Adult Class Descriptions (ages 16+up)

The following is a list of quick links to jump down the page to specific class descriptions. At the bottom of the page you will also find general class information. For times, dates, and prices, please visit our Schedule page.

  • Beginner Aerials A

    For new students, this class is designed to introduce you to the aerial equipment and cover the basics of rope, fabric and trapeze training. Includes 1/2 hour of conditioning. If students are not comfortable hanging by their hands and from their knees from the trapeze bar, they should consider the Conditioning Basics class instead.

  • Beginner Aerials B

    For students who have completed at least one previous class session, and who are comfortable with the following moves:

    Trapeze

    • Mermaid sequence
    • Gazelle
    • Splits below bar
    • Stag
    • Dead hang
    • Upside-down X
    • Birds nest
    • Trapezius angel
    • Split down
    • Rajah

    Rope/Fabric

    • Climbing to the top with both feet
    • Foot block
    • Short-arm hold for 10 seconds
    • Getting to an upside-down position from the mat

    This class will continue to build a repertoire of tricks on rope, fabric and trapeze.

  • Intermediate Aerials

    For students who have mastered the basics, are looking to expand their repertoires, and who are comfortable with the following moves:

    Trapeze

    • Inverting without tagging ropes or jumping
    • Hanging beats on trapeze
    • Rock and roll
    • Pop on and off
    • Crucifix to sit
    • Tucking under the bar without tagging toes
    • Split leg rotation
    • Single knee & ankle hang
    • Forward roll
    • Front balance

    Rope/Fabric

    • Hip key
    • ALL foot-lock moves on chart
    • 1/2 roll at least on good side
    • Double crochet on fabric
    • Rebecca split
    • Cookie cutter
    • Getting in and out of catchers wrap
    • Cross back straddle
    • Invert in air

    Students must be able to carry out a sequence of 5 moves on both trapeze & rope/fabric.

  • Conditioning - Extreme

    This is a 60-minute intensive conditioning class using all of the aerial apparatus, along with floor work. A chance to really build strength and flexibility for aerials and other circus arts.

  • Intermediate Corde Lisse

    Try out some new rope choreography with an aerialist from England, Brendan Brolly. The class will focus on different ways to climb the rope and short sequences of moves which will help to build strength and stamina.

  • Intermediate Rope & Fabric

    For students who have mastered the basics and are looking to expand their repertoires. By permission of instructors.

  • Advanced Aerials

    By permission of instructor.

  • Beginner-Intermediate Hoop

    Focus on spinning and choreography with the aerial hoop, aka lyra. Students should be at an Intermediate level with aerial skills.

  • Chinese Acrobatics

    Chinese acrobatics ranks among the best in the world due to its rich, 3000-year history, and distinctive performance characteristics. Lin Junming brings to this class a great emphasis on precision, discipline and strength, as the foundations for all tumbling maneuvers.  All levels are welcome.

  • Chinese Pole

    Chinese pole is a traditional art form performed by the most skilled and powerful acrobats. The artists scramble up and down the poles, hang upside down, flip from one pole to another, and execute difficult and beautiful maneuvers such as planges and flags. At PSCA, Lin Junming will walk you through the basics of pole work, teaching climbs and poses, and emphasizing the strength-building necessary for advanced techniques. It is recommended that new students have a good basic level of physical fitness before beginning the class.

  • Conditioning - Basics

    Students who need to build strength to climb the rope or get on the trapeze are encouraged to take this class. You will work on very low trapezes, get used to supporting weight on your arms, and learn to get yourself upside-down.

  • Doubles Aerials

    Doubles trapeze, doubles rope, doubles fabric, doubles hoop! Here's your opportunity to work with a partner and make real progress on your duo act. You must have a partner for this class, and have completed Beginner B aerials or above.

  • Handstands

    Handstands are a fundamental, absolutely-required skill in Chinese circus schools. Lin Junming will teach a variety of exercises to build the strength, flexibility and fine-tuned technique of a proper acrobatic handstand.

  • Juggling

    Learn to juggle, or improve your skills, with professional juggler Jonathan Perry. In this workshop, Jonathan will cover all of the basics of juggling, from learning the 3-ball cascade to polishing your technique for advanced tricks. Equipment provided for in-class use.

  • Deep Stretch for Aerialists Class

    Work on your flexibility under the guidance of our super-bendy coach, Jackie Zalewski. Whether you're just trying to touch your toes, or fine-tune your splits, Jackie will coax you to the next level. Come for an hour of warm, good-feeling muscle work; leave more limber.

  • Unicycling

    You've always wanted to learn to ride a unicycle! Here's your chance. Unicycles will be provided for in-class use, or bring your own. Helmets are not necessary, but long pants and sturdy shoes are important.

General Class Information

  • All Levels Welcome. No particular background or physical-fitness level is required to begin classes. If you are concerned about any specific health issues, it may be best to schedule a private lesson first, so that we can decide how to proceed.
  • Maximum of 6 students per class. Students progress at their own pace.
  • If this is your first class – wear long leggings and a comfortable top. We'll be working barefoot. Bring a bottle of water. Please arrive a few minutes early for your first class to sign a waiver and to warm up. Be prepared for a workout!

Woman on Trapeze Aerial Rope