New Workshops and Class Changes

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Workshops

Tringle Workshop: Shapes and Transitions

Saturday, July 18 at 3:30 – 5:30pm

Explore shapes and transittions on this unique apparatus from VVolfy Metal Works!

Workshop limit: 6
$60 per student
No refunds, transfers, or credits.
Automatic signup with purchase

PREREQ:

  • 18+

  • Comfortable on metal

  • Some lyra experience

  • Mount and dismount unassisted

Find Your Flares Workshop with Madison

Saturday, August 8 at 3:30 – 5pm

In this workshop, we'll go over how to flare through a detailed breakdown of this spin-based skill. Learn how to move through the pathway starting on the ground before taking it to the air on a variety of different apparatuses (sling, trapeze, and straps).

Workshop limit: 6
$40 per student
No refunds, transfers, or credits.
Automatic signup with purchase

PREREQ:

  • 20 second engaged straight-arm hang

  • straddle invert,

  • spin tolerance

Note: Students do not need to have experience with any or all of these apparatuses as long as they meet the pre-reqs above.

Intermediate Aerial Chains Workshop

Sunday, September 27 at 1:15 – 2:45pm
Special guest instuctor Brittany Loren of Glovation Entertainment

Come daring and ready to level up with our intermediate aerial chains workshop! Students will learn a sequence with wraps and inversions and learn about chain safety! Find out how aerial chains differ from hammock and silks all while getting a great workout and stepping up endurance.

Workshop limit: 8
$45 per student
No refunds, transfers, or credits.
Automatic signup with purchase

PREREQ:

  • 18+

  • Standing straddle invert

  • Regularly attending any aerial class for at least one month

  • LAYERED CLOTHING - FULL ARMS AND LEGS COVERED

  • Trapeze boots or multiple pairs of socks

  • Fingerless gloves recommended

  • Pain tolerance: be prepared for pinchng and bruising

Intro to Aerial Arts Workshops

Now offered every other Saturday at 3 – 4:15pm!

For absolute beginners and first-time fliers! Students will explore warm-ups, conditioning exercises, and basic poses on the aerial apparatuses — trapeze, aerial fabrics, lyra. Come ready to sweat, smile, and be supported as you challenge both mind and body!

$25 per student
Credits expire 90 days from purchase
Reservations may be cancelled 24 hours in advance and the credit applied to a different Intro to Aerial Arts workshop before expiration

Check the Class Schedule for dates!

New Classes

Tuesdays with Katie

  • 6pm - Intro Dance Trapeze and Lyra

  • 7:15 pm - Dance Trap and Lyra 1

Learn on both apparatuses in this hybrid class! Starts in September

Moved Classes

Trapeze Classes with Cole moved to Fridays

  • 6pm - Intro Trapeze

  • 7:15pm - Trap 1

New Classes and Workshops for 2026!

Intro to Aerial Arts Monthly Workshop

3:00 - 4:15 pm on the 1st or 2nd Saturday of the month

For absolute beginners and first-time fliers! In this 75-minute workshop, students will explore warm-ups, conditioning exercises, and basic poses on the apparatus. Come ready to sweat, smile, and be supported as you challenge both mind and body!

Check the Class Schedule for dates!

Cross Training for Aerialists

Saturdays 11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Take your aerial skills to the next level with our 60-minute cross-conditioning class designed for aerialists. Build the strength, flexibility, and control you need on the ground to deliver flawless performance in the air. This dynamic workout blends Pilates foundations with targeted conditioning to help you master inverts, splits, and balances. Whether you’re preparing for a show or pushing toward new goals, this class gives you the edge to perform at your best.

Metal Madness Workshops

More dates to come in 2026!

July 2025

Just a few schedule updates and reminders!

Play Flight

Play Flight has moved to 3:30-5:30 PM on both Saturdays and Sundays

Tuesdays

Trapeze 1+ and Intro Trapeze are swapping times!

  • 6:00 PM — Trap 1+

  • 7:30 PM — Intro Trap

Sundays

  • 5:45 PM — Aerial Boot Camp is BACK!

  • 7:00 PM — Intro Aerial - Mixed Apparatus

7/26 AADL Summer Spectacular

Join the Ann Arbor District Library and the Aviary for an afternoon of aerial performance, face painting, food trucks, fun and games, and TONS OF SUMMER GAME POINTS!

Learn more

8/31 LIFTOFF Student Showcase

No audition necessary! Everyone is to perform in this informal recital — just sign up and submit your music before July 23rd!

sign up here!

Act Creation Workshop: Moving with Emotion

Saturday, May 31st 3:30-5:30 PM — $30

Emotion is energy in motion. In this 120-minute ground-based creative workshop, we dive into the expressive, emotional waters of our acts. This is for you if you are working on creating a new act, want to revive an old act, or have an idea for an act you want to create. We will explore vocabulary using an emotions wheel, spend time on journal prompts, discuss, and conduct body research as a group. By connecting to emotions that want to be expressed through us and our story, we offer the gift of presence to our adoring audience, and in being witnessed we receive a gift in return. Come with a notebook, a writing utensil, and an open mind and heart!

  • 18+ only

  • No skill prerequsites

  • No refunds, credits, or transfers

sign up

September 2024

October enrollment opens Monday, September 16th, at noon!

September Schedule Changes


Acro
Fridays at 7:00-8:00 pm with Kara and James

Acro returns to the Aviary! Join us for this floor-based acrobatic art that involves balances, lifts, and the creation of shapes performed in pairs or groups. Learn to base strong and fly high! Meet new people and stand on them! A practice partner is not required and absolute beginners are welcome.

A single class is available on 9/27, and then regular sessions will begin in October!

Please note: this class requires aerial credits

Thursday Classes with Cole

Silks 2 and Rope & Silks 2 will be on hiatus for September only.
We will return to regularly scheduled programming in November!

The Aviary Presents: UNEARTHLY
Saturday, November 1st at 6:00 and Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 pm


A scary, spicy, and spine-tingling Halloween show with more than 20 performances! Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, September 21st, at noon. This show sells out quickly every year, so get them asap!

Parental discretion is advised. We do not censor music or artistic expression; acts may contain adult themes, explicit language, and implied nudity.

Seating opens 30 minutes before the show and is first come, first seated.


Tickets 9/21 at noon!

Upcoming Breaks and Short Sessions

No regular classes are held during studio schedule breaks, but private instructor and special workshops may be offered. Stay tuned!

10/25-11/03/2024 - Fall Break 1

November
3-class session for Wednesday through Friday classes
3-class credits for November will be available 10/6-11/11

11/28-12/01/2024 - Fall Break 2

December
3-class sessions for ALL CLASSES
3-class credits for December will be available 11/4-12/9

12/23/2024-01/05/2025 - Winter Break

November enrollment opens on Monday, October 14th, at noon!

Coming soon - Sling 3! Dynamic Sling 2+! More class options!

August 2024

September enrollment opens Monday, August 12th, at noon!

September Special Workshop

AcroYoga - Saturday, November 7th, 3:45 - 4:45 pm

Join us for this 60-minute workshop with Kara and James, then let us know if you’d like a regular acro class on the schedule!

September Classes

New classes are coming in September, with more planned in the coming months. Stay tuned!
Classes will be held on Labor Day, 09/02/2024.

Spin Theory: Sling and Lyra 1 — Wednesdays at 4:45 pm with Katie

Learn the different methods of spinning on the apparatus, how to maintain a safe spin, how to avoid getting dizzy, and other helpful tips. 

PREREQ: This is a level 1 class.

  • Ability to mount and dismount the apparatus without assistance.

  • Desire to learn how to spin responsibly and understand the theory behind it. 

Span Play: Lyra 1 — Wednesdays at 6 pm with Katie

The spans aren't just for rigging; this class will explore new shapes above the hoop!

PREREQ: This is a level 1 class.

  • Ability to mount and dismount the lyra without assistance

The Aviary Presents: UNEARTHLY
Saturday, November 2nd, and Sunday, November 3rd

Are you ready to step into the spotlight? We’re looking for performers and techs for our Halloween show!

Auditions - 09/08/2024, 4-7 pm
Act concepts must center around the spooky season, Halloween, and/or the emotions brought up by the return of winter. Routines can be scary and intense or goofy and silly but must tie into the show's theme.

Learn more

Upcoming Breaks

No regular classes are held during studio schedule breaks, but private instructor and special workshops may be offered. Stay tuned!

10/25-11/03/2024 - Fall Break 1

11/28-12/01/2024 - Fall Break 2

12/23/2024-01/05/2025 - Winter Break

October enrollment opens Monday, September 16th, at noon!

April 2024

April Enrollment Open on 3/18/2024 at Noon

Spring Break 04/01-04/07/2024 - NO CLASSES

LIFT OFF: Revolution Saturday, 4/6, at 5:30 pm

Get your tickets now; we have limited capacity and they are selling fast!

April Schedule Changes

Modern Dance - starts immediately, single classes only
Mondays at 9 am with Amy

Lyra 1
Mondays at 5:45 pm with Katie - moved from Wednesday

Lyra 1
Wednesdays at 6 pm - moved from Monday

Dynamic Silks 2+
Sundays at 11 am with Cole - moved from Sundays at 12 pm with Cassie

Pole 1
Saturdays at 12 pm with Jon

Intro Pole
Sundays at 11 am with Amy

Pole Level 1 and Up
Sundays at 12:15 pm with Amy

May Enrollment Open on 4/22/2024 at Noon

March 2024

March enrollment opens 02/19/2024 at noon!

LIFT OFF: Revolution 04/06/2024

We are looking for additional stagehands for LIFT OFF! Absolutely no experience is necessary, but we do need you for every rehearsal and performance.

Please contact us if you are interested and available!

Learn more

March Schedule Changes

Play Flight

Play Flight has been added to Thursdays 11:30 am-1:30 pm with Cassie.

Saturday Play Flight will be with Anne from 3/9 - 3/30 and she will be available during this time for LIFT OFF participants who would like feedback on their routines.

Classes on Hiatus in March

Thursday Trapeze Reform School
Saturday Intro Pole

March Limited Series

Hooray for Belay!
Tuesdays at 7:15-8:15 pm with Anny

Tips and tricks to unlock this foundational movement and elevate your sling and/or sling practice.

PREREQ:

  • Ability to put on even double footlocks on ground or in air

Quirky Creations: Mixed Apparatus
Wednesdays at 4:45-5:30 pm with Katie

Join us for a new and unique aerial class! Students will explore one of three custom-made metal apparatuses from VVolfy Metal Works each week: Chair, Hexobi, and the new Nobi. This class will delve into the artistry and strength of curiosity in trying new and exciting things and is ideal for students with some experience. 

Space is extremely limited and this class will sell out fast!

PREREQ:

  • Comfortable on metal apparatuses

  • Mastery of side knee hook mount

  • Ability to hold grip on the bar for 5 seconds or more

April enrollment opens on 3/18/24 at noon!

Feb 2024

February Enrollment Opens 1/22 at noon (12pm EST)

Auditions for LIFT OFF: Revolution will be held on 2/18/2024

We want YOU to show off the amazing skills you’ve worked so hard to master! Worried about putting together a performance on your own? Book a private lesson with your favorite instructor to build confidence, plot out your routine, and troubleshoot with a professional performer to take your audition to the next level!

Learn more

February Limited Series


Lyra/Trap Audition Prep — extended through February due to student requests!
Thursdays at 6 pm with Stephanie

Combined with
PREREQ:  Mastery of all level 1 prerequisites on lyra and/or trapeze

Unlocking Hipkey
Tuesdays at 7:15pm with Anny

Tips and tricks to unlock this foundational movement! Elevate your sling and/or sling practice with the “key” component to even more fabulous choreography options.

PREREQ: Basic climb and a basic understanding of what hipkey is

March enrollment opens 2/19/24 at noon!

Jan 2024

January Session Enrollment Opens on 12/11 at Noon (12 PM EST)

Winter Break

The studio will be closed from 12/24/2023-1/6/2024. There will be no classes, play flight, or private lessons during this time, and only urgent emails will receive a response. We’re taking a real vacation and we hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!

January Limited Series

LIFT OFF: Revolution auditions are on 2/18/2024. Build confidence, plot out your routine, and troubleshoot with a professional performer to take your audition to the next level!

Silks/Sling Audition Prep — January Limited Series
Tuesdays at 7:15 pm with Anny

PREREQ:  Mastery of all level 1 prerequisites on silks and/or sling

 

Lyra/Trap Audition Prep — January Limited Series
Thursdays at 6 pm with Stephanie

PREREQ:  Mastery of all level 1 prerequisites on lyra and/or trapeze

Auditions 2/18/24 at 4 PM

Auditions for LIFT OFF: Revolution are open to all students and staff. This show is happening just a few days before the solar eclipse and auditionees should plan routines with science, magic, and discovery in mind. Awe-inspiring celestial, cultural, or personal revolutions are welcome.

Learn more

Private Lessons

We’ve updated our private lesson schedule, which is very limited times/days due to both studio and instructor availability. Please speak with your instructor before/after class to make arrangements, or send a request to the studio.

Request a Private Lesson

Gift Certificates

Looking for a last-minute gift sure to knock their socks off? Give the gift of flight! Gift certificates are available for private lessons for ages 6 and up, and full session or single group lessons for 18 and up.

Gift Cert Order Form

If you made it all the way here, you get a prize! Enter promo code jan24 for $10 off a 4-class aerial session. Expires 60 days after purchase. Happy solstice!

Dec 2023

December enrollment opens on Monday, 11/13, at noon

Scholarships!

Monday, November 13th will also be the Aviary’s 8,000th* class! In honor of this momentous occasion, and our amazing return to LIFT OFF, we are offering the following scholarships. Anyone is eligible, so feel free to send the application to friends. These scholarships are available for December only and cannot be applied to future sessions. The deadline for applying is 11/12/2023!

  • Full December enrollment in the pole or aerial class of choice for 4 students plus 3 Play Flight credits to be used in December.

  • Full December enrollment in the floor work class of your choice for 4 students plus 3 Play Flight credits to be used in December.

*Since we switched to CircusDB as a scheduling system. Thank you to all the folx who have been with us for the many more classes that were held before that! <3

Class Updates

  • Sunday classes and Trap Reform School will be 3-Class Sessions. You have two options for the shortened sessions.

    • Purchase a 3-Class Session credit and use it to enroll in a 3-Class Sessions

    • Purchase a 4-Class Session Credit, use it to enroll in a 3-Class Session, and have a remaining single credit on your account for use on a single class.

  • Pole classes - Amy is taking a break in December and Jon will be offering All Level Pole classes on Tuesdays and Sundays. New students will focus on the basics, while students with more experience will be offered more challenging drills.

    • Tuesdays at 6pm

    • Sundays at 12:15pm

  • Thursday silks classes with Cole will be on hiatus for December, but she will be offering a mixed Rope and Silks class in January. See details below!

New Classes

Dynamic Silks 2+ — December Limited Series
Sundays at 12:15 pm with Cassie

For silks students level 2 and up, this class will explore dynamic movement (including small drops), transitions, and captivating sequences on aerial silks. Each 75-min class includes a warm-up, and conditioning exercises designed to target specific strength, mobility, and body awareness for dynamic movement. Sling will also be utilized as a conditioning aid.

Prereq:

  • consecutive inverts in air

  • hip key and thigh hitch in air

  • Ability to remain in the air for at least 3 minutes

  • 30sec straight arm hang

  • 10sec bent arm hang

 

Solving for X — December Limited Series
Tuesdays at 7:15pm with Anny

Struggling with X Back? This 75-minute class is for you! Students will learn multiple ways into and out of X Back to find the solution that works best for each person, as well as conditioning tips and tricks to invert into X Back. There's more than one way to solve for X! 

PREREQ:

  • Foot-locks (from ground or in air)

 

Rope & Silks 2 — Starts in January
Thursdays at 6pm with Cole

This 75-minute class will expand upon the skills learned in Silks 1 and introduce students to aerial rope. The focus will be on rope basics, in-air inversions, x-back on silks, and linking poses together to create longer aerial sequences (this means DROPS!). Students will also work on improving strength, technique, and quality of movement with progressive conditioning exercises.

PREREQS:

  • Mastery of all level 1 prereqs

  • Basic (French) and Russian climb

  • Basic and flutter down descent

  • Invert from the ground or in air

  • Single & double foot-lock on & off on ground or in air

Winter Break

The studio will be closed from 12/24/2023-1/6/2024. There will be no classes, playflight, or private lessons during this time.

January enrollment opens on Monday, 12/11, at noon!

Nov 2023

November enrollment opens Monday, 10/16, at noon!

November New Classes and Upcoming Workshops!

Open Sling 1 - Tuesdays 7:15 pm with Anny
Explore the sling in a whole new way! Students will learn poses, sequences, and gentle drops with the fabric of the sling spread open. Each 75-min class also includes dynamic warm-ups, stretching, and conditioning exercises designed to target specific strength and mobility for aerial arts.
PREREQ:

  • Tuck, straddle, and/or side mount and dismount

  • Star

  • Leg crochet

Fall Break!

The studio will be closed from 11/23-11/26. There will be no classes, playflight, or private lessons during this time.

All Thursday, Friday, and Saturday classes will be 3-Class Sessions. You have two options for these shortened sessions.

  1. Purchase a 3-Class Session credit and use it to enroll in a 3-Class Sessions

  2. Purchase a 4-Class Session Credit, use it to enroll in a 3-Class Session, and have a remaining single credit on your account for use on a single class.

December session enrollment opens Monday, 11/13, at noon!

Oct 2023

New Classes and Upcoming Workshops!

  • Silks Climbs 1 - Tuesdays 7:15 pm with Anny
    Basic is just the beginning! Explore myriad variations of climbs and descents on the aerial silks and polish them to permanence for confidence and ease of movement between poses and sequences.
    PREREQ: basic climb

  • Trapeze Reform School - Thursdays 7 pm with Stephanie
    All-level trapeze conditioning with sequence exploration and playtime at the end of each class.
    PREREQ: none!

  • Pole Workshops - Saturday 10/14/23 with Amy
    Flying Pole - 5:30 pm
    Double Pole - 7 pm
    See Workshops for all details!

Limited Series Suggestions Welcome!

We will continue to offer limited series classes and we welcome your suggestions! Is there a skill or sequence you’d like to work on? Want to spend a session focusing on x-back or belays or ??? Email us!

Upcoming Performances and Auditions!


Possible Second Performance - CONFIRMED!
We may be able to add a second performance of LIFT OFF: Masquerade! Our circus superstars are currently checking their availability and we will make an announcement on social media as soon as the second date is confirmed. The second show would be…
Sunday, Oct 22
Doors at 3 pm
Show at 3:30 pm

If you have already purchased a ticket for Saturday, we cannot refund it or change the ticket to Sunday.

2024 Shows and Auditions
Auditions for the next LIFT OFF will be held on 2/18 at 4 pm. As this show will be held mere days before the solar eclipse, auditionees should plan their routines with science, magic, and discovery in mind. Awe-inspiring celestial, cultural, or personal revolutions are welcome!

Click below for more info on show dates, what to prepare for your audition, and more!

Learn more

Sept 2023

New Classes, Credit Categories, and Name Changes to Existing Classes

  • Aerial category/credits - APPLY TO ALL AERIAL CLASSES!

  • Ground Skills category/credits become Floor Work - these are the same floor-based dance, balance, mobility, yoga, etc, classes under a more appropriately named category.

  • Intro Aerial and Boot Camp classes become Conditioning - these are the same all-level conditioning classes with a more appropriate name! New Aerial credit applies!

    Mobility Boot Camp class becomes Mobility and Movement - and will now fall under the Floor Work category. That’s a HUGE price drop and we hope to see more of you in this absolutely amazing and life-enhancing class!

New Prices

New prices for updated categories!

  • Aerial - ALL levels of any aerial apparatus or pole class (including classes FKA Intro and Boot Camp - now Conditioning!)
    $100 for a 4-class session
    $30 for a single class

  • Floor work - all levels of any yoga, hand balance, or dance class (formerly Ground Skills)
    $72 for a 4-class session
    $20 for a single class

  • Workshops - individually priced, please see Workshops for current offerings

  • Play Flight - open gym
    $55 for 4 flights
    $15 for a single visit

  • Private Lessons
    $70 for up to 2 participants
    $35 per participant after 2

New Cancellation Policy

New credits will expire 90 days from the date purchased and make-ups are available for ALL early cancels! Cancel more than 24hrs before the class start time and the credit will return to your account to be used within that time frame. Please see the detailed Prices and Cancellations page for a more detailed explanation.

Old credits will be honored as sold. Remaining Intro and Boot Camp will apply to ALL levels of aerial classes, but require admin assistance to transfer them. Please contact us to have your old Intro and Boot Camp credits transferred to the new Aerial credits.

Youth Classes Discontinued

Unfortunately, we have closed our Youth Program as of the end of August 2023. We have loved working with all the amazing circus families we’ve met over the years and we will miss you! Private lessons for individuals and groups of all ages are still available. Any remaining Youth Aerial credits can be switched to privates or refunded, please contact us. 

New Classes!

We will be offering classes specifically for absolute newbies and skills-focused training!

Tuesday

  • 7:15pm Silks Inversions with Anny - inversion conditioning for all levels

Wednesday

  • 4:45pm Transition Mission 1+ with Katie - mixed apparatus sequence smoothing

  • 6pm Intro Silks with Anny

  • 7:15pm Intro Lyra with Anny

Thursday

  • 6pm Silks Choreo 2 with Cole

  • 7pm Intro Trap with Stephanie

Sunday

  • 11am Pole Choreo & Flow 1 with Amy

Please be sure to see the class schedule for the full line up!

Other Recent Updates

  • Aviary t-shirts and more are now available!

  • LIFT OFF: Masquerade student showcase auditions are being held!

The Stank

Friends, as we’re sure you’ve noticed, we are having an aroma issue... This is a reminder that warmed-up bodies get stronger but also smell stronger. The aerial fabrics soak up foot and body odor and they retain it long after you have left the studio. Recently, we noticed this issue returning within a week of washing the fabrics and we don’t want to single anyone out. PLEASE arrive at the Aviary ready to get sweaty!