We are delighted that you are interested in more information about pole, dance, and movement. Starting a new activity can be intimidating, and so we are here to help as a guide to make the experience a little more pleasant, and hopefully exciting! Peruse around, and if there is anything that you are still uncertain about, please send us an email (fmaerialmovement@gmail.com) or text/call us 7012033448.

Pole Specific Questions

Can I do pole if I have no upper body strength?

All of our beginner classes are designed to be progressive. This means that everyone starts with basic movements that will build strength over time. There are plenty of pole skills that have at least one foot on the ground, or use gravity to help assist us. It may not be easy, but it will be so much fun that you won't realize you're sore until the next day.  So no, you do not have to have upper body strength, we will help you build it with time! 

What do I wear?

Pole shorts! (think volleyball spandex material) that are shorter than bike-length. We need skin contact to "stick" to the pole.
Warm-up layers for the winter will make life much easier. Sweatpants, sweaters, and legwarmers are all a plus.
Please no jewelry on the poles. Lotion is not recommended 24 hours before class as it will make you slippery. Strong scents such as perfume right before class are also discouraged as we may have students with sensitive asthma.

do i have to wear a mask to class?

Masks are required during the entire class. We will take breaks as needed to lower our heart rate. We also have disposables available for free that are a little easier to breathe than some of the cloth masks.

What will my first pole class look like?

You will be welcomed into the studio and then prompted to leave your shoes and belongings in the cubbies by the door. We ask all students to wash their hands (20 seconds please!) before coming into to class where you will asked to take a towel, isopropyl spray bottle, and hand sanitizer bottle to use for the duration of class. We will then begin with an easy to follow warm-up, followed by strength/conditioning exercises, skills building, and then possibly a short cool-down. Our Intro to Pole class will not have the conditioning or cool-down portion.

Which class should i take first?

 If you are a SUPER beginner, and want a thorough break down of very basic pole moves, we recommend taking our $10 Intro to Pole class. It is every Friday 7:15-8pm.
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We also offer a new 4-Week Intro to Pole Series just about every month. This is a series of 4 consecutive classes where each class will build on the class from before. This is a great way to start pole because everyone will have the chance to get to know one another and work through skills together. We are also able to set the intention of class, to help create a warm class environment.
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If you come from a background in rock climbing, ashtanga, or any other movement activity that is heavily influenced by body awareness, we welcome you to join any of our beginner or mixed levels (pole) classes as well.

What if I can't make any of the beginner class times?

If you do not see a class time that you can make, we encourage you to send us a message! We are always on the lookout for a new class time that may work better for our students. If you happen to have at least four people who would like to start a new 4-week beginner series, we would gladly add it to the schedule. If you do not have a group interested, please send us a message with the ideal time that would work for you and we'll start scouting for potential interest. If you are financially able, we do offer private lessons as well. Semi privates ( two people) are also available to book. 

What if I book a class and have to cancel because of covid?

In these times, we understand that the 'rona is rampant. We do not offer refunds, but we will credit you for a future class. Thank you for taking precautions and keeping yourself and others safe. We appreciate you and will be here for when you are cleared to be back!

What is a series?

A series is a set of 4 classes that progressively builds from the skills learned in the previous class or classes. For beginners, a series is a great way to start because everyone is on the same page, it keeps people accountable to come to class at least once a week, and it becomes a safe space over time as we become more familiar with one another. Consistency is important to see the benefits of pole long-term, and so we encourage you to try a series and see how you feel at the end of the 4 weeks!

Aerial Art Specific Questions

What is "aErial arts"?

Uff! Aerial Arts is a performance art where the apparatus is suspended off the ground. This umbrella term covers anything from lyra, silks, sling, trapeze, flying pole, etc. Here at FM Aerial & Movement Arts we currently offer mostly fabrics/silks class.

What is the difference between aerial yoga and aerial arts?

Aerial yoga is a gentle class where the fabric is usually in a low hammock or sling setup to help aid in yoga poses, typically just a yoga mat is used underneath the hammock.

Aerial Silks two panels of fabric under a single rigging point that is used for acrobatic movement such as climbs, inverts, and creative transitions. We use 2-8inch crash mats.

Here at FM Aerial & Movement Arts, we teach only aerial silks classes.

what is the difference between aerial Sling, Aerial Silks, and Aerial Hammock?

We've noticed some confusion over the terms. The clarification comes from how each one is rigged, or attached to the ceiling. Different rigging configurations determine load capacity, which in then influences how you can use each one. 

Aerial Silks is two panels of fabric that are attached to a single rigging point and use a swivel. Aerial silks is an acrobatic aerial and performance art, where there is a lot of climbing, wrapping, and drops.

Aerial Sling is one single piece of fabric attached to a single rigging point and use of a swivel. Aerial sling is also an acrobatic aerial and performance art. This apparatus looks like one very long loop that can be used also for dynamic movement such as climbs and drops.

Aerial Hammock is one single piece of fabric attached to two separate rigging points usually by daisy chains to easily change the height as needed. Aerial Hammock is not an aerial art and should not be used for dynamic movements such as drops. Daisy chains are typically rated much lower in weight load capacity, and therefore should not be used for anything other than a prop for yoga or fitness.

What do i wear?

Please wear form fitting clothing that will cover the backs of your knees, your lower back, and underneath the arms.  We also recommend wearing extra layers to warm up.

We will not allow clothing on the apparatuses that may damage them. This includes: zippers, buttons, sequins, belt buckles etc. 

We also HIGHLY recommend buying a dance belt. If you are uncomfortable wearing leggings, you can wear a pair of running shorts over them. Sweat pants are not great as they have the potential to slide off.

i am self taught, can i join open studio?

We ask that everyone please take at least two months worth of classes (8 classes) in the apparatus they would like to practice at open studio. This ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to lingo and technique.

Where do i start?

If you have never taken an aerial class, we have the perfect class for you! We have an Intro to Aerial Arts where we will cover both silks and lyra and also have more information for other classes that are available. For silks, we have a beginner level class that you are welcome to join. The lyra class is all levels, so you are welcome to join those right from the beginning as well.

All of our classes are drop-in so you are welcome to join as it fits your schedule.