Love this wonderful establishment for the joy, community, fitness, challenges, artistry, accessibility and flexibility! While it may be a little strange to get to the location from the strange turn off Carlin Springs Road, then winding your way towards the back in between a church and some other fitness establishment, it is there, so go! They have recently changed the outside decor to have a welcoming, vibrant blue along the wall, so it is easier to find. What can one do here if you've never thought about any of the things they do here? That's up to you. I can only comment on what I've tried out, so far! The studio has plenty of evening classes during the week and a bunch on the weekends during the day and afternoon. Classes vary from stretching and flexibility to conditioning, including focusing on splits, backbends and handstands. They also of course focus on skills like dance trapeze, aerial trapeze, Lyra, silks, handstands, and rope. I'm sure there are more, but I can't remember. I like that the classes complement each other - so maybe go to a stretching/ flexibility class like splits and then go to a Lyra or aerial trapeze class. The classes have different levels, but you first would need to start at an introduction to ... class. There are 2 basic intro. classes - the introduction to hard apparatus (aerial trapeze and Lyra) and the introduction to soft apparatus (silks). They are 2 very different classes, but I guarantee you will feel all the physical demands of fitness by completing one of these classes. Once you complete one of those, you are free to sign up for level 1 classes of those respective apparatuses. Wondering how much stretching you should do before a class? Don't wonder, every class instructor builds in stretching to the class. So, if the class is 1 hour and 30 minutes, at least 10 minutes will help your body get ready for the class, and at least 5 minutes at the end to stretch out as well. For every class I've attended, the instructors are patient, knowledgeable, talented and creative. That means, for someone like me, who is challenged in knowing how to move body parts when I'm hanging upside down or what's forward vs backwards left vs right, they are super helpful to guide you. They are all also very respectful and will interact with you with your pronouns and your level of comfort in how you like to receive instruction. I am super impressed with how the instructors can reevaluate your abilities and needs and help you figure out how to do the things. It looks easy for the instructors/ coaches, but... it's definitely not easy for me, and they never hesitate to help and encourage me. I first started here because I was interested in aerial trapeze, but then I took a few Lyra classes and some silks. Then there were handstand classes, too. I am still most interested in aerial trapeze, but there is only 1 of those level 1 classes a week, and it books up! They do have open studio times for your practicing needs, so that's awesome. I love the silks classes, and there are more of the level 1 classes - they go up to level 3, wow! Handstands are currently once a week, but I've never seen all of the spots taken. It's a great class though! The parking is super easy, and it's free, so that's awesome. However, sometimes, it gets really busy - especially the weekends, but you can generally still find a spot. Try this out if you have any interest in aerial arts. You will love it and be challenged and will go back! See you at Monarca! read more

I went to the intro to soft apparatus class and the instructor Cassie was nice at first and the class seemed fun. I was ready to go again the next week, but as I was walking across the street outside I heard the instructors behind me gossiping about their classes and overheard, "my class got so tired I had to do a cooldown and I was like-" in a condescending tone. I turned around right then and they stopped talking, but it put a bad taste in my mouth. We didn't ask for a cooldown but she was using it as a reason to talk down about us to boost her own ego. I hope they give the instructors some guidance on professionalism because they really need it. read more

I really enjoyed my experience at the studio...until I wasn't able to sign up for my second class. I purchased two intro class from Groupon and was able to sign up for an intro to soft apparatus class with no problem. The instructor, Kat, was knowledgeable, engaging, welcoming and patient with everyone in the class! We started class with a 20-minute warm-up and then started with basic moves on the silks. We definitely enjoyed the class with Kat, but wanted to try the intro to hard apparatus class which includes working with the lyra and trapeze. Unfortunately, the studio has a 60 day policy to take your second class after taking your first class. This was not made clear to my two friends and I. We asked specifically after our first class if there was a time restriction to take our next class and was told there was no expiration for our second class. However, this was not the same message I received from the staff when I tried to email them to sign up for the second class. This policy is not listed on their website nor on the Groupon, making it very disappointing because we were excited to take another class. I would have highly recommended this studio if this problem was resolved, but the lack of customer service and ability to be flexible with their customers was disheartening. read more

The best part are the teachers - some really lovely, knowledgable and welcoming people work here, and the new owner Trisha is awesome. Great for total beginners up to more experienced levels. I wish it were closer to DC, but the fact that there is loads of free parking makes it much more convenient! read more

I was so excited to find a Lyra program in the area, the one at Monarca is fantastic! Before finding this studio I took a few workshop style classes at a different studio which were great, but it wasn't a great fit for me. I originally purchased a groupon for the intro classes at monarca, took 2 intro to hard apparatus which includes lyra and trapeze, after my 2nd class I got the ok to move onto the beginner classes. I really enjoyed the intro classes because the instructors do an excellent job of breaking down each move, ensure everyone is safe throughout the class, and it's an excellent workout. So far I've taken beginner lyra classes with Acoatzin and he's a fantastic instructor! The classes are small to ensure the instructors can watch and help everyone. I learn something new each time and I'm excited to learn more about lyra through monarca! read more

I had never done aerials before I took Monarca In Flight's Intro to Soft Apparatus class about a month ago. I've tried one other studio since then but I much prefer Monarca and have been back every chance I've had! They offer a wide variety of classes, though I've only had the opportunity to take silks and sling so far. The studio can be a little tough to find your first time - it's tucked on the side of a big complex and I accidentally drove around the back the first time, but there is decent signage if you are in the front. Turn into the parking lot across from the 7-11 and go down the side of the building (it's on the side perpendicular to REI and BalletNova). Once inside, the studio is spacious and very clean and well-maintained. There are stall bars, mats, and plenty of equipment for stretching and other conditioning. There are also two side studios - I've only been in one of them, but they have good crash mats (which I can say because I've fallen on them more than once, haha) and plenty of space between equipment. The equipment not currently in use gets neatly tied up out of the way. They also have various heights for slings (and I assume lyra and trapeze - I haven't taken any hard apparatus classes yet) for those of us who can't pull ourselves up yet. Another cool thing I haven't seen at the other studio I tried, or online, is that many of the silks are dyed different colors on each side, which makes it easier for beginners because you can identify which silk you're talking about by colors rather than pointing or having to try to explain which one. After the Intro class, you move into Beginner 1 and progress at your own pace. Classes are capped at 2 students per piece of equipment, so at most you'll share with one other person which I really like - I learn just as much from watching the other person work as I do from my own practice. Since you go at your own pace, there will be students in the class who are more advanced and getting ready to move to the next level, and there will also be students who are brand new. The instructors do a great job of giving individual attention, while making sure that everyone from the most advanced student down to the complete newbie all learn something new. I've worked with 3 different instructors so far (Acoatzin, Kat, and Hilary) and all were excellent: high energy, engaging, and very patient. Most importantly, Monarca is hugely concerned with safety. As mentioned before, there's a crash mat under every piece of equipment. Class sizes are intentionally kept small enough that the instructor can keep an eye on everyone. They always ask about injuries and tailor moves accordingly. You learn tricks close to the ground first, or even lying on the mat if you need to (for example, I work on inversion sequences lying on the ground because I don't have the endurance to do them in the air yet). They are very hands on about spotting and helping you if you need it. As I mentioned, I've had a couple minor falls (all very close to the ground) and each time the instructor was there immediately to check me out even if I was already laughing it off - and then to figure out what went wrong so it doesn't happen again. If you have been wanting to try aerials and are nervous or unsure for whatever reason, I highly recommend checking out an Intro class at Monarca. Most people don't start out strong enough, or bendy enough, or whatever enough, but it will come with time. Monarca is great because they do incorporate conditioning, but while you're doing conditioning, you're still learning cool tricks. The teachers and students are nonjudgmental and encouraging whether it's your first class or your fiftieth. You leave every class feeling accomplished (and yes, probably tired and sore too). They make aerials super accessible and fun no matter your starting point. read more

I'm so glad I found Monarca! Every teacher is kind, knowledgeable, patient, personal, and judgment free. I got to take lyra, silks, static trapeze, circus conditioning, bungee, handstand and sling. I enjoyed each class immensely. No matter what level, there's something for you! The month deal worked for me. 85 to attend as many classes as you want for a month. I'm told Groupon also has a great deal for starting classes. There's also an easy app to schedule or cancel classes. You'll make great friends and improve on your strength, flexibility and circus skills. I'm so glad I found this gem of a studio. read more

I usually don't write reviews - but I've never felt so strongly about a place in my entire life until now. First, some of the teachers are downright disrespectful, especially the owner of the studio, if you don't want to deal with people then don't own a business or teach. I should have to put up with your attitude when I'm paying you for a service. Second their leveling system for class progression is bullshit, there is no clear answer to what skills you need to have to level up. There's no system in place to check off individual skills for a student and the instructor are like its whatever the owner comes up with. And that changes at least once or twice a week. Third, cancelling my membership was a nightmare. I'm in the Army and I had to break from my membership because due to a change in a new duty station. I provided a new set of orders as an explanation and I was still being charged months after I left the area. Paying 179.00 a month for a membership I'm not using is ridiculous.To this day I haven't seen any type of refund from them. I wouldn't recommend this place at all. read more

Amazing customer service! Mr. Keith was very helpful and I look forward to taking their class! I wish they offered more intro classes but would recommend on the customer service alone! read more

I recently took an intro to silks class, and was very excited to attend. However my experience with the instructor was not a great one. Throughout the class he would say to me "what is that?"when I was attempting to try one of the poses that was taught. I noticed he would constantly say that to me, and not the other students Mind you, this was my first time ever doing aerial silks. I was trying my best. I was getting upset with these comments, that I didn't even want to try anymore. I was so disappointed and looking forward to attending, and was considering getting a membership. Now I don't want to come back. read more

I come to Monarca regularly now - I'm totally hooked! I've been taking aerial silks for a little while before but the classes at Monarca have really helped me progress a lot more. The teachers take the circus arts seriously, while still having fun, and have really good advice about technique so that you don't hurt your body. The price is really good if you become a member and want to take circus arts regularly - there's different classes for everyone. The open gym time is also very helpful because at least one teacher is always present to give you feedback and make sure you're safe. Plus, the studio is really clean, taken care of well, and the staff are very friendly. I definitely recommend taking the Hard Apparatus and Soft apparatus intros and seeing what you like - whether it's silks or sling, trapeze or lyra, or things like gymnastics, flexibility, partner balancing, etc! read more

This is the circus studio I have been waiting for. They have silks, sling, lyra, rope, handstand and fitness classes available. I love that they have a monthly membership so I can take all of the classes. The location is really great (for me), by the REI on Carlin Springs and there is plenty of parking. If you are coming from Columbia Pike, you turn after the apartment complex, and it is along the back/side of the complex of shops. They offer intro classes for all of the aerial classes, which is awesome to help people not feel intimidated by this crazy new fitness trend. I have now had classes with 3 of the instructors, and I am so impressed by the level of instruction. I took Acoatzin's sling, silks, and lyra classes, and he is really good at correcting my form and explaining why certain muscles need to be engaged during the moves. My lyra class was tonight, and he taught me multiple sequences that he then had me put all of the sequences I learned together to music. It was a really well thought out lesson, which I totally appreciated. Jean's fitness classes are pretty incredible, and because there are fitness classes here, my legs don't get neglected! I took her Friday night Fit for Aerialists class, and she is so good at corrective movement and understanding what type of conditioning aerialists need. She is also crazy creative, so I know I will never get bored. I watched the end of her Tuesday night HIIT classes, and I could tell the students were exhausted, but they were laughing through all the exercises. Finally, I went completely out of my comfort zone, and took Kat's stage presence class. It is a class I will go back to regularly because I need to have someone pull me out of the fitness side and work on the theatrical side. Try it and prepare to get addicted! read more

I joined this studio after trial with Groupon. I was committed and immediately purchased the first month membership with them and was willing to go for a full-year membership.I was going there almost everyday to get better. The studio has good stretch tools for the floor as well as Aerial equipment. I'm quitting because of the quality of instruction. Basically instructors are not good at teaching. Plus they exams instructors after being Aerialists only for a few to several years themselves. I dance and do martial arts. Instructors for those usually have a few decades of experiences practicing in those disciplines. Also instructors in this studio are not really friendly, at least to me, and they chat with and pay more attention to their buddies, members for a longer period. I'm quitting because of one male instructor called Acoszin Torres. First intro class with him made me uncomfortable. He just doesn't know how to teach a class of only several people. He can focus on one person at a time and spend too much time. Others were left confused with no instruction. I took second class, and he was not attentive to newer students like myself and another woman. We were left confused. And got his attention only a few times during the class. When he came over to us, he said, " What are you doing? That's not what I taught you. Pay attention!" I mean, we have been trying hard with not much attention from the instructor. We were new and didn't deserve such a comment in a mean and conceded tone. Well, this studio lost a customer who had been willing to stick around for years to come. Also my friends were interested in trying out. Obviously, my friends are not going to this studio after my experience. read more

I took my first class at this studio on 10/5, and I've literally been there daily since. Aerial arts and circus arts is generally an extremely fun practice, and is very challenging. However, this studio makes it so amazingly accessible. It is very apparent that a lot of though and care go into crafting the lessons, as the warm-up exercises sync with the skills taught in the classes. The instructors are warm, welcoming, and knowledgable. They've been able to pin-point my weak points (of which there are many!), and give me helpful, constructive feedback. The memberships are affordable, and there's an array of classes, at times I can actually make (most start in the evening). Definitely check this place out! I'm pretty sure you'll become as massive of an addict as I am XD read more