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Adult Classes (16+)

Drop-in Classes

All classes below are available by drop-in

★ If you are new to the studio ★ we recommend taking a Foundations class first of all. It's a great place to start and meet the coaches. We want you to get the most out of your circus training, we can use this Foundations class as a chance to asses which level will best suit you. 

 

For any questions at all, please contact us at info@islandcircusspace.com

Remember to check out our new studio policies regarding Covid-19 before you register

Aerial Disciplines

Aerial Newcomer

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Aerial Discipline

 

 

Curious about Aerials but unsure where to start? Come to Aerial Newcomers! This class is for absolute beginners who want to come and try a variety of aerials, build strength and learn the basics with other beginners in a supportive environment. 

Prerequisites:

  • none!

Aerial Hoop

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Aerial Discipline

Aerial hoop is of a circular metal ring hung from the ceiling, sometimes called a lyra. The rigid foundation of the hoop allows space for creative dance, flow and strength in and around! Many skills in Aerial Hoop and Trapeze disciplines are interchangeable and compliment each other nicely. Typically for Foundations, we teach Aerial Hoop & Trapeze together.

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations - none

  • Intermediate - 5 second bent arm hang, double knee hang, gazelle, pull over, straddle back balance, front balance, able to hold an inverted straddle hang and get up onto a raised hoop or trapeze without assistance.

  • Advanced - chin-up pullover to front balance, single arm and single knee hangs, clean tuck and straddle invert, meathook or actively working towards meathook, experience with dynamic movements (ie. barrel rolls and monkey rolls) 

Aerial Trapeze

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Aerial Discipline

Trapeze is an apparatus made with a horizontal bar and ropes. One of the classic circus apparatuses! You learn to manipulate your body around the ropes and bar. Having the combination of these two hard/soft elements makes room for both grace and grit! Many skills in aerial hoop and aerial trapeze are interchangeable and compliment each other nicely. So come get up off the ground! Typically for Foundations, we teach Aerial Hoop & Trapeze together.

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations - none

  • Intermediate - 5 second bent arm hang, double knee hang, gazelle, pull over, straddle back balance, front balance, one arm hang minimum 5 sec single knee hang, able to hold an inverted straddle hang and get up onto a raised hoop or trapeze without assistance.

  • Advanced - chin-up pullover to front balance, single arm and single knee hangs, clean tuck and straddle invert, meathook or actively working towards meathook, experience with dynamic movements (ie. barrel rolls and monkey rolls) 

AERIAL HAMMOCK

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Aerial Discipline

Aerial hammock is similar to aerial silks but instead of two open ended pieces of fabric, the hammock makes a loop in which you can suspend yourself off of the ground. Aerial hammock is a very versatile apparatus in that it is a great way to familiarize yourself with the feel of silks without initially requiring all of the strength to climb up the silks, and it can also be a very challenging apparatus in and of itself! 

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations - none

  • Intermediate - 5 second bent arm hang, mermaid, arabesque, candycane roll, straddle back balance, hipkey, falling angel drop, able to invert from standing in the loop

  • Advanced - Extensive aerial hammock experience is required to attend this class (permission must be granted by your aerial hammock instructor at Island Circus Space in order to attend this class), able to free invert from a bent arm hang in the air

AERIAL SILKS

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Aerial Discipline

Aerial silks is a very elegant and visual apparatus which involves the acrobat creating a variety of knots and wraps in fabric suspended from the ceiling. In the foundations class you will be introduced to the basic climbs, knots and wraps as well as build up your strength and familiarity with the apparatus. Let's get you soaring!

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations - 5 second bent arm hang

  • Intermediate - basic climb, footlock in the air, double footlock, able to invert with ease, 10 second inverted straddle hang, 

  • Advanced - Fluency in a wide range of skills and the ability to troubleshoot when something doesn't go as planned, X-cross back, double star drop, hipkey, slack drop, triple falling angel, and are able to straddle invert cleanly with straight legs

AERIAL STRAPS

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Aerial Discipline

Aerials straps is an awe-inspiring discipline and a feat of strength. Straps are one of the most simple aerial disciplines but don't let this fool you, it is also one of the most challenging disciplines. In this class you will learn shapes and holds, proper wrap and roll-up techniques, and how to use momentum in a controlled and efficient way.

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations - 5 hanging leg-lifts, 5 chin-ups, able to invert cleanly with straight legs from hanging

AERIAL Rope

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Aerial Discipline

Rope is a dynamic and graceful apparatus that has many similarities to aerial silks, but different in that instead of two pieces of fabric there is just simply one rope. Building on your knowledge gained from silks class, rope will take your aerial experience to a new level.

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations - Silks Foundations class *(this is essential in order to learn the basic wraps and climbs as these will not be taught in the rope foundations class). Basic climb, Russian climb, footlock in the air, hipkey, able to invert with ease, 5 second bend arm hang, 10 second straddle inversion hang, 5 second flamenco grip flag hold5 hanging leg-lifts, 5 chin-ups

AERIAL YOGA

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Aerial Discipline

Aerial yoga is a mixture of aerials and yoga. The hammock is kept close to the ground and becomes a swing in which to support and stretch the body in mid-air. Aerial yoga has particular benefits in strengthening and stretching the whole body, decompressing the spine, improving circulation, and lifting one's mood. Elevate your yoga practice!

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

none!

AERIAL SILKS/Rope Dynamics

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Aerial Discipline

Aerial Silks/Rope Dynamics -

From beats, to back-dives, hip key roll ups and half releases, there is so much repertoire on both aerial silks and aerial rope that stems from understanding and building on momentum pathways. Often not-intuitive for the aerial body type (it's less about squeezing hard and more about relaxing fast!), this class is focused on building conditioning and comfort with momentum pathways on either apparatus - unlocking new transitions and pathways for the rest of your repertoire.

 

Prerequisites: Suitable for intermediate/advanced students only (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Intermediate - basic climb, footlock in the air, double footlock, able to invert with ease, 10 second inverted straddle hang, 

  • Advanced - Fluency in a wide range of skills and the ability to troubleshoot when something doesn't go as planned, X-cross back, double star drop, hipkey, slack drop, triple falling angel, and are able to straddle invert cleanly with straight legs

Acrobatic Disciplines
Partner Acrobatic Disciplines
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HANDSTANDS

Acrobatic Discipline

Handstands are fun and accessible, and with a little bit of persistence, open up a whole new world of movement possibilities. No matter your handstand level, you will find just the right challenge for you! Handstands truly are a great practice to invest in. 

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations -  no significant limitations of mobility

  • Intermediate - Comfortable and consistent 10s straight freestanding handstand. No matter your handstand level, we recommend you first attend a foundations class to learn our handstand vocabulary, and the instructor will inform you when you are ready to move to intermediate.

  • Advanced - this class is by invite only. Students must be able to hold a minimum 30 second free handstand without any assistance in a variety of shapes and transition freely between shapes. 

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TUMBLING

Acrobatic Discipline

Have you ever found yourself saying “I wish I did gymnastics as a kid” or think “I would love to be able to do a flip”? Well now is your chance! This class will break down body mechanics and positions which are foundational to dynamic tumbling skills. You will work towards further developing your spatial awareness with protected falls and landings to grow your confidence in your acrobatic abilities.

*Please note we will not specifically be teaching back tucks but rather the skills necessary to prepare your body for moves such as that. If a back tuck is already a skill in your repertoire then we will be able to work with you to improve your technique and help you further advance your skill level.

**Our space has padded but not sprung floors

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations -  no significant limitations of mobility

  • Intermediate - bridge, cartwheel, able to kick to handstand in free space comfortably, dive roll, jump full turn

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CYR WHEEL

Acrobatic Discipline

A mix of surfing, skateboarding, object manipulation, acrobatics and finding your flow, cyr wheel is a great combination of them all. But be careful it’s highly addictive! Cyr wheel is a simple metal circle in which the acrobat moves and spins, conceptually it is similar to a coin spinning on a table. Find how to generate your own momentum to make this wheel move!

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations -  none

  • Intermediate - waltz, familiarity with manipulation movements and how the wheel moves

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CHINESE POLE

Acrobatic Discipline 

Chinese pole is an acrobatic apparatus that allows you to combine your strength, endurance and acrobatic agility. Think of it as a mixture of pole dance technique, rock climbing and acrobatics, all combined together into an awe-inspiring discipline. If you have done pole dance before, the difference with this type of pole is that it has a rubber coating and does not rotate. Space is very limited for this class.

 
Attire: please wear jeans with some stretch, flat soled rubber shoes and a long sleeve shirt (all items that you won't mind if they get a few tears in them)

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations -  Five second bent arm hold, a hanging pike leg lift, forward roll, and are comfortable being upside-down

  • Intermediate - Chinese pole foundations, able to invert at the top of the pole, baby slide from the top to the bottom, inverted leg switches

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ACRO Yoga

Partner Acrobatic Discipline

Acro yoga is the practice of L-basing, where one partner lies on their back (the base) and lifts the other partner into the air (flyer) with the guidance of a spotter. You will learn to balance and communicate as a partnership and build new friendships in the process. Acro is a fun and welcoming practice that will have you improving your flexibility and stability without even noticing!

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations -  none

  • Intermediate - confidence flying and/or basing bird, throne, folded leaf, star and cartwheel without the assistance of a spotter

Notes: You do not need a partner to attend these classes

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Partner Acrobatics

Partner Acrobatic Discipline

Partner Acrobatics is an awe-inspiring discipline which involves the base tossing and balancing the flyer in very complex acrobatic movements. This class will cover a variety of techniques including foot to hand, hand to hand, columns, pitches, tempos, counterbalances and more.

 

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations - general body awareness and a baseline of good bodyweight strength. No partner requiredNo Partner is required for the Foundations level

  • Intermediate - You must base or fly consistent and solid: 2 high, standing foot to hand, standing high bird  You are required to register with a partner at Intermediate level

  • Advanced - You must base or fly consistent and solid: 10 second standing hand to hand, pitch to reverse foot to hand. You must obtain approval from ICS to attend this class, email us info@islandcircusspace.com. You are also required to register with a partner at Advanced level

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ICARIAN

Partner Acrobatic Discipline

Icarian is the fun and dynamic practice of L-base popping! Different from Acro Yoga pops, Icarian involves a full release of contact in the air before the base catches the flyer. This class will focus on building strength, precision, timing and trust and is great for calibrated pairs looking to take their partner acrobatic practice to the next level.

Prerequisites: (prerequisite skills listed must be achieved with ease and by memory before moving to that level)

  • Foundations -  flyers: previous exposure to AcroYoga with confidence flying basic transitions including cartwheel, reverse star and throne. Bases: exposure to AcroYoga with enough hamstring flexibility to L-base with straight legs. Confidence basing cartwheel, reverse star and throne.

  • Intermediate - tuck jump, flat top half turn, bird to straight leg throne and back connected

Are you coming to class? Make sure you preregister online beforehand! 

Please familiarize yourself with the Mindbody App as this is a quick and convenient way for regular students to register for the classes they wish to attend.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Be sure to register ahead of time to reserve your spot.

Classes which do not meet the minimum registration 24 hours prior to the start of the class will be cancelled.

FOUNDATIONS

ADVANCED

Advanced classes are for those who have an in-depth understanding of a specific discipline and are working towards free movement and creation in their craft. 

There are specific prerequisites that must be met in order to register for Advanced level classes.

INtermediate

Intermediate classes are for those who have previous experience in that specific discipline. This is where you will learn a variety of skills and gain confidence to begin linking movements together. There are prerequisites you must meet before you register for Intermediate level classes.

Foundations Classes will teach you the bones of each discipline. We focus on strengthening the specific areas of your body you'll use in each discipline. We will give you the tools to progress further, faster and safely! No previous experience is necessary but you must have a general body awareness and no significant mobility restrictions. Please note that some foundations classes have pre-requisites

New to

the Studio?

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Aerial disciplines 

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*

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So where shall I start?

 

Scroll down for details on all of our Aerial Discplines but here's a quick overview of how you might typically progress

Hey beginners! These 2 classes* are a great place to start

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so, where shall I start?

 

Scroll down for details on all of our Acrobatic Discplines but here's a quick overview of how you might typically progress

*The great news is only Chinese Pole Foundations has prerequisites so if you're a beginner you can join Handstands, & 
CYR Wheel!

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Manipulation

disciplines 

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Partner Acrobatic disciplines 

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Acrobatic 

disciplines 

Juggling and Hula Hoop
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JUGGLING

Manipulation Discipline

Juggling is such a fun and addicting pastime, and even better, it's accessible to everyone! Whether you're brand new to  juggling, or if you know how to juggle with balls and are looking to step up your game to learn with rings or clubs, this class is for you!

Prerequisites: 

  • Foundations -  none

  • Intermediate - 3 ball juggling

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HULA HOOP

Manipulation Discipline

Welcome to the world of hula hooping! This class will teach and refine the basics and build upon these to build up your skill repertoire. No experience is necessary and intermediate practitioners are welcome too!

Prerequisites:

none

Flexibility and Conditioning

FLEXIBILITY

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Supporting Class

Flexibility truly is the key to functionality, whether you are simply looking to keep your body healthy and agile or to progress your skill as an athlete or acrobat. This class will break down the mechanics of stretching techniques and help you reach further, split deeper while protecting your back and joints. 

Prerequisites:

none

CIRCUS CONDITIONING

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Supporting Class

Circus in and of itself is a form of wellness training. Circus conditioning explores the strength, stamina, balance, endurance and flexibility of what goes into being an acrobat and aerialist. Participants should be comfortable performing full body exercises. You will be exposed to a variety of different ground and aerial disciplines which will give you a workout like none you've ever experience before, and more importantly, in a fun and accessible way. Get ready to turn your fitness regime upside down!

Prerequisites:

​none

★ These classes will complement your progress by building strength or increasing flexibility to allow for greater freedom of movement in your discipline. These classes are also available to anyone looking for a fun form of fitness!

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Supporting 

classes

Manipulation
disciplines

Looking for Partner Acro classes

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