Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about our studio? Want to know what it takes to get started? Check out the information below for answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.
New to the studio? Start here!
Is it your first time doing aerial?
Each season (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) we begin new youth and adult Intro to Aerial Silks classes. This class is an 8-week series of hour-long classes to introduce the fundamental techniques and skills of aerial silks.
After the Intro to Aerial Silks series, the next 8-week series is the Intro II Aerial Silks series. This class is an hour and 15 minutes long to continue to gain increasingly complex skills.
Once you have completed the Intro and Intro II series, you can continue on in a semi-private class based on your schedule and we will group you with people around your skill level. At this point you are also able to sign up for open gyms.
If you would like to begin your aerial journey and we are between sessions, please contact us and we will add you to the waitlist for the next session. In the meantime we can offer private lessons.
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Private lessons are $80/hr and can be scheduled at your convenience.
If you are interested in learning rope, lyra, hand-balancing, or acrobatics please contact us to discuss options as we begin sessions for these classes less frequently.
Have you trained elsewhere?
As aerial training and curriculum varies from place to place, we require one initial private lesson to assess skill level and experience.
Private lessons are $80/hr and can be scheduled at your convenience.
From there we will find an appropriate level of classes for you to join.
If you are approved for open gym training and need to use the pulley system we will provide an overview of our rigging system.
Are you a visiting professional?
We are always excited to welcome visiting professionals for training!
If you’d like to come in for open training please contact us and provide your professional CV, demo reel, and/ or training videos.
If you need to use the pulley system we will provide an overview of our rigging system.
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Do you need an athletic background to start classes at your studio?You do not need any particular athletic background or experience in order to learn aerial or other circus arts! Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and our classes are modified based on each student's unique abilities. If you are a beginner, we recommend you try our 8 week Introductory sessions.
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How do I sign up for classes?Please visit our scheduling page or click on the "sign up for classes" button at the top of the page.
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How much do classes cost?Class costs vary, depending on the type of class, level of instruction, and length of time. Our 8-week long introductory sessions start are $240.00 per person. This class is an 8 week-long series of hour-long classes. The next series after our introductory session, is our Intro 2 session. This 8-week long series of classes is $280 per session and the classes are an hour and fifteen minutes long. Once you have completed the Intro and Intro 2 sessions, or if you have equivalent experience, the next step is semi-private group classes, which run on a monthly subscription basis: 1 class/week subscriptions are $160/month. 2 class/week subscriptions are $320/month. Drop-in classes are: $30/class for 1 hr classes $40/class for 1.5 hr classes Private lessons are $80/hr. For a full class list with pricing, please visit our scheduling page or click on the "sign up for classes" button at the top of the page.
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What should I wear to class?Please arrive to class in relatively close-fitting athletic wear to prevent your clothing from getting caught or snagged on the aerial apparatus. We recommend wearing long pants and a shirt that is tight-fitting to the body or that can be tucked into the pants and covers the armpits. Clothes should not have zippers or buttons. In addition, we ask that you remove larger jewelry items (large rings, bracelets, dangling earrings, etc) as these can easily get caught as well and tear the silks. Stud earrings, small hoops, and facial piercings are fine.
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I'm new to the studio. What can I expect in my first class?Please arrive to class on time in order to have adequate time for warm-up and stretching. We also recommend bringing water to class with you. Your first class will introduce you to basic terminology, skills, body mechanics, and more! You will have the chance to practice your new skills in a small group setting and, yes, if you're taking an aerial class, you will get up in the air on your first day!
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What if I want to get in front of a crowd and perform? Are there performing opportunities?Yes! Ethereal Arts students have the opportunity to work on individual performance pieces for the annual student showcase that occurs each spring. We regularly have holiday shows for Halloween, Valentine's Day, and Christmas. In addition, our aerial students often perform in community events such as Farmer's markets, Gig Harbor Pride in the Park, "Circus Sundays" at the 7 Seas Breweries and other local events. Let your instructor know if you're interested!
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Where can I purchase my own aerial equipment?There are some items that you may want to bring in for your classes, such as rosin for your hands, a yoga mat to stretch, a back warmer etc. As you progress in your aerial journey, some students also end up purchasing their own silks or other apparatus! If you have any questions about where to find aerial equipment and rigging or would like recommendations, please ask your instructor. Aerial is a potentially dangerous activity. Please ensure any home equipment is properly installed by consulting a professional and performing routine checks of rigging and equipment. If you have questions please ask! Youth should always be supervised while in the air. Training alone is not advised.
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How are you protecting staff and students from COVID-19?Masks are not currently required in the studio, but are always welcome. We ask that you wash your hands when you enter the studio for your class and use hand sanitizer as needed throughout the class. If you wish to bring your own supplies and equipment, you are welcome to do so. We encourage our community to stay up to date on their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. If you are exposed to COVID-19, please test before returning to the studio. If you are feeling unwell or running a temperature, please do not come into class and instead message your instructor to let them know. In instances of sickness make up classes, open gym credits, or refunds can be offered. We hope that these measures help to keep everyone safe, healthy, and practicing aerial!
Click on the image to download the EANW new student forms. Please fill out the forms and bring them with you to your first class. These are required in order for you to participate in any of our classes.