I truly thought that I would be giving this place a 5 star review, and I'm sad that wasn't my experience. I am always looking to support the Arts, small businesses, museums, and such - especially now - and this seemed like a good way to do that while also having a fun, unique work-out experience. I have actually had this place on my bucket list for years, so I was super excited to go. My husband and I paid $100 for a 1-hour private aerial silks lesson. We decided on a private lesson partly due to COVID, partly because we were hoping for a class that was at least partly-tailored to us, since it would be just the 2 of us, and partly because I am at one of the least physically-fit points I've been at in my entire life. (My excuses are: a couple of severe medical issues that affected my weight and my energy levels, and my rescue cat who is very needy and loves to cuddle, but he's worth it... but really I just need to get my butt in gear and get fit again.) Despite my low level of physical fitness currently, my minor physical limitations, and my total lack of experience, I was feeling confident that I could adapt or modify anything that I couldn't do, hopefully with the help of the instructor. I didn't even necessarily expect to be able to do every move. What I didn't expect was to be able to do NONE of the moves. None of them. Okay, I'm not THAT lacking in physical fitness... at least, I didn't think I was? I've done many virtual physical fitness classes throughout the pandemic - though yelp, through a few friends of mine who are fitness class instructors and I wanted to support them financially while trying to stay fit, and a handful of other classes, too. For some of these other fitness classes, I wasn't able to do every single move, and I did have to modify some of the suggested moves. However, this is literally the first time in my entire life that I was able to do NONE of the moves. I started feeling frustrated by this. My husband mentioned that it seemed like the instructor, Jen, had no idea what to do when I started feeling frustrated. I certainly didn't receive a single word of encouragement from her, which might have been nice. Although she did suggest corrections, she didn't really suggest modifications or alternate moves for me to try. When I asked her if the private lesson had a set curriculum and was really similar to the intro class, just with only 2 people, or if she was able to adapt to our specific needs and limitations, she got really defensive and insisted that she had given me "another option" for a move. But there were only 4 total moves that she taught us in the entire hour, and it seemed like the "other option" was just the next thing on her list of moves in the pre-set curriculum. My husband also mentioned that Jen seemed ill-equipped to trouble-shoot if one of us was having an issue with any of the moves. He only really had an issue with the last move of the 4 (go, Leo! It was neat to watch him go!!), but the instructor gave him feedback 4 separate times but none of her feedback enabled him to complete the 4th move successfully so she clearly had no clue what the problem was. My poor husband, who is an excellent problem-solver in general, felt badly that HE, as a first-time beginning student, wasn't able to figure out what the problem was - isn't that a big part of the instructor's job, especially for a private lesson? My husband also commented that the instructor's energy was really "flat". I agree with this - she had zero enthusiasm whatsoever, and almost no encouragement. When I was encouraging my husband and cheering him on for the 4th move - by this time I was sitting on my mat letting the lesson be his lesson since I hadn't gotten anywhere on ANY of the 4 moves - she looked over at me and then said a couple of encouraging things to him herself. This was the first time in our entire lesson, with about 5 minutes left to go, that she had said anything encouraging. This seems weird for a fitness instructor, they usually have a pretty infectious energy that is really motivating, and I started out this class super excited to learn this. We sadly would not go back, unless maybe in 5 years when I'm super fit again (it might take that long, LOL), but if we did go back, we would request a different instructor for sure. I will say that our instructor was friendly and welcoming to me when I arrived. My husband was still parking, so I arrived alone for the first few minutes. This reminds me - parking is horrible at this location, and super hard to find. We went today, on a Thursday afternoon. We arrived almost 10 minutes early. By 1 minute until our lesson started, we still had not found a place to park near the studio. Really sad and disappointed. It was nice to watch my husband do 3 of the moves, though. I feel like giving 2 stars really, but their COVID precautions are/were A++ which matters a lot to us since we're super strict ourselves, and the facility was nice. read more

See all

I'm taking private lessons here and I've worked with several coaches. They are all great! The gym is not too warm in summer while the ceiling is high, which makes it the best aerial gym in the Seattle area. read more

Versatile Arts is a warm and welcoming community for aspiring aerialists of all levels. There is really something for everyone here. Beginning lessons are completely accessible and the talented staff ensure you'll never run out of things to work on! I've had the opportunity to train all over the country, and this place is simply the best! read more

Versatile Arts - Lyra Class in the Blue Room - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place is amazing! On my last trip to visit sister in Seattle, I was able to try a lesson here, as sister plays on fabric here regularly. Before trying aerials, I frankly was not quite entirely sure of why climbing up ropes and fabric was as amazingly cool as had been described to me many times. As soon as the lesson started, though, it clicked. There's just something really fantastic about you, a piece of cloth, and a big ceiling. Although I didn't get all the way up to the top (they have super tall ceilings! I think 25 feet?), it felt exhilarating being up so high. The trapeze was my personal favorite. Maybe because I felt like I could do more on it in my hour-long first lesson. Sarah (I hope I'm remembering names correctly...) taught me how to mount the trapeze, do bird's nest, and stars. The stars were really cool and surprisingly easy. Everyone I met here was really friendly and chill. I also got to see a wonderful performance put on by the instructors that blew my mind away in its originality, beauty, and powerfulness. Now I need to go on the quest for an aerials studio in SF... read more

Versatile Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

I have not taken a class here, but I have seen shows here. The shows are odd and quirky and wonderful and showcase a diverse cast of performers with different styles of performing. The people involved are relaxed enough that I might feel comfortable taking a class even though I have zero upper body strength! read more

I love the friendly and safe environment at the V.A. I have been with Bev since the beginning and really appreciate the high standard of safety and training with the VA staff. I feel lucky to have so much talent available for private lessons, class instructions or just attending one of our performances and appreciating everyone's hard work. I look forward to many more years of honing my aerial skills in this fabulous environment. Thanks! Debbie read more

I have been taking lyra (aerial hoop) lessons with Nancy for a few months, and this place is wicked cool. Nancy's instructional style is incredibly supportive, and she makes scary things less scary. I am terrified of heights, and she is patient with me, especially when I climb the rope (as conditioning) and work on the top of the hoop. I am a pole dancer, but it seems that each aerial apparatus works things just differently enough that you feel it - in a good way! Usually... (bruising is just part of the fun of learning, right?). If you are looking to try something new and fun, and to walk away feeling mega-buff (or like you will be soon), check this place out! read more

Decided to try out the Into to Aerial Arts class on a whim, and it was the best thing I have ever done in my life! I came from a background of ZERO athletic ability, and NO upper body strength whatsoever, so I was unsure of how it would turn out. The instructors are great at working with you and whatever your bodies limitations are (one of my classmates was 70!), but they really push you beyond what you thought you would be capable of! I now truly believe virtually anyone can do aerials! I have since taken several classes and private lessons. All of the instructors have been awesome and the pricing is extremely reasonable given the high quality instruction! I also like that they have a huge variety of class offerings that is always changing, and can't wait to try different things out once I've mastered the basics. I seriously believe everyone should try aerial arts! read more

I discovered Versitile Arts about a year and half ago. I had been taking classes at SANCA, but wasn't able to train in between class to improve my skills. Another Aeirialst mentioned Versitile Arts and their "open gym" time. I decided to check it out....and I've been at Versatile Arts ever since. I remember walking upstairs to the cathedral for the first time. It was like a secret aerial tree house where the outside world ceased to exist. I fell in love with it! Not only did I have access to multiple different apparatus at once, but I also had access to this entire family of aerialists: A group that has the same passion I do. I was also extremely impressed with the Instructors. They are all highly skilled at what they do, but perhaps what is even more impressive is the "versatility in their instruction". Each Instructor has their own style and unique way of teaching. I could take a class from one Instructor and learn something new, and then take a class a class from another Instructor and learn the same thing in a new way - and it's exactly this combination that polishes your aerial skills and helps you to grow. Another unique trait of Versatile Arts is the performance opportunities for students. Bev provides monthly shows for the students to share their love of aerial with friends and family, as well as improve their performance skills. I had performance anxiety for a long time, but with Bev and the other aerialists' encouragement and help, I performed a show for the first time last year - and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you Bev and Versatile Arts for creating such a great space and supporting the aerial community! Tonya L read more

If you have "always wanted to try it" start now! Bev is an extremely skilled teacher and has taken many steps to not only perfect her own performance skills/tricks but also HOW to TEACH them safely. She is a stickler for form and safety. Versatile Arts offers many student shows and benefits that give students a chance to show off their stuff to their friends and family. As a performing aerialist I highly recommend Versatile Arts as the place start your aerial practice! Safe, clean, supportive, versatile and FUN! read more

VA is starting to become my 'happy place'. I started learning aerial at SANCA (another great school) but moved up to VA a year ago because there were more types of classes, equipment, and it was a better location for me. Not only do you get to learn new things and get your adrenaline fix, you also get opportunities to perform in a super welcoming environment! The staff is super chill yet safety is the top concern. The instructors come up with great little sequences to practice, and musicality is always encouraged. I can confidently say that I learn something new and grow stronger every week. The sculpted back and shoulders are a sweet bonus. read more

I don't give out many 5-star ratings, every place always has room to improve but I found this place to be great from the very beginning. I had emailed them and asked tons of questions and they gave such thorough and timely responses. My first session cost $60 which was fair, they going price now a days, and they list EVERYTHING on their website! Very nicely did, one of a few reason I chose them over the others because it was all so nicely laid out. I worked with Bev and she was a great person very knowledgeable. They use a skill tracking system to track how you do so in the future you can see exactly what you need to work on. A great experience and if your looking to change up your work out this is a great component to add!! read more

I walked into VA at 39 years old, utterly unfit, and having wanted to try aerials for as long as I could remember. I was sure I was too old and out of shape to even start. 3 years later, my body (and life) completely transformed, it is a passion I can't imagine living without. The staff and community at VA are amazing. The instructors are extremely well rounded and well trained professionals. They have an amazing knack for supporting you where ever you are (even if you are a perpetual beginner like me) push you when you need to be challenged, help you find your strengths, know your limitations, and most importantly they have the knowledge and training to keep you safe while you explore and go beyond the limits of what you thought you would ever be able to do. If that were not enough, what is truly remarkable is the tirelessly supportive community. Sadly, I have moved to the other side of the country, and now train elsewhere. The contrast in instruction is staggering. The instruction at VA is truly some of the best in the country. If you have ever wanted to try this, VA is the place. read more

Versatile Arts is an amazing community of instructors, aerialists, and students of all levels. I have enjoyed many different styles of classes, personal instruction, as well as shows put on by students and staff. I have never been very physically capable and I am afraid of heights, but I have felt very safe and strong learning many new skills. I love that everyone comes from different places in life and everyone fits in - non-athletes, dancers, gymnasts, young, old, etc. When I'm there, I completely forget about anything else and feel like I've been on a vacation from responsibility. read more

I started doing beginning aerial dance with Bev about a year ago. She's an excellent and supportive instructor and has created a safe, non-competitive setting that is welcoming to all levels. The programming and instruction at the studio is topnotch with a full array of offerings from beginner to advanced classes on various apparati -- tissue, rope, trapeze, lyra and two point sling. The studio also offers workshops, conditioning, student shows and high quality professional shows. Its a fun place to be creative, get in shape and meet new people. read more

Versatile arts is a great place to learn and train in aerial arts. The instructors are excellent, and the curriculum is tailored to be both challenging and safe for your current skill level. read more

I can't say enough about this place! I took the Intro to Aerial that was offered, a four week class that gives you a taste of the fun and excitement of aerial arts. I am totally hooked now and can't wait to start my Aerial 1 class. The instructor, Beverly, is just amazing! I was one of those kids that could never climb a rope in school, and being an average sized woman, I had very little upper body strength. I thought I was NEVER going to be able to do the things she was showing. But, she gets you started, breaks down all the moves, and now I can climb like a monkey, and I even learned a few 'tricks' to show my friends! Beverly is so encouraging and works with each individual in the class, so you're always progressing at your own pace. Besides the obvious fun of the class, it's a GREAT workout! You'll wake up the next morning not even knowing what you did to be that sore; but always in a good way. Even after just four classes, I can see more bicep/tricep than after months of weight lifting, and my stomach is tighter too! The class I took was for adults only, but I know she teaches children's classes as well, so check into it! Your kids will love feeling like they're in a 'circus class', and so will you! YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS! I can't even imagine my life before aerial! read more

I went to Versatile Arts for a group lesson with girlfriends in lieu of a traditional bachelorette party. It was such a fun experience for everyone, and the group had a range of fitness levels. Everyone was able to practice some of the basic aerial skills and laugh and cheer a lot in the process! Beth and Sarah are wonderful instructors - patient, fun, safe, competent, kind. They truly created a wonderful environment for us. Several of us plan to come back for more lessons! I highly recommend Versatile Arts. read more

Growing as an aerialist takes all kinds of support. Versatile Arts and the professionals who work there have provided me with the highest quality training, feedback and an amazingly positive community that have been an invaluable part of my journey from newbie to devotee. It's a rare athletic and artistic community that can be so welcoming and so hard-core at the same time read more