
Note: Aerial Yoga classes do not allow observers because the class format benefits from a calm, private environment.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes — private lessons are a great option if you want faster progress, a more personalized plan, or help returning after time off or injury. Private lessons can also be used for skill assessments and placement recommendations.
In some cases, class credits can be exchanged toward a private lesson (see the handbook for current details).
In some cases, class credits can be exchanged toward a private lesson (see the handbook for current details).
Do students get to perform?
Performance opportunities vary over time, but YES — when we produce showcases or performances, we love helping students build skills toward that goal. Participation is always optional, and we treat performance as a supportive educational experience.
If performing is a goal for you, tell your instructor — we'll help you build a safe pathway toward it.
If performing is a goal for you, tell your instructor — we'll help you build a safe pathway toward it.
Can I buy my own silks and rig at home?
We strongly discourage home rigging and unsupervised aerial training. Aerial rigging and aerial coaching are specialized skill sets, and most homes are not designed for the kinds of dynamic forces aerial can create.
If you're serious about a safe home setup, it typically requires professional consultation and is more complex (and expensive) than people expect. In most cases, you'll get better results — and stay much safer — training in a professional studio environment.
If you want a deeper dive on why home aerial rigging is risky and what responsible planning looks like, sign up for our Aerial Rigging Fundamentals class.
If you're serious about a safe home setup, it typically requires professional consultation and is more complex (and expensive) than people expect. In most cases, you'll get better results — and stay much safer — training in a professional studio environment.
If you want a deeper dive on why home aerial rigging is risky and what responsible planning looks like, sign up for our Aerial Rigging Fundamentals class.
Do any classes have prerequisites?
If a class has prerequisites, they'll be listed in the class description. If none are listed, the class is beginner-friendly and open to anyone.
If your question wasn't answered here, give us a call or text at (423) 212-6622!
