Giving 2 stars instead of 1 because I actually enjoyed the class I was taking there (stretching with Linnea) and would have kept going had the administrative staff not treated me like crap. Aloft uses an online platform called VAMP for students to sign up for classes, manage payments, and more. I used to email them to let them know when I would be absent but then noticed on the dashboard that there is a "Manage Absences" button on the online account dashboard. In an effort to be respectful of their time I began using it to log my planned absences instead. I felt bad for having wasted the administrative staff's time before I had made this discovery of a seemingly more streamlined way to record my absences. But after a few months of using the "Manage Absences" button on my account dashboard, I noticed I hadn't received any makeup credits. This amounted to about ~$120 in class credits I should have received, but didn't. I emailed Sarah Tapper, the person who handles this stuff, and she responded with the lifeless and cold bedside manner of an animated machine, not offering any help whatsoever and instead just recited company policies to me without offering any solutions or even partial credit. (I've included all of the emails with this review but Yelp puts them out of order which makes it hard to follow, so I've numbered them to try to make it easier.) She basically told me that despite my efforts to be respectful of her time, Aloft was keeping my ~$120. Any other business would see that what I did by using a button that was clearly labeled "Manage Absences" to *MANAGE* my *ABSENCES* is an easy mistake to make and would have credited me back for the absences I logged but also informed me that going forward I was to do things following their weird old-fashioned protocol that makes you feel like you're back in the dial-up days of the internet, which I'll outline below: At Aloft, you are not to log planned absences in the streamlined account dashboard. That would be too simple and modern. INSTEAD, you have to email back and forth with Sarah Tapper about any planned absences AND log them into the account dashboard. (According to Sarah, logging absences in the account dashboard helps instructors know who will show up and emailing Sarah ahead of time is what gets you the credits, which seems like it just creates a lot more unnecessary work for everyone). It's like this place is run by the same people running the DMV or something. Like they've been doing things the same way since they first opened over a decade ago and are holding their own customers at fault for daring to assume they would be utilizing the very platform they have for literally everything else (registering for classes, managing payments, you name it) to also be able to manage absences and get credit for makeups. Why do things the hard way when you can just cut out all this extra work and make things simple for everyone? And why was I treated with the same understanding and compassion as a protagonist in a Kafka story? I was literally just trying to be respectful of Sarah's time and was instead met with zero compassion. In initial emails with her I was very respectful and understanding and offered to do things in Aloft's weird roundabout way going forward, but would like my previous planned absences credited back to me. She just responded with company policies and not lifting a single finger to help me with my ~$120 that was now just spinning down the drain. So then I got upset and informed her that I would be writing reviews about this experience to warn others as well as reporting them to the BBB because they had taken my money and weren't giving it back despite my logging my absences (albeit not in *exactly* the way they wanted them to be logged). I never called anyone names -- but I did express my frustration about the complete lack of understanding and absolute unwillingness to bend even a little bit for a good customer who had referred others to their business and had been going there for half a year and intended to keep going. It's not like there's an elaborate enigmatic code that Sarah would have to crack that absolutely prevents them from helping me--they just didn't WANT to help me, despite the fact that I only got into this situation because *I* was trying to help *them* out! Finally, the owner decided to get involved and did in fact refund most of my ~$120 back to me but said that it was best if I didn't attend classes there going forward and I agree. I don't appreciate how I was treated--punished for the crime of mistakenly trying to do something nice for someone. read more

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Two years ago, I took a huge risk to move all the way from South Florida to Chicago to do Aloft's Professional Training Program and can honestly say it was my best decision. Aloft has been like a second home to me. The coaches are always welcoming and encouraging and always pushing you to succeed. The training space it's self is one of the few places i've been too where everyone is friendly and you don't feel judged. I have been able to make life long friendships here. I highly recommend Aloft to everyone regardless of abilities and if you're not interested in training, Aloft always puts on amazing shows. read more

Aloft Circus Arts - Dance Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been a student at Aloft since 2017. I have had some incredible teachers during my time there. I've only left because I relocated to California. I will really miss the community and incredible instructors here. This truly is a space for everyone. You don't need to have previous experience or strength to come here. They will support you in developing your strength and skills on your own timeline. During COVID-19 they switched quickly to an online platform that was helpful to maintain strength and created great policies to keep students even when we can't "fly". I am incredibly sad to have left before getting to return to the air, but I will definitely be coming to visit if I can. In addition, I HIGHLY recommend any of their shows. They put on incredibly fun and dynamic shows for the community, so if learning circus isn't for you. Please support them by buying a ticket to Sanctuary or a company show. Finally, we cannot forget how cool this facility is since its in a rad old church! read more

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Aloft is great! Their instructors are very knowledgeable and obviously value safety. I appreciate that the classes I've taken are structured in a way where skills are broken down, and good form is emphasized. (I have been to other studios where this is not the case, and the difference in learning is huge.) I have taken the most classes with Linnea - she is a gifted coach with a super good eye for mechanics and detail. read more

Aloft Circus Arts - Dance Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you want to take circus arts class in downtown area and no other option is available, then come to this place and suck it up. I've been taking classes here for about 10 months. The instructors here are nice and knowledgable, but the MANAGEMENT IS POOR, especially the management towards make up class, class registration, requirements for each class level, and front desk staff. I've had time when I skipped travel plans, took $25 uber on a snowing day to come to the class, checked in the class, sat for a while and was later found out my class was cancelled. Guess what. Instructor cancelled the class in words at the previous class. But I couldn't come to the previous class due to work, and never received the message about the cancellation of the class. Hello? Do you not make announcement via email or phone call to make sure all your fellow classmates is aware of important notice such as cancellation? What's more funning is when I arrived, the front desk lady checked me in for my class. How did you check me in if my class for that day is cancelled? What exactly were you clicking and checking on your computer? I've had time to email multiple times in 4 days range, back and forth, to schedule a make up class. The front desk staff seems doesn't read my email through, and just reply back and ask me to provide all the list of the class that I want to make up. Hello? If I have all the class schedule and availability, why do I need to email you? In fact, why isn't there a system for us to register make up class ourselves online, to skip all these hassles and deal with a staff that doesn't really understand how to make it work and can't make things easier for the customers? I've tried hard to move to the next level by practicing what I was told the requirements are. Guess what. After I accomplished those requirements, I was told there's a curriculum somewhere at the front desk, that the front desk staff isn't even aware of, and I need to check the list of the items on the curriculum with an instructor in a $70 private lesson and make sure I can do everything on the curriculum before I move to the next level. Hello? Why is this curriculum not given at the very beginning? So that I could make effort on the right thing? And if private lesson is required in order to move to the next level, why is it not told when we ask about how to move to the next class? If private lesson is not required or necessary, why are we pushed to take it? And there are many many more... I can't stress enough on my difficult time with this place. I try to minimize my requests or questions but when there's one - numerous emails, endless back and forth and redirections, days of waiting until my questions get resolved. Guess what. I looked at the other options for aerial silk class in 1 hour commute range, which is the class that I've been taking, and this is the only place that I can go. Sucks for me. I don't even have another choice if I want to keep pursuing what I like. I can only take a deep breath and pray for things will go smooth here before the next option become available. Pray for no more emails, no more miscommunication, no more headache. read more

Seriously. If only for the sake of answering, "What'd you do this weekend?" with "I learned how to trapeze, bitches", this place is worth a visit. The instructors are fabulous, and totally nursed me through my mini panic attack (Oh no! Hanging 5 feet off the ground with a spotter! Wahhh.) And now they're offering free intro classes?! Get to their website, get directions to their super secret location (you can always pretend you're going for top secret spy training..), and get thee to Aloft Loft. Oh, one more thing. If you have grandiose visions of "flying through the air with the greatest of ease", adjust your expectations. The trapezes there are not the flying ones that you generally see in the circus (and that led to Robin's family's demise..), but stationary ones, which are infinitely less intimidating, in my opinion. Have fun! read more

You must understand that this place made a mockery of what I used to call my "upper body strength." But profound shame aside, it's fun to learn new skills. I came as a super-beginner tourist to this whole scene and am really glad I tried it. The location is a little strange to navigate at first--more of a warehouse space than a studio, and with a dodgy buzz-in system--but know what you're looking for before you head out, and you shouldn't have any problems. Trapeze: hip, though I really could have used some aerial conditioning before attempting this -- I was the slouch who practically had to get hoisted up to the bar before attempting any of the sexy/graceful moves thereon. But once there, so sexy, so graceful. Silks: that is the stuff. I feel like a more useful mammal for knowing how to climb, suspend myself from, and cocoon within a strand of something. This was a blast to learn and one helluva workout. And the bragging rights? Sheesh. For some people, "I took a class in trapeze" translates to "You may have seen my recent Cirque show in Vegas." Who am I to correct them? read more

I came here for aerial conditioning. The teacher was so helpful and really helped to make sure I was using my muscles correctly and had the proper form. I was surprised how much the 2 hour class kicked my ass! I will absolutely be back to repeat this class and most likely try other classes. read more

I took a taste class here, which is something they do here once a month--a cheap class you can come in and try out before committing to the full 8-weeks. It's a great idea and I was super psyched! I got in later than I would have liked to, because their email explaining how to get buzzed in was out of date and incorrect. When you get in, there is not much signage on how to get to Aloft until you get pretty near it. This was a little annoying but not a terrible thing. My class had 2 instructors--one was great--nice, encouraging, hands on, etc. The other reminded me of your evil gym teacher from grade school. After failing my first attempt he told me to just stop trying and sit the next few instructions out. Uh, okay. I'll admit, it takes me a few tries to learn something and I am not the most balanced person, but I was still interested in trying again, and I wasn't holding anyone else up. I moved away from him and several times he went out of his way to discourage me from trying in front of other people, at one point taking me off the equipment. It was extremely embarrassing. I don't know how the tasters compare with the actual classes, but there were far more people than apparatuses (apparati?) in my taster, which meant you didn't get much time to try something out, because other people needed to use it too. Because of this, for me personally, the class moved too fast--by the time I got a chance to try something we were moving on to the next thing. If you're a generally balanced person or you are a climber, I think this would not be an issue for you, but if you have any bad gym experiences, are self-conscious, or require going through something more than once to master it, it might be an issue. Maybe actual classes are smaller? Anyway, based on this taster experience, I won't be coming back for classes. read more

This recently-opened center for aerial dance is located on a fairly un-happening block in Humbolt Park, so you'll feel like you're on your way to an underground performance art venue as you walk around to the back of the building to enter through the alley. If you want to learn how to hang (and eventually spin and dance) from trapeze bars, hoops, ropes and more, they offer tons of classes. Great place for former dancers and gymnasts, circus freak wannabes or anyone looking for a cool and different place to get some exercise. They had a rockin' opening benefit with aerial and burlesque performances, bands, food and a "horizontal bar" (i.e. a dancer pouring screwdrivers while suspending from a zip line along one side of the space), so there's sure to be cool events coming from them in the future. The El doesn't go anywhere near the place, so you best bus it or drive there. read more

So I thought I was pretty fit, a strong dancer, who grew up playing lots of sports, but I had no idea how intense and strength building this art could be. I can now do pull-ups! This is really hard, but really fun and it is so satifying to wrap yourself up in the ropes and hang upsidedown or climb up in the silks wrapped just right, then test your fear and let go. This place is like therapy. You can really clear your busy mind because it's all you can do to remember what to do next on the trapeze. It's also much cheaper than therapy! $275 for a 10 class card and if you come to the free Saturday intro class you get a discount! Be prepared to test yourself in everyway. read more

I'm addicted and I can't wait to go back! My friend and I decided to try something new and went to the free beginner trapeze workshops that they have (2nd Saturday of the month but sign up early!) and I absolutely fell in love. It was a lot of hard work, as I don't have a lot of upper body strength but after the workshop I've been trying to work on that so I can go back for some classes. The workshop was fun and everyone gets a turn to try everything they taught us...we even learned "The Mermaid" and "The Reverse Angel" (if my memory serves me right) plus some basics like just being able to get on the bar, to sit or to stand. I left with sore hands and a very sore upper body, but it was definitely worth it and like I said, I can't wait to go back!! They also have "El Circo Cheapo Cabaret" the first Saturday of the month. It's $10 and you get to see some of the most amazing performers you could imagine! But get there early, as they did sell out this last time. If you can do 5 pull ups, you get $5 off your price! If you can do 10 pull ups, they'll enter your name into a hat and someone wins a full refund of their ticket! read more

I needed a new workout. I refuse to sign up for a gym membership, cuz I mean really, and my free 30 min youtube workouts were not cutting it. I needed something fresh. I started taking Aloft's Aerial Conditioning class. It's $25 for 2 hours of crazy, toning, strength-building, get-you-ready-for-circus-stunts exercise. And after a month of them, I'd say I'm nearly ready for a trapeze class, and I am closer than ever to being ready for the beach. The instructor makes it fun. He changes it up every week so you're not doing the same thing each time. He helps you out with encouragement and camaraderie. And there's no judgement. We all laugh at ourselves - at least I do - but not each other. It's really hard work. I can't wait to take more classes, but for now I might take the Aerial Conditioning until I'm really buff. read more

Before I begin, I must say I laughed my arse off after reading Becky S's comment on her response to the question, "What'd you do this weekend?" Answer: "I learned how to trapeze, bitches!" How apropos. Just when you think you've challenged your body and know your limitations, leave it to the folks at Aloft to change your perspective. I've taken flying trapeze, ballet, gone rock climbing, Level 3 Ashtanga / Vinyasa, years of training in the military even...none of these things prepared me for the surprise my muscles felt after taking Trapeze and Silks at Aloft. After your first day, don't expect to be able to lift your arms to shampoo your hair without groaning. Don't get me wrong...you will love it! I did and still do. I've taken Aerial Conditioning, 8 weeks of Trapeze and Beginning Silks at Aloft and lemme just say this place rocks! Staff couldn't be more wonderful- friendly, helpful, knowledgable, understanding...and buff. After the first couple of classes you will notice an improvement in your body and aerial skills...but a warning...I personally don't think it's the kind of activity meant for those that do not have an active lifestyle. Meaning, if you've never worked out in your life, might not want to start here. Not for the faint of heart. Good to know stuff: The space is located on Carroll street, near Grand and Damen, in the warehouse district. It's a warehouse space so expect it to be somewhat cold in the winter and hot in the summer- dress appropriately but make sure to wear clothes that protect whichever body part is likely to get roughed up. Depending on the class, your clothes will have either chalk or rosin on them...wear the (temporary) stains like a badge of courage. Also, you'll be showing your feet so clean out those toenails. ;) Enjoy!! read more

This space is kick arse! The girls are fit strong beautiful elegant and make any slob like me want to learn trapeze. Highly reccomend taking a class or booking the space for a party! read more

How have I not written a review for Aloft yet? What can I say-- they are awesome. Whether you are attending one of their cool underground circus shows like Sanctuary or Communion, or you are taking an intense silks course, you'll love it. If you take one of their classes, you'll challenge yourself and realize that your body is capable of things that you never thought were possible. Maybe you're not ready to climb or fly yet, and that's ok. Stare in awe at their creative, bold, and strong performers at their monthly shows, and then brag to your friends about how you spent your Friday night. Promise they'll be jealous. read more

I recently saw "Crucible the Musible" here on a Friday night. Tucked away behind an alley off of California, where I hadn't been since the last time I bought smack back in 1999, you have to look (or have a guide) to find the entrance. But it's worth it. (And it's close to Maiz. There's a date idea for ya.) I can't comment on their other shows, but this one was very funny. The character of "Snack Wench" maintained the plucky comic relief and held the majority of my attention, even over flying witches and trapeze dancers spread eagle in high-wire acts. Overall it is just a very fun night away from typical Chicago theater. It's been my experience that the off-off Broadway stuff is either great or sucks losers dry. This was on the up and up. I recommend it. read more

Really can't write enough on how cool this place is! The instructors were awesome (thorough, helpful, and fun) and the free intro class on Saturday is perfect to help you decide if you are ready for Trapeze. (Definitely RSVP thru their website, it fills up quick.) Just Do it!!! seriously, try it out. read more

Inexpensive, creative, fantastic, fun, inclusive. Highly recommend!

Seriously, what could be more fun than swinging around upside-down on a trapeze? By the end of a weekend, I had bruises on the backs of my legs like you wouldn't believe, but it was so worth it. You won't see a sign for this place from the street, you'll need to go into the alley way to find it. read more

I'm so happy I found aloft! I'm currently in my second session of beginner trapeze classes and I just love it. The quality of teaching is great, the teachers are encouraging and help us learn things safely. The facility is open and bright and feels like you're in some sort of circus dream- so fun to take a trapeze class in one corner of the room while people are also practicing juggling, tightrope walking, silks, etc. Only caveat is that although the beginner classes say that no experience is required, I recommend that you have a base of fitness before signing up. If you're totally new to exercise, you'll probably have a lot more fun (and be able to keep up in class) if you spend a few months building upper-body strength and flexibility, and then sign up. read more

I used to love this place when it was at their old location on Caroll. They made the mistake of moving to an old church. The trapeze bay was shoved up into a choir loft. There wasn't a class that went by that someone didn't hit their head on a nearby bar, bump into someone else using the trapeze, or injure themselves falling into a hole in the floor or on a mat. It was either freezing or way too hot. After moving, my trapeze skills got worse because there was almost no time to use the high bar since we either had to remove it to put in a low bar, not use it so we don't kick someone, or couldn't reach it without risking injury on the rickety step up. I wrote to them several times but my emails were ignored. After being a student there for almost 2 years, I decided to give up trapeze. It wasn't worth the possibility of getting injured and I just didn't enjoy the classes anymore. read more

We went in for their free trapeze classes which they do on the 2nd saturday of every month. All the employees were SUPER friendly and very willing to help us out to learn the basics of trapeze. It was something I never though I would have the opportunity to do. Many of my friends plan to take classes in the future as it is something unique, fun and different. Highly suggest you check this place out!! read more

I love it here. These coaches transformed me from a couch potato to a strong and flexible badass. But that is not all... Oh no, not all in the slightest. Aloft has cultivated an unparalleled community of humans that are all beyond friendly, completely non- judgmental, and SO incredibly supportive. Being apart of this community has transformed me inside and out. I am very grateful to be a part of it. read more

I am a circus performer and I have to say that I am SOOOO jealous of the space that aloft has- fantastic place with enough strong people around to lift an elephant. El Circo Cheapo has some great acts at it and I can only imagine the classes are just as good. Stop by- take a class... read more

Amazing!! I took the taster class for the trapeze course and it did exactly what it promises. I got a a few basics and one really good trick in. The instructors were great! They made sure everyone was able to do each trick even if they could not do it one their own. They were encouraging to whole time telling us it was common not to get it on the first try etc. I felt like I got a great workout in and was not pushed further than I could go. If you are new to working out I would not suggest this. It does require a base amount of strength to actually do the tricks but not a super amount of strength either...that comes with more practice. The one thing I would say is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get ahold of them. You can sign up on their website but calling or emailing takes forever. read more

It hurts to lift my arms as I type this... but I'm a weirdo and love feeling sore. I thought Aloft was pretty cool. The space, although a bit run down, hot and old, adds to the character. It made me feel like a real performer, training in the barn so I can join the circus caravan when it comes into town hahaha okay anyway... The teachers and owner (who sat in on our taster class) were great and friendly, they added to the experience. I appreciated their down-to-earth attitudes. They also encourage photos, which I liked (some studios don't, too serious!). The "tricks" we learned were fun but also basic. I guess you can't do much with a packed class and a bunch of newbs. I am sore for what I did, so I feel like I actually got a decent work out in (strengthening, at least). The teachers were really into to what they taught, so the enthusiasm and encouragement helped motivate me. It was a little too crowded for the space, the teacher did mention that the tasters are more crowded than a normal class. My only "negative" comment is in regards to cleanliness. I'm a clean freak and appreciate gyms that take care to provide wipes and enforce socks, etc. These classes are done on mats with bare feet and I didn't see any cleaning wipes, which kind of grosses me out. Fungus for everyone! I'd do another drop in or taster class but not so sure about a two month sign up for the prices listed. Jury is still out. I would be interested in watching a performance, the more advanced students and teachers were very impressive to watch! Overall recommendation: give it a try! I'll probably be back for another drop in class. Bring some water and channel your inner circus performer. read more

After reading my review the owner of Aloft contacted me. She was very helpful and accommodating to help me be more satisfied with my experience. She was gracious and apologetic. The instructor also contacted me and apologized. My first experience with them was not the best. But from the response I received I would definitely give them another chance. They seem like a nice group of people and willing to work with you if necessary. If you are looking to build up your strength and agility I highly recommend aerial. It can be lots of fun. I would also recommend taking a drop-in strengthening and conditioning class first, or one of the free tasters, before committing. Just to make sure you have the necessary strength and can enjoy learning aerial skills as much as possible. In comparison to other aerial classes (I know people that do teach aerial skills), you'll get a lot more out of Aloft than other schools. I was impressed with how much they taught me in just the first class. read more

It is so cool that they hold a free class once a month. I used to be in gymnastics as a kid, and I really missed playing around on uneven bars and the like, so I wanted to give this a try. It was a lot harder than I remember! I have so much respect for aerial performers. I was so proud of myself for simply managing to sit on top of the bar. It was a lot of fun and something different to try. read more

I've taken a couple of private classes here and I love the space. I hope to return to get a better idea of what everyone is like. It's a beautiful, useful space and the teachers are quite detail-oriented, which is very helpful! read more

I am giving this place a 2/5. I ADORE and respect the hard work and diligence it takes to be great at tight-wire and trapeze, however, the instructor I had almost made me feel entirely discouraged from continuing for some time. My instructors were a couple: a husband and a wife. The wife was teaching me while her baby was in her arms. While it was amazing that she could walk a tight-wire with her baby, it scared the crap out of me and took me away from focusing on what she was teaching me. Next, she was cocky, didn't encourage me at all. Merely disappointed that I didn't get it right away. Her attitude was very "welp, you'll probably never get it." THEN had the audacity to just promote her expensive shows. Is that why she teaches? She just WASN'T friendly. She didn't make any attempt to connect with me as a student. I was so excited for these classes and I left thinking I will never be good enough. I decided to continue on my own and I am now tight-wire walking frequently! But if I continued going to Aloft, I may have given up entirely. Those who can't do, teach. Those who can, PLEASE DON'T TEACH (unless you have the patience and capacity for empathy). Don't pay for eight weeks without knowing you may not get a good instructor. read more

I arranged a private event at Loft and had an incredible experience. I worked with Kristi to set up a private session for my birthday in September a couple weeks in advance. She was very responsive -- I had no idea she had been out of the country for part of the time we'd been communicating! I arranged for a group of 10 of us to do a 90-minute class on a Saturday afternoon. Kristi gave me a list of options as far as which skills I wanted the class to focus on, and I chose trapeze and aerial silks. We had two instructors, one specializing in each skill, and we split our group in half so we all had maximum time on each element. Our group had a wide range of fitness and flexibility levels, and our instructors were both super adaptive to each individual, working to make sure everyone felt safe and was able to grasp the fundamentals. The class was a great mix of learning actual foundational skills and getting to play around. Aloft encourages taking photos and videos, and our group left having had a great workout, a fun new experience and plenty of amazing photos. Definitely a fun option for a unique birthday party, bachelorette party or team-building event. read more

Just as I hoped: nothing beats the rush of trapezery! After just two lessons I can climb up a rope to the bar, do a few full beats and throw my whole self over the bar and perch on it like a prepubescent gymnast! I don't even think actually losing weight could make me feel lighter! My diss better be able to write itself because I've got a new vocation! read more

Aloft is fantastic! I took one of their taster classes a few weeks ago and loved it! I took the aerial silks class, its just $10 for an hour long class that lets you see if its for you. The instructors were great and patience with a group that had never tried it before. You get to learn some tricks. It was a lot of fun and i plan on signing up for classes (the fall schedule didn't fit with my job so waiting till winter/new year). 1 star off only because it can be a bit difficult to get to via public transit (buses and timing etc...) Great place to try a new skill or learn to master it, not something most people can say! read more

I don't officially start classes at Aloft until tomorrow, and I will write a separate review on that later, but I cannot say enough amazing things about their most recent endeavor, El Circo Cheapo. It's once a month, with two shows a night at 7 & 10 pm. I've attended both the first one, which was in December, and the most recent one, which was last weekend. Where else can you see a full set of professional circus acts for ten dollars!? The majority of the performers aren't Aloft company members, which means you won't see strictly aerial tricks. The acts are varied and crazy- I've seen countless silks, my first pain artist, my first team on the flying trapeze (that one made me gasp), LED juggling, shadow puppets, poi, a cane dance, and a one-man show of hat tricks that I can't even explain but that left me feeling just plain delighted. I'm a stiltwalker and have dabbled in other circus arts, and this whole thing just makes me happy. I love seeing what's out there, and when my stilting partner and I get our official act together, we'll have an outlet for it. It gives performers a chance to put on a show, it gives the public a ridiculously cheap night out, and it inspires me. I won't get into trying to explain how you can get in for $5 or for free, but you can and it's pretty cool and you should really just call them or go to their site for details. And also, I recommend getting there early- the first show I went to had about 30 audience members, mainly circus folk, but the most recent one was totally packed, sold-out, standing-room only. But so worth it! Check it out, and have fun! read more

I've been taking classes at Aloft for two years and would highly recommend Aloft for all skill levels. I started my circus training at the Actor's Gym but switched and then stayed with Aloft so that I could focus on one apparatus at a time. At Aloft, I've never been in a class with more than two students for one apparatus, or with a teacher to student ratio of more than 1:8. I work two jobs and have a difficult schedule, but the two make ups allowed per session give me the flexibility I need to not waste my money. Lastly, I love that there are duplicate classes with different teachers--I've had nine different teachers and they've all been rockstars, but all have slightly different teaching styles and techniques. Hearing or seeing things explained in a different way can give you a deeper understanding than just a single teacher or coach can offer. Even the best coach at a small school can't give you that, and Aloft's size gives them the ability to offer variety in abundance. read more

I have never found a work out that I genuinely enjoyed doing, then I came to Aloft. This place is fantastic and all of the instructors as well as my classmates are extremely supportive. This is an ideal environment to grow your abilities and everything about this space makes me incredibly happy. I don't think I could go without circus on my life since I've been at Aloft. read more

if you are bored of the same ol routine this is def something worth trying . The day i went there werent too many guys but that shouldnt stop you. some of the routines were quite easy if you have upper body strength. i felt it was a bit short and wished i had more time and routines. Very friendly instructors too. read more

Loved my private lesson last night. Feeling good and sore today! The only reason I am not awarding 5 stars is because I wish I had known how much upper body/arm strength I needed. I think they should suggest that people do some arm weights for a week or two before signing up for the class...would have helped me with a lot with the moves I learned! Excited to go visit their new location in Logan Square once it opens up. read more

Best circus training facility I've been to. Professional, friendly community for all the folk who ran away to join the circus.