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About Upside Aerial
Why is Circus Arts training becoming so popular? It's an awesome workout that feels more like playtime than exercise. Playgrounds shouldn't just be for little kids. Adults need playtime too! At Upside Aerial Arts & Fitness, we encourage adults of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels to dance, climb, play, and fly! We offer aerial and circus arts classes that build strength and flexibility while providing a fun, creative outlet. We pride ourselves on our welcoming, supportive, non-competitive environment. We offer aerial and circus arts group classes for adults (age 16+), private lessons (age 9+), parties (age 9+) and professional event entertainment.
What We Offer
Aerial Silks, Lyra (Aerial Hoop), Sling (Aerial Hammock), Trapeze & More!
Group Classes &
Private Lessons
Aerial Parties
Event Entertainment
How To Start
New to Aerial & Circus Arts? Get started with one of these:
Adult Beginner Classes
Intro to Aerial Silks, Lyra (Aerial Hoop), Sling and Intro to Aerial Sampler classes are open to beginnners, age 16+. Get our discounted Intro to Aerial package: 4 Intro classes for $76.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are perfect for anyone wanting more personal attention, age 9 to adult. Choose the Private Lesson option listed under each Class type to learn more!
Semi-Private Lessons
Split a Private Lesson with your friends or family! You can bring groups of 2 to 14 participants, age 9 to adult. Choose the Semi-Private option listed under each Class type to learn more.
Plans and Pricing
Class Packages
Buying packages of classes & services is a great way to save money and make booking even easier!
Single Sessions
Just want to try it? Try a Drop-In class or Private Lesson. Try a Semi-Private Lesson to cut the cost by bringing friends!
Gift Certificates
Give experiences instead of stuff! Our e-gift cards can be used for group classes, private lessons, workshops and more.
This was @cathyseltz’s last day at Upside. She’s off to a new adventure in Scotland. Your Upside family loves you, Cathy!
🎪 🏴 ♥️
#circusfamilyforlife
🎪 🏴 ♥️
#circusfamilyforlife
Announcement🚨: @jamesretrospect officially completed the Upside Lyra Mentorship program and has joined the Upside instructor team! We are thrilled to welcome James and can’t wait for you to take a class with him.
Swipe for the moment we surprised him with the certificate. 🥰
Join James for Intro to Lyra Saturdays at 10:30am! ⭕️♥️
Thanks to @raeacro for capturing the moment. 📸
Swipe for the moment we surprised him with the certificate. 🥰
Join James for Intro to Lyra Saturdays at 10:30am! ⭕️♥️
Thanks to @raeacro for capturing the moment. 📸
What's Up at Upside- February Newsletter: (Link in Bio to read!)
🎪 Fabric Theory 101 Workshop with @michellespurlock - 2/23
🎪 Feb Aerial Classes
🎪 Sign up to perform in our Spring Showcase or Chicago production
🎪 Join us for locally touring circus shows: Solstice & Rouge
🎪 Spring Financial Aid Application Deadline
📸 @paulholmesphoto
🎪 Fabric Theory 101 Workshop with @michellespurlock - 2/23
🎪 Feb Aerial Classes
🎪 Sign up to perform in our Spring Showcase or Chicago production
🎪 Join us for locally touring circus shows: Solstice & Rouge
🎪 Spring Financial Aid Application Deadline
📸 @paulholmesphoto
Upside instructors and staff gathered yesterday for our annual maintenance day. They installed pretty new lights, cleaned the studio top to bottom, and did safety inspections! Can’t wait to see you all in the studio!🎪♥️🎪♥️🎪
✨🎪 It’s that time again! SHOWTIME! Check your inboxes or visit the url below to learn all the details about our Spring Showcases: Whimsy & Wonder!
✨🎪 Upside Aerial’s biannual showcases are a chance to celebrate our community, share our art with family and friends & get excited about what we do as aerialists!
✨🎪 At Upside, our goal is to support adults of any age, size, color, fitness background, sexual orientation or gender identity through the joy of circus arts & aerial dance!
✨🎪 The performer sign up deadline is FEBRUARY 10th so make sure to read the showcase newetter and sign up to tell us you’re interested!
https://shorturl.at/pwhPR
✨🎪 Upside Aerial’s biannual showcases are a chance to celebrate our community, share our art with family and friends & get excited about what we do as aerialists!
✨🎪 At Upside, our goal is to support adults of any age, size, color, fitness background, sexual orientation or gender identity through the joy of circus arts & aerial dance!
✨🎪 The performer sign up deadline is FEBRUARY 10th so make sure to read the showcase newetter and sign up to tell us you’re interested!
https://shorturl.at/pwhPR
🚨 Did you know Upside Aerial has a new Dance Trapeze class Wednesdays at noon with @michellespurlock?
🎪Hang, swing, wrap and spin! Single-point dance trapeze is a versatile aerial apparatus that allows exploration of both soft and hard apparatuses: soft aerial apparatuses (like aerial silks and sling) allow you move the apparatus around your body. Hard apparatuses (like lyra/aerial hoop) don’t change shape so you move your body around them. Trapeze is unique because it combines a soft apparatus (the ropes) with a hard apparatus (the steel trapeze bar). You get the best of both worlds with trapeze!
🎪This intermediate-level 75-minute trapeze group class is for adult students (age 16+) with previous trapeze experience. Students should have solid straight arm and bent arm hangs and the ability to invert in the air. Familiarity with foundational trapeze skills (Catcher’s, Corset, Double Knee Hang/Hocks, and various mounts - tuck under, pullover, and angel/single knee hook mount) are ideal. Not sure if you have adequate experience? Contact us! New to trapeze? Book a Private or Semi-Private Trapeze Lesson to get you ready to join this group class.
#Trapeze #AerialTrapeze #DanceTrapeze #CircusLife #CircusArts #Aerialist #AerialFitness #ncaerialists #burlingtonnc
🎪Hang, swing, wrap and spin! Single-point dance trapeze is a versatile aerial apparatus that allows exploration of both soft and hard apparatuses: soft aerial apparatuses (like aerial silks and sling) allow you move the apparatus around your body. Hard apparatuses (like lyra/aerial hoop) don’t change shape so you move your body around them. Trapeze is unique because it combines a soft apparatus (the ropes) with a hard apparatus (the steel trapeze bar). You get the best of both worlds with trapeze!
🎪This intermediate-level 75-minute trapeze group class is for adult students (age 16+) with previous trapeze experience. Students should have solid straight arm and bent arm hangs and the ability to invert in the air. Familiarity with foundational trapeze skills (Catcher’s, Corset, Double Knee Hang/Hocks, and various mounts - tuck under, pullover, and angel/single knee hook mount) are ideal. Not sure if you have adequate experience? Contact us! New to trapeze? Book a Private or Semi-Private Trapeze Lesson to get you ready to join this group class.
#Trapeze #AerialTrapeze #DanceTrapeze #CircusLife #CircusArts #Aerialist #AerialFitness #ncaerialists #burlingtonnc
🚨 January Newsletter has arrived! 🚨
🎪 Inclement Weather Policy
🎪2025 Community Questionnaire
🎪New Lyra Teacher, James Dodd
🎪February Class Offerings Update
🎪Dance Trapeze, Intro Aerial Sampler
🎪Performance Opportunities
🎪Spring Financial Aid Application
Deadline
Check your inboxes or visit the url to read about all the exciting things happening at Upside!
https://shorturl.at/G2C2q
🎪 Inclement Weather Policy
🎪2025 Community Questionnaire
🎪New Lyra Teacher, James Dodd
🎪February Class Offerings Update
🎪Dance Trapeze, Intro Aerial Sampler
🎪Performance Opportunities
🎪Spring Financial Aid Application
Deadline
Check your inboxes or visit the url to read about all the exciting things happening at Upside!
https://shorturl.at/G2C2q
🎪♥️ This week we sent four more High Flyer Fund Award letters to scholarship recipients! If cost is an issue limiting your ability to fly with us please apply by MARCH 31 to be considered for our next cycle!
🎪♥️Aerial and circus arts classes are more expensive than typical fitness classes. Class sizes are kept small to allow for personalized instruction from highly trained teachers with years of specialized experience. In addition, the high cost of liability insurance and expensive aerial and rigging equipment means we have to charge more for our classes to keep the studio running.
🎪♥️The High Flyer Fund is supported by community donations and stems from Upside’s deep commitment to making quality aerial education more accessible.
🎪♥️If you would like to give the gift of flight please consider donating to the fund!
🎪♥️For more information, to donate to the fund, or to apply for a scholarship please visit the url below:
https://www.upsideaerial.com/financial-aid-donations
🎪♥️Aerial and circus arts classes are more expensive than typical fitness classes. Class sizes are kept small to allow for personalized instruction from highly trained teachers with years of specialized experience. In addition, the high cost of liability insurance and expensive aerial and rigging equipment means we have to charge more for our classes to keep the studio running.
🎪♥️The High Flyer Fund is supported by community donations and stems from Upside’s deep commitment to making quality aerial education more accessible.
🎪♥️If you would like to give the gift of flight please consider donating to the fund!
🎪♥️For more information, to donate to the fund, or to apply for a scholarship please visit the url below:
https://www.upsideaerial.com/financial-aid-donations
New Class 🚨‼️: Hang, swing, wrap, and spin in our new class, Dance Trapeze with @michellespurlock Wednesdays at 12:00pm!
🎪♥️🎪
Single-point dance trapeze is a versatile aerial apparatus that allows exploration of both soft and hard apparatuses: soft aerial apparatuses (like aerial silks and sling) allow you move the apparatus around your body. Hard apparatuses (like lyra/aerial hoop) don’t change shape so you move your body around them. Trapeze is unique because it combines a soft apparatus (the ropes) with a hard apparatus (the steel trapeze bar). You get the best of both worlds with trapeze!
🎪♥️🎪
PREREQUISITES: This intermediate-level 75-minute trapeze group class is for adult students (age 16+) with previous trapeze experience. Students should have solid straight arm and bent arm hangs and the ability to invert in the air. Familiarity with foundational trapeze skills (Catcher’s, Corset, Double Knee Hang/Hocks, and various mounts - tuck under, pullover, and angel/single knee hook mount) are ideal.
🎪♥️🎪
Not sure if you have adequate experience? Contact us! New to trapeze? Book a Private or Semi-Private Trapeze Lesson to get you ready to join this group class.
🎪♥️🎪
Sign up under the classes tab on our app or website!
🎪♥️🎪
Single-point dance trapeze is a versatile aerial apparatus that allows exploration of both soft and hard apparatuses: soft aerial apparatuses (like aerial silks and sling) allow you move the apparatus around your body. Hard apparatuses (like lyra/aerial hoop) don’t change shape so you move your body around them. Trapeze is unique because it combines a soft apparatus (the ropes) with a hard apparatus (the steel trapeze bar). You get the best of both worlds with trapeze!
🎪♥️🎪
PREREQUISITES: This intermediate-level 75-minute trapeze group class is for adult students (age 16+) with previous trapeze experience. Students should have solid straight arm and bent arm hangs and the ability to invert in the air. Familiarity with foundational trapeze skills (Catcher’s, Corset, Double Knee Hang/Hocks, and various mounts - tuck under, pullover, and angel/single knee hook mount) are ideal.
🎪♥️🎪
Not sure if you have adequate experience? Contact us! New to trapeze? Book a Private or Semi-Private Trapeze Lesson to get you ready to join this group class.
🎪♥️🎪
Sign up under the classes tab on our app or website!
Check your inboxes for the December Newsletter!
❄️Winter Schedule
❄️Financial Aid Application Deadline
❄️Merch Pick-up
❄️Intro Aerial Sampler 1/3
❄️Gift Certificates and More!
❄️Winter Schedule
❄️Financial Aid Application Deadline
❄️Merch Pick-up
❄️Intro Aerial Sampler 1/3
❄️Gift Certificates and More!
🎁🎪Give the gift of flight this holiday season with an Upside Aerial Arts and Fitness Gift Card! Gift cards can be used for group classes, private lessons, workshops, or any service we offer!
🎁🎪Get a gift card for the aerialist in your life under the Pricing tab of our website!
🎁🎪Get a gift card for the aerialist in your life under the Pricing tab of our website!
They’re here! The second batch of Fall Showcase photos have arrived. Another big thanks goes to Hal Schnee for capturing these amazing images!
🎪✨🎪✨🎪
🎪✨🎪✨🎪
♥️ Curious about aerial arts but not sure where to start? Come to Intro to Aerial Sampler Class Fridays at 7:30pm with @kirsten.j.barker ! 🎪
♥️ This 75-minute class is your perfect introduction to silks, sling, trapeze, and lyra! Absolutely no experience necessary. Designed for adult beginners (age 16+), this class will guide you through the basics of each apparatus, giving you a taste of what it’s like to lift off and explore new heights. You’ll learn fundamental techniques, build strength, and gain confidence in a supportive, fun environment. 🎪
♥️ Sign up under Intro Classes on our website or app!🎪
♥️ This 75-minute class is your perfect introduction to silks, sling, trapeze, and lyra! Absolutely no experience necessary. Designed for adult beginners (age 16+), this class will guide you through the basics of each apparatus, giving you a taste of what it’s like to lift off and explore new heights. You’ll learn fundamental techniques, build strength, and gain confidence in a supportive, fun environment. 🎪
♥️ Sign up under Intro Classes on our website or app!🎪
Are financial concerns preventing you from taking classes (or from taking them as frequently as you would like)? Upside Aerial is committed to improving access to circus arts! Our High Flyer Financial Aid Fund was established to help students (ages 16+) offset the cost of 8- and 16-class packages! Awards are made quarterly.
🚨‼️The next application deadline is December 31. If you are in need we encourage you to apply! 🚨‼️
Please visit the URL below to apply or to make a donation and help give someone the gift of flight! 👇
https://www.upsideaerial.com/financial-aid-donations
🚨‼️The next application deadline is December 31. If you are in need we encourage you to apply! 🚨‼️
Please visit the URL below to apply or to make a donation and help give someone the gift of flight! 👇
https://www.upsideaerial.com/financial-aid-donations
Our first set o Fall Showcase photos are in! Big thanks to Hal Schnee for capturing these amazing images! 🎪✨🎪✨🎪
Amazing circus show alert🚨:
Check out @circusevo’s Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience in Durham February 13th, 2025.
Get $5 off the ticket price for a limited time with the promo code CircusEVO5! Grab your tickets before they’re gone. It’s sure to be a magical evening. ❄️ ✨
Website: https://www.circusevo.com/solstice
Check out @circusevo’s Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience in Durham February 13th, 2025.
Get $5 off the ticket price for a limited time with the promo code CircusEVO5! Grab your tickets before they’re gone. It’s sure to be a magical evening. ❄️ ✨
Website: https://www.circusevo.com/solstice
What a weekend at Upside Aerial! Thanks to the director and cast of Unraveled and to everyone who came out to support this remarkable show! 💜
Hello, lyra lovers. ⭕️❤️ Have you noticed our lyra classes have been revamped? We moved away from a level system and are now offering classes based on movement qualities or families. After all, lyra is about freedom of movement and channeling your own special vibe to the aerial arts world! ✨⚡️
Please visit the “classes” tab of our website or app to read the new class descriptions and pre-requisites.
⭕️ Mondays at 5:45pm Topsy Turvy Lyra with @aerialashanti
⭕️ Tuesdays at 7:15pm Lyra Transitions & Flow with @mollie_roses
⭕️Fridays at 6:00pm Friday Night HOOPla with @aerialashanti
⭕️Saturdays at 10:30am Intro to Lyra with @mollie_roses & instructor trainee @jamesretrospect
⭕️Saturdays at 12:00pm Lyra Slithering Saturdays 🐍 with @mollie_roses
See you in ⭕️ soon! #lyralove
Please visit the “classes” tab of our website or app to read the new class descriptions and pre-requisites.
⭕️ Mondays at 5:45pm Topsy Turvy Lyra with @aerialashanti
⭕️ Tuesdays at 7:15pm Lyra Transitions & Flow with @mollie_roses
⭕️Fridays at 6:00pm Friday Night HOOPla with @aerialashanti
⭕️Saturdays at 10:30am Intro to Lyra with @mollie_roses & instructor trainee @jamesretrospect
⭕️Saturdays at 12:00pm Lyra Slithering Saturdays 🐍 with @mollie_roses
See you in ⭕️ soon! #lyralove
Check your inboxes and read our November Newsletter! There’s so much happening at Upside. ✨
🎪 Unraveled performance November 16th at 7pm (5pm show is sold out!)
🎪New merch including totes, joggers, and cold weather options available to order through Nov. 23 with the new or original logo
🎪New Silks, Drops, & Roll class Tuesday at 4pm with @michellespurlock
🎪New Intro to Aerial Sampler class with @kirsten.j.barker (selected dates)
🎪Next round of High Flyer Fun Financial Aid Applications due December 15th
🎪Fall Showcase feedback form now posted!
🎪Opportunities to train with visiting Aerial Coach @kalyansayre Nov 29-Dec 2
🎪Gift cards and Aerial Dancer Ornaments available for purchase!
🎪 Unraveled performance November 16th at 7pm (5pm show is sold out!)
🎪New merch including totes, joggers, and cold weather options available to order through Nov. 23 with the new or original logo
🎪New Silks, Drops, & Roll class Tuesday at 4pm with @michellespurlock
🎪New Intro to Aerial Sampler class with @kirsten.j.barker (selected dates)
🎪Next round of High Flyer Fun Financial Aid Applications due December 15th
🎪Fall Showcase feedback form now posted!
🎪Opportunities to train with visiting Aerial Coach @kalyansayre Nov 29-Dec 2
🎪Gift cards and Aerial Dancer Ornaments available for purchase!
Team Lyra doing very serious training at Upside. Aerialist version of sportsball?
Join us on Saturday, November 16th for Unraveled! Unraveled is a departure from traditional showcase performances at Upside Aerial. This captivating piece features narration, floor dance, and multiple aerial dancers performing in tandem on various apparatuses, including aerial silks, aerial sling, aerial hoop, and a double-stacked trapeze.
Through the lens of the myth of Eurydice, Unraveled explores the unpredictable nature of life and how it unfolds beyond our control.
Written by Weston Barker and directed by Kirsten Barker, an instructor at Upside Aerial, Unraveled evolved from Kirsten’s Sunday morning class, “Upside Downtime,” where students are encouraged to find their own authentic expression using the skills they know on the apparatuses they love.
There will be TWO shows on November 16th due to limited seating. The first show is at 5pm and the second show is at 7pm. Doors and seating open 30 minutes before showtimes.
Purchase tickets under the events tab of our website or app!
Through the lens of the myth of Eurydice, Unraveled explores the unpredictable nature of life and how it unfolds beyond our control.
Written by Weston Barker and directed by Kirsten Barker, an instructor at Upside Aerial, Unraveled evolved from Kirsten’s Sunday morning class, “Upside Downtime,” where students are encouraged to find their own authentic expression using the skills they know on the apparatuses they love.
There will be TWO shows on November 16th due to limited seating. The first show is at 5pm and the second show is at 7pm. Doors and seating open 30 minutes before showtimes.
Purchase tickets under the events tab of our website or app!
Upside Aerial Arts & Fitness Fall Showcase Part 2 was amazing! Special thanks to @michellespurlock, @gooddaykelly, and all the dedicated coaches, students, and loved ones who made both showcases possible. We are grateful for our aerial family and so proud of you all.
♥️🎪♥️🎪♥️
♥️🎪♥️🎪♥️
Here’s a sneak peak of the dazzling aerial displays and revelry from Showcase Part 1. We had a blast! Showcase 2 is today. Purchase your tickets under the events tab of our website or app!
Get excited! It’s Showcase 1 day, but it’s also merch launch day! New merch with a new logo is now available for order. We’ve added tote bags, joggers, and other cooler weather options for your layering pleasure! All the original products from the first merch run are also available with the new Upside Aerialist logo. We’ll be taking orders from Saturday, November, 2nd to Saturday, November 16th so be sure you don’t miss the window. You can view and purchase all the merch under the shop tab of our website or app! Happy flying!
🎪❤️🎪❤️🎪
🎪❤️🎪❤️🎪
Purchase Showcase 2 tickets under the events tab of our app or website!
Get ready for @dreemon17! She will be performing this energetic silks piece that’s sure to make you smile! Showcase 1 Saturday night is SOLD OUT, but you can buy tickets to showcase 2 on Sunday under the events tab of our website or app!
🩵✨🩵✨🩵✨
🩵✨🩵✨🩵✨
Upside Aerial Arts & Fitness Showcases are Saturday and Sunday! Our next performer is Hal! Hal will be performing to Five Hundred Crows by Ellis Delaney. You can catch his performance Sunday! Purchase tickets under the events tab of our app or website! 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
@raeacro will share her strength and grace with us when she performs this aerial silks piece Saturday! You don’t want to miss it. Purchase tickets to both shows under the events tab of our app or website!
❤️🖤❤️🖤
❤️🖤❤️🖤
Our next performer is @sapphire.sunset.spins! You won’t want to miss her very first Upside showcase performance on lyra Saturday, November 2nd! Purchase tickets under the events tab of our website or app. ❤️⭕️❤️⭕️
Our next performer is @brity8! She’s been taking aerial classes for 1 year and can’t wait to share all she’s learned. You can catch her performance Sunday, November 3rd @upsideaerial! Purchase tickets under the events tab of our app or website!
✨💖✨💖✨
✨💖✨💖✨
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