Getting Started

aerial for every body

We welcome all bodies, ages, genders, and backgrounds to try aerial arts at Coil!

No, there is no weight limit.

Next Aerial for EVERY Body sessions:

  • Friday, March 28th*, 4:15 - 5:45pm

  • Saturday, April 26th, 1:00 - 2:30pm

    *This class is listed as “Intro to Aerial Arts Teaser” — the curriculum is essentially the same and everyone is always welcome!!!

belly dance

Beginners are always welcome in Bellydance1, Tuesdays at 6:30pm

Learn the basics of this aesthetic apparatus in a one-hour intro class!

Upcoming Intro to Lyra:

Lyra

Learn to fly

Ready to jump in to your new high-flying hobby? Learn to Fly is a 3-week course that will earn you prerequisites for Silks 1 and Sling 1 classes at Coil.

Upcoming sessions:

Learn More

YOGA and FLOOR EXERCISES

Yoga at Coil is centered around our signature offerings — Aerial Yoga and Acro Yoga! While these classes might be quite different than what you can find at other studios, they’re always beginner-friendly.

Any class on our schedule with “yoga” in the title is open to brand new participants. Sign up today!

Aerial yoga: As pictured above, you’ll use an aerial sling as a prop to deepen and stabilize some poses. Most poses have multiple challenge levels open to participants. Class always ends with a cocoon savasana (rest pose).

Restorative aerial yoga: This 45-minute, slow-paced class feels like a midday nap. You’ll move gently through some restful stretches using multiple props, including an aerial sling lowered close to the floor.

Acro yoga: This partner-based practice incorporates assisted lifts, acrobatics, and tons of joy. Bring a partner or come as you are; our skilled coaches will guide you through the basics.

Non-yoga floor options: We also offer hand balancing, flexibility, and hula hooping classes! These are all beginner friendly!

BELLYDANCE

Modern belly dance is a fusion of early and mid-century ballet and Hollywood influences on Middle Eastern, North African, and Asian folkloric dance, the result being a modern, stylized form of movement with a theatrical flair. Coil teaches Fat Chance Style® belly dance, which was originated by Fat Chance Belly Dance of San Francisco, CA.  Fat Chance Style® is based on group improvisation rather than choreography. The FCBD® system uses a standardized “vocabulary” of dance movements with built in cues and transitions that make it possible for dancers to improvise together in set formations. This vocabulary, and these formations, are what you will be introduced to in Level 1. 

How to get started: Level 1 classes on Tuesdays at 6:30pm are drop-in friendly — come check it out!

AERIAL

Aerial arts are a type of performance in which one or more artists perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from a special fabric (aerial silk) or apparatus, such as a lyra (aerial hoop). Performers climb the suspended fabric without the use of safety lines, and rely only on their training and skill to ensure safety. They use the fabric to wrap, suspend, fall, swing, and spiral their bodies into and out of various positions.

Coil's aerial classes focus on safety, strength building, and learning climbing and trick techniques in order to have you dancing sans gravity as easily as possible!

Getting started usually involves an intro class or series to establish some fundamentals.

Kids Aerial Silks (ages 9-13): 4-week sessions start each month

Dance Trapeze: Requires Lyra experience

Aerial Rope: Requires Silks level 2 experience plus Intro to Rope

YOGA

Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely with minimal restriction is recommended. Class is done barefoot, though no-slip socks are also appropriate.  Some community yoga mats are available to borrow for class. Bring a water bottle and a towel for sweat if necessary. 

 For aerial yoga, no zippers or snaps on clothing. Long hair should be tied back, and absolutely no jewelry should be worn on the hands, wrists, or feet during class; this is both for your safety and to prevent tears in our aerial silks.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING FOR CLASS

BELLYDANCE

Comfortable exercise or dance clothing that allows you to move freely with minimal restriction is recommended.  Hip scarves or bellydance belts are welcome, and we have some coin scarves available to borrow.  Class is done barefoot; if necessary, dance slippers or shoes may be worn (example here).  For Bellydance Level 2, a set of zils (finger cymbals) are required (Saroyan Mastercraft zils are our recommended brand.) Bring a water bottle and a towel for sweat if necessary.

AERIAL

Long leggings or tights with shorts (NO ZIPPERS) are recommended on aerial silks/sling. No loose pants or tops, and ensure that the belly and armpits are covered. Long hair should be tied back, and absolutely no jewelry should be worn on the hands, wrists, or feet during class; this is both for your safety and to prevent tears in our aerial silks.  Bring a water bottle and a towel for sweat if necessary.