I'm sure the fitness-conscious have been aware of the non-traditional work-out industry for a while now--the aim is to get people into an activity rather than simple weightlifting or working on machines. Yoga, tai chi, rock climbing--all of these activities involve a certain body awareness and require a basic level of core strength and fitness, and they're usually fun enough so you're never really thinking about sets and reps and muscle groups. Last night, I encountered one the toughest but most-enjoyable workouts when I went to the Circus Arts Institute. Located in a loft complex near Dekalb Ave, I joined a number of students (I was one amongst four beginner students, in particular) for a 90-minute session consisting of a pretty strenuous warm-up and cool-down as well as activities including tightrope walking, rope climbing, and trapeze. I would find myself both wired and tired after the session, the excitement and fun of what we did clashing with the unexpected amount of exertion required. Everyone here is all smiles and encouraging, eager to see you succeed in anything that you might try. read more

I'd been thinking about taking aerial lessons for three or four years, maybe longer - since before I got into burlesque. So, yeah, the circus classes aren't necessarily related to my tassel and glitter endeavors. (Maybe it was sparked by Yvette calling me Cirque de Sadie and suggesting it should be my stage name.) Whatever. Every few months, we'd be at an event and there'd be girls up on a trapeze or in the, um, circle-thing. "Freakin' amazing!" I would say to myself. "I can totally do that." I looked into it, and bookmarked the Circus Arts Institute web site. Then another year passed, until a few of us were talking about pole dance classes. I'd like to give that a try, too, but first I had to put up and give the trapeze a go. I enrolled in May for a 12-week session. Carrie Heller, who runs - and lives in - the Institute, is really fascinating. She encourages everyone to do cardio outside of class; she talks about diet and nutrition; she has a degree in physiology, I think, as well. In the first class, I climbed the Spanish Web (the rope), got up on the trapeze, and attempted walking the tight wire and juggling. Not so good with the juggling. Next class, I tried rings and loved it... got totally hooked. For my birthday this year, Bryant got our friends to contribute to a gift certificate for a second session. Some of them came to the last night of the first session, which was a sort of show-off day. I did a rings routine; nothing too hard, but it certainly demonstrated what I had learned over the first couple of months. Now, my second session is halfway complete. I'm going to have to re-allocate some funding to continue with it. Circus/aerial training is the crack - highly recommended crack. read more

There is a special place in heaven for Circus Arts and their teachers. Rarely have I experienced so much kindness, love, and patience directed toward my children. My kiddos continue to eagerly anticipate circus class every Monday and everyone who works there is a shining example of humanity. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's sincerely meant. Dude, they even took us to Cirque du Soleil. My children's lives were a little more magical because of it. Carrie, the owner, is always thinking about how to best encourage and challenge each of them as individuals. My daughter can't wait for circus camp this summer and my boy is so proud of his expanding tightrope walking and juggling skills. If you want to experience some seriously groovy and heartwarming kid stuff, take them to circus class. One of these days I'll get around to surrendering to the love myself. read more

Whoa, talk about a fun but difficult work out! If you thought a trapeze looked easy... think again. The amount of upper body strength required for that is insane! Amazing, amazing work out, though, and fantastic instructors to boot. Your first class is all about teaching you the ropes: literally. Rope climbing, trapeze, tightrope walking, juggling, and balance board or a special little class like I was treated to last night. Most of the activities require a lot of core and upper body strength, though you'll be using every part of your body. Juggling wasn't too difficult as you're using fabric... and it's certainly easier when you don't have a physics teacher grading you for how many reps you can do (true story). Best part of class was the special session our group had. One guy, Steve, was more than happy to show us acrobatic basics. Imagine me, a little five foot thing, being able to lift up my 6 foot 3 inch boyfriend off the ground with my legs. No, really! Steve taught us how to do that as well as a few other basic moves, and within a few minutes I was not only lifting my boyfriend, but he had someone stand up on my boyfriend so now I've got two people relying on me 100%. Amazing feeling to be able to do that! This is so fun! Even if you only come once, it's certainly a positive experience to have. Everyone here from student to instructor is encouraging and helpful, always ready to show you something new you never thought you'd ever be able to do. You'll earn that bow and a cheer in no time! read more

Let me start by saying, I'm from Arkansas, and have driven to Atlanta 3 separate times to attend the Aerial Teacher trainings and certification courses at CAI. I've also brought several of my staff with me on these trips to do teacher training (I own a Circus studio in Arkansas). The owner, Carrie, is an amazing woman with over 25 years of experience under her belt in circus arts and therapy. She feels like a second mom to me! The studio space at CAI is homey, cozy and super safe. It's perfect for intimate feeling trainings. The teacher trainings are thorough and include tons of information on safety. Safety is a huge aspect of CAI and they all do a great job with creating boundaries, rules and guidelines. The instructors have grown up in Carrie's program and most of them have been doing circus arts since they were small children. If you are just a trickster or looking to become an Aerial performer I would suggest a different training space (although you could totally do that at CAI). I feel that CAI is ideal for kids, teens, families, children with special needs, and teachers looking to become certified or do the Circus Arts therapy program. That being said, they are amazing with beginners, so if you're starting from square one with circus or aerial they will give you all the tools you need to progress. read more

I was set out to find a flying trapeze class in the Atlanta area (think Carrie Bradshaw's trapeze experience in SATC, The Series)...ok, so this is no NYC so no flying trapeze (yet, just watch, someone will read my review and bring it to the A), but nonetheless, Circus Arts gave me a great well rounded trapeze experience and more. I was a tad bit late for my lesson, but the instructors was very nice and didn't trip about my tardiness. We started off with stretches and boy oh boy did I need that (and more). Depending on your class size (not sure of the max no. of participants), you'll be split into small groups to learn the following: **Basic Trapeze moves **Rope Climbing **Tightrope walk (no worries, its maybe a foot off the ground or less) **Juggling (starting with scarves, yes, scarves and it ain't easy) **Balance boards I would definitely go back to properly learn how to breath (I was holding my breath a LOT while hanging upside down, no good Jill!). The instructors spot and encourage you the entire time, which helped to calm me tremendously. The only 'not so great' aspect I could think of is that I zoomed by the gate a couple times before realizing the gate. Maybe a sign on the gate could help. Otherwise, perfect! read more

This is definitely a non-traditional workout and it's very fun. Before going here, bear in mind that this is not an aerial yoga class nor is it a circus-inspired cardio workout. You will execute actual circus moves and techniques, with particular care paid to your safety and the safety of those around you. I know someone who was disappointed in the structure of the class because they wanted to jump right in and start flying, but that just cannot happen in all practicality. When you take the intro class, you will be assigned to a group and you will rotate between various stations. One is the Spanish web (which most people would probably describe as rope climbing), another is the stationary trapeze (no flying here), then there's the tight rope and juggling, and finally human pyramid building. At each station, everyone in the group gets to try the routine there, and you can repeat it if there's enough time. I've been to two classes and at the end of one of them, the instructors did demos on the high trapeze and the Spanish web - very cool. Even though this is not an aerobic workout, it is definitely a strength and balance workout and will likely work some muscles you haven't used for a while. It's also really fun to do things I don't normally do in my workouts. The instructors are really nice and they keep track of whether you've been there before so you can start with something more advanced the next time you go. It may not be your thing but it's definitely worth checking out and giving it a try (they have Groupon and Living Social deals occasionally, which are a great way to try out a class). read more

Every year, I try something different to change my perspective - hot yoga (loved it), pole dancing (not so much, but loved the studio), and aerial yoga to name a few. This past year I tried an intro class at the Circus Arts Institute in Atlanta and loved it. It wasn't a sweaty aerobics workout and I didn't challenge my weight lifting or range of motion limits. What I did do was learn safe baseline techniques for trapeze and rope work, and picked up a hula hoop and juggling, neither of which I'd done in years... maybe decades. Oh - and it was really FUN. If I lived in Atlanta full time, I think I'd be a CAI regular. Since that's not exactly in my cards, I'm content with dropping in periodically and logging some play time. read more

When you walk in you are greeted by smiling happy faces. They offer many exciting lessons. I never thought I would get to swing on a trapese, climb the webb, walk a tight rope, etc... This class is fun, I get a great upper body work out and the people who attend are great. The instructors are very knowledgeable and understanding of your limits. I love it and highly recomend it to anyone. * Pros: I've tried things I've always dreamed of trying * Cons: None that I can think of read more

I came here several years ago twice-- both times for the Saturday morning class. For what it's worth, this isn't really meant to be the sort of class you go to over and over-- it's an intro class-- but I had two different friends that wanted to go, so I went twice! The class is a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. You get to participate in a smattering of circus acts, which is cool-- but none of them are exceptionally unique or fun. For example-- you get to walk on a wire that's a foot or so off the ground. You juggle some scarves. You climb a rope. You do some basic gymnastics on a static trapeze that's just barely high enough that you don't hit your head when you hang from your knees. Cool-- but I didn't feel very circus-y, frankly. Also, I see this class listed as an awesome "alternative workout" in various places, and it's really not much of a workout, unless you are very very out of shape. I will say that the owner, Carrie, is very kind and clearly passionate about her studio. The place is charming and home-y, and the cats that roam around are delightful. That said, I was never really sure who was teaching the class? It felt like advanced students were just dropping in to instruct, but I was never sure who the actual pro was or who was "in charge", so to speak. While I was there, the instructor ran across his room to answer his cell phone; BUT, I'll hand it to Carrie, she was ON THAT and clearly unhappy with him. I appreciated how close an eye she was keeping on the staff, even if they are mostly advanced students themselves. All in all, this was a cool thing to do, but I don't know that I'd go back a third time and wouldn't sign up for regular classes (in large part because I was never really sure when/how to do so?). I wound up signing up for aerial silk and trapeze lessons at the Sky Gym, which is a little better organized and more skill-specific. read more

The Circus Arts Institute is a fun place to go for an off-the-beaten-path type of class. I went with two of my friends using a Half Off Depot coupons. The classroom was rather small. I was expecting more of a studio feel, but it felt as if we were gathering in a loft apartment. There was a good-sized group of us (about 20), so space was definitely tight. We spent a good part of the class waiting in line for people to take turns on the equipment (i.e. the trapeze, the climbing rope, the tightrope). The staff was friendly and enthusiastic, but you could tell that they were really trying to push their t-shirts and their other classes. While I enjoyed having my big moment on the trapeze and working on some of my balancing techniques, I would not pay full price to go back there. If another deal comes up I might check it out again, but a return visit is not at the top of my list. I get a better workout from my yoga classes. read more

love this place! When I first walked in and saw the equipment I was a little nervous, but it wasn't long before I was hanging upside down with a smile on my face. The staff is very knowledgeable and are very encouraging praising every baby step I made. They are also patient and very safe. I was guided through every move with a spotter which made it easier for me to let go of my fear. The other students were great too, smiles and "great job"s everywhere. I can't tell you how much fun I had and what a workout! If you are looking for something new and exciting to try, are looking for a good workout, or just always dreamed of being in the circus (even for just one night a week) this school is for you! P.S. I love it so much I fly from Michigan every other month just to take classes! read more

Super fun! Come here with an open mind and you will not be disappointed. For the record, we did not stretch for 50 mins like some other reviewer mentioned. We of course stretched a little before & afterwards. The rest of the class was dedicated to playing on trapeze, Spanish web, tight rope, balancing board, & juggling. This is an intro class so don't expect to do crazy tricks right away; it's meant to give you a little taste of the classes they offer at CAI. That being said, we still did some very awesome poses & flows on the trapeze & Spanish web. Overall, I think it was a great intro class, which makes me want to come back for more classes; Michael was so nice & helpful. read more

I participated in the introductory Sat morning class. It started late as over half the people who registered for the class still hadn't arrived. That was ok because the instructor asked if we could all stay later and no one had a problem with that. We then broke down in groups of 5. We didn't get much time on the trapeze as only one person could use it at a time, and we only got one turn. :( The Spanish Web was the same thing. But one turn was really all I needed as my upper body strength was not even close to what I thought it was. :(. We did spend quite a bit of time juggling with the scarves. It was more challenging than I thought it would be, and I have been juggling at home with plastic bags at home, like the instructor suggested. It is so much harder than I would have guessed. The balance boards were also more challenging that it would seem. I am also looking into purchasing one of them for my home. :) All in all I really enjoyed the experience. My 20 something daughter was disappointed and felt like she still needed to work out when she got home. read more

I was beyond excited to see this deal on Groupon for an hour and a half beginner's class for just $23. It wasn't worth a dime. I'm originally from the northeast and have taken beginner's circus arts classes in the past that were physically challenging, well-organized, and in a very comfortable environment. Circus Arts Institute was the complete opposite of that. The room itself is small and dark with only one trapeze and one Spanish web. The class said it had room for 20+ students, but felt cramped with just 7 of us. The instructor was a complete waste. He was cocky, a show-off, and unprofessional. He made myself and my girl friends feel very uncomfortable, kept complaining about how hungry and tired he was (I am a full-time student and work full-time, you don't have to tell me twice what tired is like), and spent more time showing off his own skills than actually helping us as students to improve our own. We each got one chance to climb and one chance to do a series on trapeze. In an hour and a half class we spent at least 50 minutes stretching (yes stretching is necessary, but this was just ridiculous), 2 minutes on trapeze, 2 minutes on Spanish web, and the rest of the class throwing around scarves and calling it "juggling". I was so incredibly disappointed in this class and my friends were as well. What I thought would be a challenging and fun workout turned into a waste of time and money without even a drop of sweat to be shed. I would definitely not return to CAI and would not recommend this to ANYONE. read more

I saw a voucher deal for a 90-minute introductory class for adults and thought it would be an interesting change of pace from my aerobics classes. The classes consisted of a warm-up and cool-down (nice stretching), rope climbing, tightrope walking, and a trapeze routine. Everyone in the class and the instructors were all really nice. And you didn't feel like an idiot if you messed up or had difficulties with things. I wasn't as scared as thought with the trapeze routine. But I wasn't able to do the "difficult" move that looked easy to the instructor. I sucked at the rope climbing, but was happy to get a couple tries at it. The instructors and classmates were very patient with everyone. The tightrope was easier than it looks. The cloth juggling was interesting, but pretty boring. There is a lot of downtime so don't expect this to be a full workout. Just something ancillary. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in a fun night of "exercise" or anyone who always wondered what it would be like to be in a circus. read more

Carrie Heller is one of the greatest teachers of all time. I could not believe the fabulous skills that first my daughter and now my grand-daughter have learned. i wish I'd had these classes myself.instead of years of gymnastics. this has done wonders for m,y grand-daughters' self esteem. read more

Why should you take this class? 1. It complements other ways to get in shape and works every aspect of your fitness (strength, flexibility, posture). 2. It gives you a chance to develop a hobby that you can keep for life. The people I know that are into circus arts are the kind that set up lyras in their back yard or in the office or juggle fruit at the grocery store when clerks aren't looking. 3. The people in the class are great to be around. People in this class don't stare blankly at a wall and grunt (the two dominant modes of expression while weight-lifting) - they actually talk and cheer and laugh, etc. 4. The instructors know what they're doing and they're very encouraging. After a bad day at work, having an instructor tell you how much you've progressed can feel pretty good. 5. You get to share your talent with other people and make them smile. I love to see kids and parents at the park smile and clap when my wife and I juggle or do hand balances that we learned in class. read more