Do I Need Upper Body Strength To Take Class?

Nope! That's exactly what classes are for; building you up!

Intro classes are for absolute beginners to learn the basics. Boot camp classes are excellent for students of all levels, as those with more experience will be offered more challenging material. You don't need to be able to do a pull up to begin aerial training!

Where Are Your Locations?

The Ann Arbor Aviary is located in Ann Arbor ONLY. Please see the Location page for map link & directions!

How Much Does It Cost?

Please see Prices and Cancellations.

Is There a Minimum Fitness Level Required?

All levels and all body types are welcome! Persons with very limited mobility may find the pace of group classes too challenging and may prefer one-on-one training.

It is recommended that everyone check with their physician before beginning a new exercise program, but students with the following conditions must consult their doctor before participating in aerial acrobatics:

• pregnancy
• glaucoma
• recent surgery (exp. shoulder, chest, eyes, back, hip, hand, or wrist)
• heart disease
• very high or low blood pressure
• vertigo
• osteoporosis/bone weakness
• head injury/tbi
• cerebral sclerosis
• fainting/vasovagal syncopy
• carpal tunnel
• severe arthritis
• sinusitis or head cold
• hiatal hernia
• disc herniation or degenerative disc disease
• recent stroke
• artificial joins
• radiculitis
• sciatica
• severe muscle spasms

How are Classes Structured?

Classes are offered in monthly 4-week sessions, though some sessions may be shorter due to holidays and instructor availability. If a session does not sell out, it may be opened for single class sign-ups at the discretion of the instructor.

Enrollment for the next month opens two weeks into the current session, on Monday. Please see the class schedule for upcoming enrollment dates.

Current students may ask their instructor to early enroll them the week before open enrollment but must have an unused 4-class session credit on their account.

Do You Offer Youth Classes?

Private classes are available for students under 18. Lessons may be arranged for individuals and groups of all ages. Please see Private Instruction for details.

Children may not attend group classes. Only those 18+ may register for group classes, regardless of their physical condition and/or previous experience.

We believe that playing is an essential part of happiness and health, one which is often left behind as we age. As there are many opportunities for young people to be challenged and supported in a playful, creative, and physically active environment, we ask that you respect our studio policy and our mission to provide adult only spaces for play. We will not make an exception for your child.

What Level Class Should I Take?

If this is your first foray in the aerial arts, welcome!

You should begin in an intro or conditioning class. Intro classes are for absolute beginners to learn the basics. Conditioning classes are excellent for students of all levels, as those with more experience will be offered more challenging material.

Students will stay in each level until they have mastered the skills necessary to graduate to the next level class. This process is individualized and may require repeating the same level course multiple times before you are physically and mentally ready to level up. We recommend taking ground skills and/or conditioning classes to accelerate your progress and speaking with your instructor to determine when you will be ready to move up to the next class level. Please check in with your instructor if you feel ready to move up.

I Have Previous Aerial Experience, Do I Have To Take An Intro Level Class?

Not if you have already mastered the skills listed in the leveled class prerequisites! They are located in the class descriptions under Classes (above). Find the class level that is appropriate for you, then contact us with a message stating that you have reviewed and meet the prerequisites for that class level. We will update your account and you'll be all set to enroll.

If you're not sure what level would be best, try a conditioning class or a private lesson. The instructor will be able to help you find the right level, just ask them!

You will not be able to enroll until your account permissions have been updated.

How Many Students Are in Each Class?

Floor Work (dance, yoga, etc.) classes have a maximum of 8 students per class.

Aerial classes are 1-2 students per apparatus, with 5 to 6 apparatuses available in each class. New material is introduced by the instructor one student at a time. There is a maximum of 6 students in the air at any time, only practicing material that has been cleared by the instructor as appropriate without one-on-one guidance.

Workshops may have different class maximums, which will be included in the description under Workshops.

Can I Try a Single Class/Do You Offer Free Classes?

We do not offer free classes or drop-ins, but you can sign up for a single class prior to arriving to the studio.

If the single class you would like to attend is sold out, you may add your name to the waitlist, but you must have a credit already in your account. If a spot becomes available, you will receive an automated email from CircusDB, notifying you that you have an opportunity to join. Receiving this email will not automatically enroll you in the class or deduct from your credits, you must sign yourself up.

How Do I Sign Up?

I Purchased the Credit, Why Can't I Sign Up?

If you do not meet the age or skill prerequesites for the class, you will not be able to sign up. All Aviary classes are for ages 18 and up. The prerequesites for each class are list in both class desciptions under Classes (top of page) and in CircusDB.

Can I See Your Schedule Without Registering?

For an overview of the general class schedule, session enrollment dates, and special events, please see the class schedule.

Do I Have to Sign Up Before I Arrive to Class?

YES! There are no drop-in classes at the Aviary. All students must register and sign up BEFORE arriving at the studio. Please click "Sign Up" above to sign into CircusDB (our online scheduling system).

Class credits must be purchased before signing up for class, and students must purchase credits/sign up for all classes they wish to take before arriving to the studio - we do not have support staff or a cash register onsite.

Is There a Wait List for Sold Out Classes?

Wait listing is available for single classes and workshops, but you must have the appropriate credit already in your account to add your name. If a spot becomes available, you will receive an automated email from CircusDB, notifying you that you have an opportunity to join. Receiving this email will not automatically enroll you in the class or deduct from your credits, you must sign yourself up.

How Do I View My Schedule, Past Classes, etc?

First, click "Sign Up" above to sign into CircusDB (our online scheduling system). Then click on "View Account History" at the bottom of the page. From your account history page, you can see your basic information, past and pending classes, payments, and account log (anything you have done in CircusDB).

What Should I Wear or Bring to Class?

Please see Class Policies for attire and recommendations.

What Should I Expect When I Arrive for Class?

Please see the Class Policies.

I Want to Bring a Friend to Class, How Do I Register Them?

All students must have their own separate account in our online scheduling system.

This account must be created, and the included waiver signed by the student themselves or, if under 18, the student's parent or legal guardian.

If the student is under 18, a parent or legal guardian MUST be present at their first class.

We can link family and friend accounts so that you only have to remember one password to sign everyone up and you can share credits between linked accounts. Please contact us once all accounts have been created) to be linked!

Can I Bring a Guest or My Child to Watch Class?

No guests or observers are allowed without instructor permission, and children must be accompanied by an adult who is not participating in class.

Do You Offer Private Instruction?

Please see Private Instruction.

What is Play Flight and How Do I Sign Up?

Please see Play Flight.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Yoga Mat, Blocks, etc.?

Yes, please check the class descriptions for recommended props and bring your own, if possible. The Aviary has a limited number of mats, blocks, etc. which students may borrow, clean, and return at the end of class.

Can I Take Photos/Videos in Class?

The Aviary does not allow students or observers to record videos or take pictures during class. unless permission has been expressly granted by the instructor. The taking of videos/pictures during class is entirely up to the instructor’s discretion.

If you are recording videos/taking pictures in the studio, DO NOT record your fellow students (or anyone else) without their consent! Please be aware of your surroundings and who is in the background of your shot.

Aviary staff may record videos and take photos during class. We will not email these recordings or photos to individual students; they will be posted to our social media for you to copy/download. It is our policy to never tag students in these photos, in case you want to keep your circus secret, but we strongly encourage you to tag yourself and show your friends and family all the amazing stuff you can do!

What if I Miss a Class?

Please see Prices and Cancellations.

What is the Aviary's Cancellation/Refund Policy?

Please see Prices and Cancellations

What Happens If the Aviary Cancels a Session, Class, or Workshop?

Please see Prices and Cancellations

How Do I Find Dates & Tickets for Upcoming Shows?

Please see Upcoming Shows.

What is LIFT OFF?

Featuring performances from our wonderful students, LIFT OFF is a showcase of their hard work and talent. A new theme is chosen for each event and unique routines are created to convey what that theme means to the performer. All students are invited to participate! Audiences can expect amazing displays of their achievements in dance, circus skills, and the aerial arts. Please see LIFT OFF for upcoming dates. If you'd like to audition or run tech for an upcoming show, please see Auditions.

How Do I Book an Aviary Performance for My Event?

Please see Booking.

How Do I Purchase and Rig My Own Equipment at Home?

PLEASE DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR. There are many conditioning exercises which can be safely practiced at home without rigging an apparatus. Safely rigging an aerial apparatus takes specialized training, equipment, and insurance. Rigging at home may require an attractive nuisance clause to your homeowner's insurance or void it altogether. Not all items sold as aerial apparatus online have been adequately safety-rated and there are companies/persons known in the community for selling unsafe and mislabeled equipment. Please see Rigging at Home for more details.

How Do I Know the Rigging/Equipment is Safe at The Aviary?

While equipment failure is always a possibility, the Aviary has taken all possible steps to ensure the safety of all visitors. Each of the Aviary’s rig points is rated to hold 4,000 lbs. and the entire system is designed so that each point can be loaded to the max at the same time. It was installed by To the Moon Rigging in coordination with the Oxford Properties construction team and required consultation with and approval from the building’s structural engineer. Our equipment is purchased only from trusted distributors who have safety rated their equipment and is inspected regularly.

How Can I Keep Up to Date on Aviary News, Schedule Changes, Upcoming Events, Etc.?

Please see News.

Do YOu Offer Gift Certificates?

Yes, we do! Please click HERE to purchase.

How Do I Contact the Aviary If I Have a Question That is Not Covered Here?

Please contact us via email.

You are welcome to drop by the studio and observe class from the hallway, but the Aviary does not have a front desk or receptionist on-site. The studio is only open while class is in session and the instructors cannot interrupt class to answer questions.

Why Can't I Just Call You?

The Aviary is a micro-business, we have no support staff to answer phone calls. Please contact us via email!