Ever feel the urge to run away and join the circus? Firefly Theatre and Circus has classes in circus arts for all ages - think more Cirque du Soleil, less bearded lady.
Beginners can take their Taste of the Circus taster class held on a weekend several times a year, or their Intro to Aerial Arts class, a 6-week introductory class with instruction on aerial silks, rope and static trapeze. They also offer advanced classes in the aforementioned disciplines, as well as contortion, straps, hoop, loop/hammock, handstands, aerial yoga, conditioning, and kids' classes too! Students even get a chance to perform in their annual student show, Let There Be Height.
I have taken several of their classes in the past and have found the staff to all be friendly, encouraging, and safety-minded. It is an excellent upper body workout (hauling your body weight 30ft in the air while climbing the silks will do that!), but should probably be supplemented with other activities for a full-body workout. Although they have safety precautions (there are crash mats below each of the apparatuses and full warm-up and cool-downs each class), you are relying on your own strength (and nothing else - no safety harnesses) to prevent you from falling to the ground, and this part freaks out my non-circus friends routinely, so just a heads up. There have been no serious injuries here that I know of, and they have a very distinct skills progression and won't teach you anything you're not ready to learn. Classes are relatively pricey at around $30 a class if you sign up for the whole session, or $50 for their taster class, but totally worth it for the uniqueness of the workout! See you in the air! read more