Aerial Arts

Parent Q&A

Select any title to view the full question and replies.

  • I am looking for a place to sign my 13yo for aerial classes. Does anybody have experience with/thoughts about Upswing Aerial Dance or Tea Dancers in Berkeley? I see they use the same facility but have different directors, and I am wondering if they differ in approach or -- for lack of a better word -- vibe. My teen has really strugglednwitg anxiety and overwhelm since the beginning of the pandemic, and they need a kind & enthusiastic instructor and a place where they feel welcomed. They're also on the tall& heavy side and have become deconditioned over the past few years, so patience & skill with building up strength would be good. 

    I would also be interested if people have any experience with Skyhigh Odditorium or Kinetic Arts aerial programs. 

    One main difference between Upswing Aerial Dance/Tea Dancers and Skyhigh Odditorum/Kinetic Arts Center is the style of aerial. Upswing and Tea Dancers seems to be more 'dance' related while Skyhigh and Kinetic Arts Center is more circus-style acrobatics. In my experience, circus studios are very accepting of every body and ability (aerial is hard!), but one place I would recommend in particular for the 'vibe' you are looking for is Athletic Playground in Emeryville. They have a very rich set of classes for kids and adults and I think they have built a nice laid-back community for anyone to feel welcome.

  • There are 3 terrific aerial and acrobatic studios in Oakland, but we are sick of the commuting headache/nightmare since moving to El Cerrito. I am wondering whether anyone knows of any similar studios in Contra Costa county, preferably west CCC? I am looking specifically for circus arts/aerial/acrobatics classes for two young girls.

    Thanks a lot.
     

    UC Village has some great circus/aerial arts programs and it's not too far from El Cerrito.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Trapeze arts/aerial summer camp?

March 2006

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has had experience with either Trapeze Arts Circus Camp or Studio 12 ''Girls Who Fly'' aerial summer camp, or the regular classes for either of these programs. I have an athletic 12 year old who would love to try these, but first I'd like to talk with someone who can fill me in on the pros and cons. Thanks! eve


My athletic 10 year old has taken two 5-week sessions of Cherie Carson's ''Girls Who Fly'' at Studio 12 and loved it. Cherie is a wonderful teacher - very patient, inspiring and creative. I believe this is the first summer that she is offering the camp and I'm sure it will be of the same high quality as her classes. She has multiple activities planned to keep the girls engaged and active! Jen