I came here on a Sunday afternoon for a beginners class to check out. The class was a half hour of warm-up, half hour of silks, and half hour of trapeze. I am very new to taking these types of classes, and that was not the case for everyone else. However, the instructor was super helpful in guiding me as much as possible. Everyone was supportive of my journey here and welcoming for being a newbie. I took this beginners class because I wanted to see if I wanted to invest money and into taking a 7 to 8 week class. I had a great time and I really enjoyed learning and developing the little skills that I was able to within that timeframe. I think taking one of the beginner class series would be the most helpful. I am glad that I enjoyed the vibe as there was people of all different shapes and sizes who were able to do amazing skill work. I also really like this place because they do shows around the city. I haven't seen one yet, but I definitely have seen them advertised and want to support them in the future. read more

Awesome instructors and fun experience! I love that the first 30 mins are warm ups and then you have a full hour of silks. It goes by very quickly and is a great workout! read more

I have been a student at night flight for a few years and it's been a dream! I get to finally fulfill my inner desires of being a trapeze artist and night flight has been an amazing place to train all the way! I have had the most amazing experience with all the coaches there! But specifically I have loved training with Larke and Christina! They have truly made training special and have helped me over come many fears and obstacles in my aerial career! Come and train at night flight if you want a good experience! read more

Night Flight - The gym floor with crash mats and trapeze hanging, and silks - Dance Studios Near Me - Portland, Oregon

When I first started at Night Flight over a year ago, I had no idea I would love the aerial arts as much as I do. I think it's safe to say that part of that love is due to the amazing instructors and the environment they've created in this studio. The instructors I've worked with are very skilled and knowledgable, but also they are very good teachers. Moreover, they are supportive, kind, and patient. Words I'd use to describe the atmosphere and space are warm, inclusive, and safe. Most of my time has been spent in trapeze and silks with Larke and Daniela. Both of them are amazing! (And if you do one of Jack's conditioning classes...don't let his warm fun attitude fool you into thinking it will be an easy class! Heehee) read more

Just took my first class with Danny @ night flight and I'm hooked. Cannot say enough nice things about the structure of class, the aerial space and definitely about Danny's teaching method. Super bubbly and relentlessly encouraging; it's a recipe for success! read more

I came in for a drop in class with a few adventures friends, having no idea what was in store for me. I was nervous, a bit scared, and excited. The teachers were awesome and had a sense of humor, which helped shake off the sense of nervousness a bit. Also, I knew this would be hard but wow, just a few of the aerial moves we learned amounted to one hell of a wonderful work out! If I don't end up taking one of the 7-week classes, I'm sure all be back eventually for another drop in class. Hard ass work out with super sexy moves = an amazing was to spend your Saturday afternoon. By the way, did I mention the teachers were wonderful?! read more

Night Flight - Dance Studios Near Me - Portland, Oregon

When I moved to Portland, I followed a recommendation to try Night Flight. I went to one Drop-In class, and I was hooked! I have tried other aerial studios, but multiple factors keep me coming back to Night Flight. Firstly, I love the structure of the classes. Other studios can rush through stretching/warming up, but Night Flight classes have dedicated time periods for warming up, conditioning, and new skills. I always feel confident that I have the time and space I need to warm up and prevent injuries. Second, I appreciate Night Flight requiring their students to pass fitness tests to advance to the higher level classes. I had never been required to take a fitness test before, so I was intimidated at first. But the tests gave me a fitness goal to work towards, and the teachers supported me through the whole journey. I did not pass after my first attempt, but I still remember my coach Treya helping me roll out my muscles and encouraging me to try again another day. I also came to Night Flight with a little previous aerial experience, so I was unsure which level to sign up for. Every studio's "Level 1" can mean something different! But the fitness tests gave me a very clear idea of my level and how I could improve. Once you know your level, the curriculum builds upon itself very clearly. I have noticed my strength, flexibility, and skillset improve dramatically over my 1.5 years of attendance. Third, and most importantly, the coaches are the reason I keep coming back. I especially love taking classes with Kerri and Paulina. No matter what kind of day I had at work, their positive energy lights up my evening every time. We have so much fun that you can forget you're exercising! read more

I've taken a couple different series of aerial silk and trapeze classes as night flight and will absolutely continue to return. I've loved all the instructors I've had the pleasure of learning under. Everyone is incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging. This is absolutely a safe, inclusive and supportive space. I highly recommend them to anyone even remotely curious about aerial. read more

I've been taking classes at Night Flight for almost a year now, and the change in myself and my body over that time has been dramatic. Growing up, I was one of the least athletic, least flexible people you've ever met. My confidence in my physical abilities was just about nil. I tried different sports and dance, but never stuck with any of them for long and just got more and more discouraged. Night Flight completely turned that around for me. I fell in love my first day in the air, taking two classes a week from the get-go and progressing to three as soon as I could manage it. And man, has it paid off--for the first time in my life, I have rockin' biceps, delts, and abs! (Glutes, too, as my appreciative husband has repeatedly pointed out to me.) Aerial is hard work, especially coming from a nonexistent fitness level like I did, but it is so fun and exhilarating that I never realize how hard I'm pushing my body until I feel my sore muscles the next day. Every day I'm challenged, and every day I come away feeling proud and accomplished. By far, however, the best thing about Night Flight is the teachers. I've been to other aerial studios, and while I have great respect for all of them, the level of experience and professionalism at Night Flight simply can't be matched. My teachers are some of the most inspiring women I've met, and they are extremely skilled at working at your level, constantly challenging you and constantly encouraging you. You'd think that gorgeous, talented, strong amazons like these would be intimidating, but it's quite the opposite: they're some of the sweetest, funniest, most easy-going people you can ever hope to find. That goes for the vast majority of my classmates, as well. I've made many friends in class, and we are always laughing, shouting encouragement, and applauding each other's successes. A few more quick points, which have already been pointed out by others: clean, beautiful studio (and they are expanding soon!), and they use the space well. Equipment is well cared for. Big emphasis on safety. Competitive rates for what they're offering. read more

I've been going to Night Flight for 4 weeks now for couple of their 7 week series classes. I am attending the silks 1 class with Ariel and Stephanie, also the intro to contortion stretching with Jacki. Their instructors are so knowledgable and attentive. I really appreciate their structure to their classes. The order in which they warm us up, condition and add on new skills has a wonderful flow. The two studios are always a good temperature. Though there is no parking lot there is ample street parking. If you ever have questions in regards to classes or other topics related to the studio Stephanie and Gemma are great about returning calls and emails. Oh also if you get hungry before or after class there is a great restaurant Biwa in the same building. read more

I love this aerial studio. I started taking classes here over two years ago and I cannot say enough. These people are affectionate, welcoming and generous. From the day I walked in (after emailing to ask about classes and getting an email back that same night to go ahead and join in one of the classes the following day) I felt as though these people were extremely professional and focused on the safety and enjoyment of their students. Things have only gotten better since then. They offer a wide variety of classes on all kinds of equipment- and have just added a class on hand-balancing, taught by a former cirque de soleil performer. The teachers put on 2-3 stage shows per year which are always astoundingly good. The studio is clean and beautiful, with fantastic temperature control (something that is often not an option in warehouse spaces) and high ceilings (19 functional feet for each apparatus) Don't let one anomalous review and missed connection put you off this place. The owners are very hands-on and responsible. I would recommend this studio to everyone. read more

This is a serious gym for people who want to learn aerial arts. The folks who work at and run the studio are very nice and amazing aerial artists! read more

I'm on an artistic sabbatical traveling across the US taking classes everywhere. I've had extremely positive experiences in Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City and Seattle. When it came to booking classes in Portland, it was extremely difficult to find a company that offered drop in classes. Even my local friends tried helping me, which is how I heard about Night Flight. Four days ago I sent them an email using their 'contact us' feature on their website to inquire if I could drop in to a class that I was over qualified for. My knowledge of the aparatus was well beyond the requirement AND it was only day 2 of a six week series. I explained that I was from out of town and would only be in Portland this one day. I never heard back. Saturday, the evening before the class I emailed them directly, using a contact email published on their website and I still never received a response. Since I had such little success finding classes in Portand, I decided to just drive to Night Flight 30 minutes prior to the class start time and hope for the best. The studio is TINY and there appeared to be multiple classes going on at once, no registration clerk or area comfortable to wait, you just walk straight into the middle of a class. The instructors didn't greet me at all, just starred at me, making me uncomfortable when I walked in. Finally after showing myself around, looking for help a gentleman said he could "take a quick question" and when I stated my above inquiry, he scoffed, "no, that won't be possible" My entire experience with this place was terrible! They are disorganized and rude. read more

This has been something I had wanted to try for so long but just assumed I was too old (mid-30s) and out of shape at this point in my life. Good thing there's peer pressure because aerial has completely reinvigorated me! Night Flight made all of my nervousness and self consciousness melt away. The studio is beautiful with large skylights filling the space with daylight, the teachers are amazing and able to focus attention on each student, classes are never too large, and everyone is so supportive (teachers and classmates). I love the diversity of people in each class, from 16 years old to 50s, men and women, all types of body shapes and fitness levels, all getting stronger together. I started with class once a week and now take it three times a week. I'd have an aerial studio in my backyard if possible! Don't hesitate like I did. You'll end up regretting you waited so long to give something so amazing a try! read more

I have been taking beginning aerial 1 and 2 at Night Flight for a few months now and I absolutely love it. I've taken aerial classes at other studios before where I felt that my safety may be in peril; at Night Flight, however, I am very confident because all of the instructors are skilled and vigilant and constantly have your safety in mind. You are not expected to perform beyond your skill level but are challenged to push yourself with careful guidance. I would completely recommend this studio to anyone interested in aerial. My only wish is that there would be more drop-in classes offered! read more

I've been taking classes from Night Flight for a year and can't recommend them enough! Their classes are well structured, challenging without being intimidating, and extremely well paced. Taking a full session is definitely the way to go! I remember being super nervous when I first started, my upper body strength was nearly nothing, I hadn't taken any movement classes in years, and I was almost thirty. The owners Gemma and Stephanie and their lovely talented instructors made me feel right at home, helped me develop my skills and muscles at my own pace, and pushed me just hard enough to keep me engaged. I won't lie, it kicked my ass, but in the best way possible! Classes price out at about the same amount as yoga for a 7-8 week session, so for this type of class they are extremely reasonable! The space is airy and comfortable with beautiful natural light, and the whole experience from when you walk in the door until you head home is just lovely. Every single instructor is an expert in their field, and have so much to offer students of all levels. They really whip you into shape without being pushy or scary. After a year of taking classes I consistently save money to keep coming back, something no other exercise class has been able to get out of me. I am still as excited (if not more) than the day I started. Like I said, I can't recommend them enough. If you are looking to get into circus arts, on a performance track, or just want to get seriously in shape fast Night Flight is an excellent choice! read more

Just finished the beginning aerial 7-wk course and can't say enough great things about Night Flight. Such a beautiful space! Petra and Kelsey are such great instructors. I really appreciate the time they took to make sure everyone was appropriately warmed up to prevent injury - it was clear they wanted to make sure everyone was conditioned to build up the strength and flexibility that is needed to prevent injury. The classes are well structured so that each week builds on the last. We had 12 people in our class it this was the perfect ratio to make sure everyone was able to get the attention they needed to continue to build their skills. I haven't had a chance yet to try the drop in classes, but they stressed to us that they fill up fast so to be sure and stop by earlier in the day to put our name on the list to make sure we were able to snag a spot. Can't wait to sign-up for classes again in the future. Would recommend to anyone looking to do something fun! read more

Night Flight is a fantastic studio for both figuring out aerial fundamentals and building to a truly advanced skillset. They have a great space and staff it with caring, engaged, and experienced instructors who are always encouraging and motivating. They offer a wide range of classes and cater to all experience levels in a way that makes me always feel comfortable but advancing. In particular, Instructor Amaya has been fantastic. She's experienced and extremely engaged. Every class she stays as fully invested in each person's development, getting visibly excited when we succeed and supportive on our way to success. It's always a pleasure to learn from her! read more

Since the writing of my last review, the owner of the company has reached out to me and personally apologized, as well as spoke further to me about my prior experiences. To me, this speaks to the professionalism of their team and I do believe they have their students best interests at heart and shows that they really care. I should clarify based on my last review that my experience there wasn't completely bad, I did have instructors there that I truly liked and who were kind, warm, and welcoming. I have moved out of Portland, but I would absolutely give this place a second chance if I still lived in the area. For someone shy like me, I would maybe opt for their private lessons rather than group classes, but if you're outgoing and like group environments, the group classes may work perfect for you! read more

Everything about this place is great. The instructors are amazing, the studio is spacious and has a lot of natural light. The atmosphere is very friendly to complete beginners ( I took Beginners 1 and 2 and was 100% satisfied). read more

I am an aerialist with no background in gymnastics or dance and have been practicing for over 2 years at several studios. Overall, I have to say this company by far is the safest, most lovely space to be in. The attention given by the instructors to the students is exemplary. Not only is there a good student to instructor ratio, they actually put their hands on you for assistance and spotting. They are also very explanatory and thorough in their instructions. It is because of this fine studio, I was actually able to be in a student showcase; this made me feel so proud, something I really thought would never happen, especially at 40 years of age!! I have tried other aerial studios and I can say without a doubt, this opportunity to perform would never have happened anywhere else! In addition to a tremendous schedule of a wide variety of classes, they also have opportunities for open gym to work on what you learned. It's a supportive environment full of talent and enthusiasm. I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend this studio to anyone who is interested in beginning their journey into the air, or for the professional who just wants a great space to be in :) read more

Night Flight is hands down the best circus school in Portland. The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and always make me feel safe in the air. I've really progressed and conquered all sorts of tricks I never imagined I'd be able to do. I especially love Ashley and Paulina, who always have the perfect tip to make my tricks more fluid and beautiful. The space is gorgeous, clean, and climate controlled. I can't recommend Night Flight highly enough. read more

Night Flight has changed my life! It's such a fun/great workout in a positive environment. The students are encouraging of one another and although I started at the very bottom I regards to strength- I never feel self conscious about it here. Every little gain is celebrated here by your classmates and staff- it makes you feel pretty darn good about yourself! The coaches at Night Flight are outstanding! They are knowledgeable, kind and provide so much encouragement! I always try to make sure I am registered with Treya or Amaya- they are both Fabulous instructors. They truly take an interest in pushing their students to their full potential. I am glad they were the first instructors I had when I started because they really make you feel comfortable with where you are at in your Ariel journey and provide a lot of helpful feedback. I am so glad I found this place. The studio is beautiful and has a welcoming vibe! I recommend this studio to anyone who is even a little curious about Ariel arts! Also, the Nightflight staff show is incredible! :) read more

I've been coming to Night flight for more than 6 years and absolutely love this place! All of the talented instructors here really care about their students. Whether you just want to try a drop in class to see if it's for you, or if you want to train multiple times a week to hone your aerial skills I highly recommend this studio! read more

There's a reason that all of the reviews on here have 5 stars: The experience at Night Flight is entirely positive. Everyone else has said it all already: amazing instructors, clean space, comfortable temperature, ridiculously good workout, safe, lovely fellow students... The only thing I can add: If you are new to aerial arts and perhaps a little nervous to take a class: you'll be amazed on day one at how AWESOME you are, and the things that you can do. Feeling awesome has value outside of the studio, too. It will add a little pizzazz to your step. A surprise benefit that goes beyond the physical discipline! read more

I have been going to Night Flight for almost a year now, and I just LOVE it! I live in Vancouver and have no troubles making the trip across the river two nights a week for class. I've tried so many other different exercise classes, but this is the first time where I never want to miss a class! I was a super wimp when I started and am amazed at the progress I've made. The teachers are great and it's SO much fun! read more

I absolutely adore Night Flight. I started aerial at another studio and outgrew it for a variety of reasons but really wanted to continue my aerial training. I was SOOO happy to find such a warm, clean and well organized studio with so many class options. The teachers are excellent and there is a HUGE community of lovely people I know call friends, all thanks to Night Flight. I've been taking classes there for about 3 years and am seriously impressed by what a tightly run ship they have, considering how many classes are taught, and how many students go through there. In reference to the 2 bad reviews I see thus far, I really feel like they are unfair. Arica needed to pass the fitness test and come to open gym if she wanted to do moves that were beyond the scope of the class- case closed. Kathleen needs to recognize that stretching is HUGELY important before any workout, especially something as strenuous as aerial. Further, a beginner drop-in class has the responsibility to ensure safety first, and you don't expect to learn to do something fancy before you learn the basics. Climbing is elemental! I just took 9 months off to have a baby and pretty much the only thing I am doing is climbing and straddle ups to condition myself to get back in the air. I did aerial at Night Flight until I was 4 months pregnant and found the Night Flight instructors to be very supportive, and now that I'm back, I have felt welcomed with open arms by everyone who I used to work out with, including teachers. I have had the honor of participating in a couple student showcases, and the teachers always take a ton of extra time (for free) to prepare us, all because they love aerial and they love their students. The official Night Flight company shows are AMAZING and worth the money. In all my years of classes, I have never felt the shows were excessively advertised, like one of the negative reviews suggested. I recommend Night Flight to everyone I know that is even considering aerial and wants a good workout in a comfortable gym with nice people. You should definitely sign up for a series class to learn the most, but the drop-in classes are great too. read more

So, I had never been to a silks class before and my friend who has been doing silks for about a year down in Eugene wanted to go here and check it out. The first 30 min of the class was just stretching. Which is fine but a little excessive. When we finally got on the silks we had to share 1 silk for 3 to 4 students. The only moves I learned in this 90 min class were how to climb and how to execute a single foot wrap. Then the instructors, who were kinda snotty, used the last 10 min of the class to promote there upcoming show. After this not good experience my friend took me to her gym in Eugene and showed me that not all silks classes are a complete waste of 20$ and 90 minutes of my time. Night Flight gets one star for having a clean gym. read more

I always secretly wished I could learn gymnastics, but kind of figured that once I was past elementary school age, I was way too old. When I found a pamphlet for Night Flight about 9 months ago, I was elated. Since then, I've been taking two classes a week and I'm probably stronger and more flexible than I've ever been. I'm motivated to exercise and stretch on my own, because improving at trapeze and silks is such an amazing reward. I love the friendly and encouraging atmosphere, where everyone in the classes cheers for everyone else. The instructors are always warm and supportive, happy to provide additional instruction and cheerleading as necessary. I've found something I truly love that I thought I would never have a chance to do and I think everyone should have that same opportunity. I love aerial and I love Night Flight. Five stars. read more

6 of us girls took a private aerial class and it was so much fun! It wasn't that expensive and was 1.5 hours long. It was impressive to witness how difficult it is, yet professionals make it look so smooth and easy. read more

Night Flight is a beautiful aerial studio. I have been going to classes there for almost a year. I remember being nervous before my first class that the instructors would be intimidating. I learned in my first class that it was the exact opposite- they are all kind, friendly, supportive, excellent teachers. I have taken class with Jack, Daniella, Larke, and some drop ins with Chalese, Amaya, and Paulina, and they have all been amazing. With their support even the most unathletic of us can lift off the ground. read more

What a fantastic place to go for a workout! The instructors are super nice and sooooo talented. The atmosphere is relaxed and playful, not intimidating like some other places. Since becoming a student, I have noticed crazy changes in my body. My core and upper body are stronger than ever. I highly recommend this wonderful aerial studio for ANYONE interested in learning the aerial arts and/or getting in shape. read more

I started taking aerial silks classes from Night Flight a few years ago. Gemma, one of the owners, was my teacher from the beginning level (though I know they have grown since then, and have several other teachers now). Gemma is an excellent teacher~ everything you want in an instructor: supportive, inspiring, and pushes you to your limits. I also took a few classes from Petra and John, and Stephanie who are all terrific. I recommend Night Flight whole heartedly as a full body workout and great confidence builder. Can't wait to move back to Portland so I can pick up where I left off. read more

I've been attending classes at Night Flight for nearly a year and it just keeps getting better. I've taken a couple classes at another studio and Night Flight is preferable in almost every way. The studio is bright, climate controlled, and the instructors are top notch. I appreciate that the vast majority of classes are in a series, as it's let me progress safely and quickly. I started off so weak but have gotten so much stronger and flexible than I anticipated, and I now love aerial. read more

This place is wonderful. I started taking classes here almost 4 months ago and I love it. I have never been super athletic, and this was very accessible. Classes are really targeted to the the specific group of students' needs, and also to the individual's needs. After 4 months I am still sore after every single class, and although I still have a ton to learn, each class I can do at least one thing better than I could before. This is hard work, for sure, but so rewarding and fun. My instructors and fellow students are so supportive. I am hooked. read more

Night Flight is one of those amazing places that starts out as a business and becomes a community. The teachers are amazingly supportive, positive and enthusiastic. Moreover, Night Flight has a tendency to attract students that share all of these qualities. It's easy for a gym or a dance studio to become catty and competitive. that is not the case here. Everyone is happy and welcoming and has your back no matter what. Every aerial studio is different. They do their classes differently, they have different ideas about safety, they have different philosophies on technique. It's not appropriate to walk into an aerial studio and expect it to be like another aerial studio where you have trained. Night Flight is very safety conscious and organized and if you used to a different mentality, it makes sense that one might be surprised by Night Flight ' s professionalism and standards. That said, the owners are very conscientious and dedicated to safety... More so than any other studio I have been to in the country. yet the atmosphere remains fun and nurturing. Go to the website, read the way the classes work, contact the owners with any questions. they will answer you. read more

What a pretty studio! I just finished my second series class. What fun! Every time I'm in Portland for a while I try to sign up for something. This is truly one of the nicest places in town. All the teachers I've worked with have been patient and encouraging. These folks definitely put an emphasis on safety which I thoroughly appreciate. There's lots of room to spread out and practice... What a beautiful space!! read more

I took classes at Night Flight for more than two years before moving away from Portland. I loved it while I was there -- I loved the instructors, the space, the community of students. Now that I've tried aerial classes at other studios, I can really appreciate just how fantastic Night Flight is! They give such care to setting students up to feel successful and safe, to teaching skills in an order that makes sense, and to making sure we have a good foundation of form and technique. The series class format means the Night Flight teachers get to know their students. That lets them have a sense of when to push them, and whether (and how) they should modify a move. The team teaching style lets students get hands on spotting from one while the other keeps an eye on everyone else in the air practicing safely. The warm up and conditioning, both on the ground and in the air really builds the base for learning new tricks to be both fun and safe. Night Flight is really a magical place! read more