I took a class for my friends birthday. Lydia was an amazing teacher. Very helpful and attentive and I liked the tricks she taught. I will definitely be back to try more read more

Womack And Bowman - The Loft - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

I've now been going to The Loft for about 3 years now. Between the different instructors, many class options/times and the shows/performances they put on -- it's hard to NOT love this place! I still feel like this is one of the best aerial spaces in Los Angeles, but I could be a bit biased to the high ceilings and making such great connections at this studio. Only thing I would love, is if they offered more hammock classes and open gym slots. It I know they also offer probates with instructors so I'm sure they have to accommodate a lot of that too. Nonetheless it's my home studio now read more

My daughter started classes with them. She loves doing silks. She has a serious medical procedure coming up and she's forbid by medical note to practice any sport for a few weeks. No luck. I asked Womack and bowman to kindly either keep a credit or refund until she can resume classes and they refused but wish her well. So much for non caring and lack of empathy for a child whose going to go through a lot. No empathy whatsoever just business. read more

This place is so amazing that I'm struggling to find words to describe it and I don't even know where to start. I guess I'll start off by saying that I'm hardcore into aerial silks. I'm not a pro but I'm not a beginner either (although if I take more than a 2-week break from aerial, I'll go back to being a beginner). I started coming here about a year into my aerial silks journey which was a little over a year ago. I had been taking the "Silks 2" classes at Aerial House in Alhambra at the time and, thinking they were the same thing, I signed myself up for the "Silks 2 - Intermediate" class at W&B as my first class. Boy was that a mistake. They were doing Wheeldowns as a warm-up and, at that time, I had never done a Wheeldown in my life let alone climb silks that high. I hadn't done aerial silks with such high ceilings before. Thankfully, everyone there was very nice and Kerry Wee modified her class plans to fit my skill level. My advice to you is to take their "Introduction to Aerial Arts" class if you've never taken any aerial before and go from there. If you have taken aerial before, I'd go to one of their level one "Beginner" classes and at the end of it, if you're still unsure, speak with the instructor regarding which class level you should be in. Before the "Safer at Home" order, I was going to their "Silks 2 - Intermediate" classes twice a week and I LOVED it. Now that we're all stuck at home, I've been taking their $5 online aerial fitness classes you can do at home without any equipment requirements. Before all this COVID-19 stuff, I was signed up for their Performance Lab and was scheduled to do a silks routine at their student recital in May. It's been canceled/postponed now but I'll definitely be on the lookout for future student recital opportunities. If you're considering W&B for your aerial needs, here's my breakdown. Pros: - very high ceilings so you can do multiple drops without having to climb up the silk after each drop - focuses on choreography for both amateur and professional aerial performances - they have four apparatus rigs in each class which, I hear, is a lot in the aerial community - offers lots of discounts if you subscribe to their emails - usually offers one or two student recitals each year, that are open to all levels, which is great practice performing in front of a live audience - extremely talented peers to learn from and look up to - accepts ClassPass, which is an even better deal than buying their 90min 10-class pack - they teach a wide range of aerial classes for all different levels and apparatuses: (1) aerial silks levels 1-3; (2) hoop levels 1-2; (3) hammock levels 1-2; (4) beginner straps; (5) aerial rope: (6) dance trapeze; (7) beginner flexibility; (8) intermediate mixed apparatus [we did the cloud swing the other week!]; (9) 2-hour open gyms Cons: - can be weak on teaching the foundational elements if you're just starting out in your aerial journey when there are more advanced students in the classes - their 90min 10-class packages expire if you don't use it within three months - their membership packages require a 12-month contract Hope this helps! See you up in the air! read more

Womack And Bowman - The Loft - Silks 2 - Intermediate class with Lydia Lara on Wednesdays! - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

RIGGING - If you're at all concerned with your safety, rest assured The Loft is EXTREMELY SAFE. Most people don't understand or think twice about rigging in an aerial studio, they just assume everything is safe.... Unfortunately in OTHER studios I've seen and inspected it's not. I'm a contractor and also study and work with rigging, I know the structural integrity of different materials and what will materials work with certain load capacities. Aside from being one of the few studios that are lucky enough to have steel I-beams with a truss system, the way their hard points are attached is extremely secure. However, they didn't stop there. They added a safety line to those hard points as a backup just incase something were to happen. The ropes and pulleys that are used are overkill and oversized and not even needed, so once again The Loft went above and beyond to ensure the safety of their students and all who walk through their doors. Hopefully this brings reassurance to you and helps get any doubt out of your head if you are or would be safe here so you can enjoy the class from their amazing instructors. Thanks for reading my ted talk. read more

This place is great. I take classes with Kerry Wee and she is an amazing instructor - patient, knowledgeable, and hilarious. Her instructions are very clear and she takes the time to help each student build their knowledge base. I highly recommend her. I have also had one class with Joe Pinzon who was also wonderful. read more

Amazing instructors, love this place. Really missing it during quarantine. I didn't get to make the drive very often, but I had no problem commuting from Torrance and sitting in over an hour of traffic just to get to take class here, even though there are at least 5 other gyms between home and here! I have yet to have the pleasure of training with some of the instructors, but so far, I can't recommend Lydia and Joe enough. Try not to be too starstruck by their credentials - they are awesome! And if you're a woman in post-partum recovery, several of the women here are an inspiration. If you're trying to become the best aerialist you can, this is the place to go! read more

Been coming here for a few months, I usually sign up for Kerry Wee's classes and she's awesome. I feel stronger overall and the class environments are super fun and supportive. read more

Love the loft. My kids take classes and love their teachers. I started taking classes after them and I'm hooked. Every teacher I've had is awesome. Such a fun and supportive environment. read more

YTWL? Because in addition to a workout you're developing a skill. Additionally unlike a conglomerate gym these classes don't send you off to hurt yourself with equipment and no instruction. These world class instructors will guide you through an engaging series of warm ups that will show you how to use gravity instead of weights for the most effective work out/stretch session you've ever had. Then the real fun begins. Gymnastics meets insanity in the air. "START HERE!" Is the name of one of their amazing classes that shows off what this studio has to offer. I tried the class for several reasons: I wanted to be more fit, It looked like fun, I felt I needed a class/PT to kick my butt and encourage me into working out, My chiropractor told me I needed to strengthen my core and inversions(hanging upside down) would help a prior injury, I wanted to build my community, and I think it's sexy. I've been going for a month now. I've lost weight, impressed my friends, showed up my enemies (lol), gained self confidence, learned more about my body, and become more flexible! I couldn't do a pull up before I started the class now I do them for fun. If any of this sounds like a good time to you, don't hesitate. The experience will be well worth it. read more

Womack And Bowman - The Loft - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

It took just one visit to become hooked on this studio. I first took the "START HERE!" Class with the super knowledgeable instructor Kerry Wee. Love that they offer this because you are able to try all of the apparatuses and see what best suits you. I felt a strong pull towards Lyra so I took the Monday "HoopLA 1" class with Amanda Ritchie and now I have a new found passion. Amanda is such an incredible teacher. She has an extensive resume with so much experience and it shows through her teaching. You leave doing things you had no idea you can do. The atmosphere she has created is so supportive. I LOVE THIS CLASS. read more

See all

The Loft recently moved to an even larger space with plenty of street parking in Glendale. It is my happy place and I know many others feel the same way. The energy here is just so positive and encouraging for all levels. It didn't take long for class to become my favorite part of the week. The owners, Brett & Rachel have somehow created a space where everyone novice or professional, can grow. To be honest, I stalked this studio online for sometime before mustering up the courage to attend a beginner class. I simply thought it would be too hard and I was intimidated. If you're reading this thinking the same trust yourself. If aerial arts appeal to you give it a try. You will not regret it! The space is clean, safe, and so very inspiring. Get off yelp and go!! read more

I've come to two different classes at Womack and Bowman using class pass. I've had great experiences here both occasions with separate instructors. The Aerial clases are no joke. They will challenge you and your core to the maximum. It is incredibly satisfying to do your first successful trick. I'm off the couch recently when it comes to fitness and I had a pretty hard time but was at least able to do hang upside down! I've also taken the fit & bendy class which was challenging and fun. It definitely made me use some muscles I had forgotten about. Can't wait to come back! read more

My favorite aerial studio in the LA area! The ceilings are the tallest, the white walls are very instagrammable, and there are a variety of instructors to match your level and learning style. I've been coming here regularly since 2018, and it's my home studio. The Loft is a warm and inviting place where you can make friends while getting elite-level coaching. read more

4.5 stars. I was told that this place and HAA were considered the best aerial studios in LA for professionals. And after visiting... I can see why people say that. Pros: - This place is solid. Good ceiling height. Solid instruction. Parking isn't too bad... it could be worse. - I actually really appreciate the content of their newsletter (I read all of them); I believe it's very telling of the type of place this studio strives to be. If you are interested in aerial anywhere in the U.S., I would subscribe to their mailing list, they actually write meaningful, blog worthy stuff that is useful (some of its advertising though). - Lena has the CUTEST, most well behaved puppy ever. - Student/silks ratio: ~7/3; 1.5 hour class. Cons: - There is the comment that some have made, that Womack's beginner class isn't really a beginner's class. I can see where they are coming from.... Yes, the material in this class is harder than Aerial Physique's, Cirque School LA, or Kinetic Theory's intro/beginner level classes. Yes, the material in this class is harder than Vertitude's advanced aerial class. But for me personally, this speaks to the talent and professionalism of Womack. I'm challenged in the beginner class here, just as much as an intermediate class elsewhere, so I'm okay with that. Who will be happiest here? - People who do aerial consistently, professional/semi-professional artists. read more

I've been to three Aerial Silks classes and am now hooked! Lena is a great instructor, very patient and non judgmental. I was a little nervous coming here because I've never done anything like this and I don't even consider myself flexible or strong enough. But the progress I've seen my body go through just the first class is amazing. It's all thanks to this studio for creating a fun and non-judgmental environment for those who are inexperienced so that they feel welcomed. I highly recommend this studio. read more

I love The Loft as a workout/aerial training facility! They have a wide array of classes with some of the best teachers in the country. Also, they are one of the few places in town that comprehensively breaks down classes into different levels to make sure that you aren't bored and that you're learning at the right pace! I particularly love the Hang Tough advanced silks classes and also Dance Trapeze with Sita... Hammock with Jordann is great, too! If you really want a challenge, take anything that Terry teaches! All in all, it's a great space for beginners or more advanced aerialists, and I would definitely recommend it to friends! read more

I am so lucky to have met Rachel Bowman. She's an incredible aerialist, beautiful dancer and patient instructor. Naturally, it was an easy decision to follow her to her brand-spanking-new studio in North Hollywood. Yes, I live in the South Bay and I drive waaaaay past the 10 freeway to take classes at The Loft. Let's go over the basics. The studio is located at the end of a residential street (it is narrow, so drive carefully). There is (easy) street parking which is a huge plus in my book. You can easily locate the studio's name (Womack and Bowman) in the directory and get buzzed in. The studio itself has (about) 2-story high ceilings. The Loft offers a variety of classes - silks, lyra (hoop), dance trapeze, rope (corde lisse), straps, ballet, contortion and that's just off my head. This is a circus/creative dream space. And the instructors! The Loft boasts an impressive roster of coaches with amazing resumes. The instructors will guide your practice from A to Z. Safety, proper form, strength building and performance stamina are all covered. So far so good, right? Allow me to add - even your classmates want you to succeed. The Loft's students are so positive and welcoming. So in short, running away to the circus is only in North Hollywood. read more

This is the place for all your aerial training. First timers to professional, the classes at the Loft are fantastic and taught by some of the best aerialists/contortion/handstand professionals in the business. They offer a variety of classes, silks, lyra, trapeze, rope, contortion, ballet barre, handstands, and even an acting class. I highly recommend taking classes here. read more

Womack And Bowman - The Loft - Silks at Womack and Bowman The Loft - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

This is one of my favorite aerial studios in LA. I am a beginner but I have such a good time and get such a great workout and build such awesome skills that I am still going regularly 6 months later. The teachers here really practice whT they preach. They are technical and insist on the presentation of your skills and give you tips and pointers, not only on how to actually execute the skills but how to make them pretty. Every single instructor that I have had here i trust, not only because they are engaged and supportive and paying attention and generally good teachers, they are excellent aerialists themselves. read more

I came to Womack and Bowman for a stretching class with Lena Fumi and it was absolutely amazing. A little bit about myself I am a pole dancer and I have been for about 3 years, and I know a thing or two about stretching... or so I thought. All of the exercises and stretches that we did were things I had never thought or known to do. They were stretches that were familiar to me but often they were a variation where it was clear how this would help with my mobility, and the exercises are clearly movements that would protect my body from the harsh training of being an aerialist. I have been to a lot of stretch classes across the country and this is certainly one that I have learned the most from and would recommend to anyone. Lena is a lovely, informative, and awesome instructor and writing this already has me excited for the next time I can take her class. About the studio itself, it is a pretty stellar space, I've not taken aerial classes there yet but everything seems new and of high quality! read more

A great studio with good ceiling height! Every teacher I have come across is very well versed in their apparatus, and the environment is friendly and open to newcomers. I highly recommend training here. read more

This place makes you feel at home. All the teachers are so wonderful and welcoming and have so much talent they generously share with the students. My absolute favorite classes are the choreography classes taught by Kerry and Katarine. The choreography is beautiful and challenging, but they always make you feel like it's possible and encourage you to try your best. They also offer amazing supplemental classes to increase flexibility on your days 'off' (Fit & Bendy). By far my favorite aerial studio in L.A. Thank you Brett and Rachel for creating this amazing space! read more

This is a great studio with classes of all different levels! You learn so much, and it's a great workout. My favorite class happens to be beginner hoop with Amanda, she is such a good instructor. She gives positive reinforcement, very motivating, and constructive feedback. She is the has an awesome energy, and this class is just so much fun! read more

This place is amazing. The Loft offers different classes, and just recently started brand new workout program - FlyBody. Amazing! This combination of TRX, aerial and some ballet - provides full body workout, while having fun. Time goes by quickly, and next day you will fell your muscles burning (in the places you did not know existed). Go, sing up & try. read more

I really love this aerial studio, as a beginner it is so welcoming and the teachers and even the students are so kind and helpful. I went to Up before and I definitely reccomend Womack so much. I take beginner hoop with Amanda and she is just the best! The beginners class is mixed, some people are definitely more advanced than some (like me) but that doesn't bother me at all since the teacher really caters to everyone at the place they are individually at. I strongly recommend this aerial studio! You won't find another one like it! read more

This is in response to the review posted by Em S regarding he beginning/intermediate aerial silk class. It is not entirely true that you have to have taken silk for at least a year if you want to join this class. I was in the particular class that you attended, and I have been doing silk with Rachael and Brett once a week for about 9 months, starting fresh. The rest of the students that were in that class got that good at this studio in relatively short order because they have a positive attitude and were willing to rise to the challenge and give it a try. Womack and Bowman "the Loft" is a great place if you really want to get good at silk, get a great workout and have an artistic outlet. read more

I love this place - the owners and teaching staff are fabulous - patient, knowledgeable, kind and fun. I am so grateful that Rachel & Brett created this teaching/learning facility and share it with all us aspiring aerialists. read more

I would spend every waking moment here if I could! The teachers are amazing, patient, supportive, and encouraging. The other students are wonderful to work and workout with. I have achieved so much more than I ever thought I could and I'm so proud of myself for sticking with it. I am so grateful that the Loft exists and hope every gives it a try at least once. If you're on the fence, I encourage you to come play! read more

I have been a proud "Lofty" at Womack and Bowman for about 3 years now and i am pleased with the instructors' efforts to help the students grow. I have taken multiple classes here (trapeze, silks, hammock, lyra) and each is very unique and each instructor has so much respect for their students and their ability to grow. I really love the encouragement from the other students as well, Rachel and Brett have really created a creative space as well as safe community for aerialists to grow and challenge themselves and more importantly, have fun! Environment: I have been to other schools that do not value the importance of respect and encouragement and efforts to continue to push their students who want to grow and at W&B i definitely, feel the instructors as well as the students respect one another and encourage one another no matter what level you are at, i felt so welcomed coming here and for that reason, i continue to come back : ) Classes: Each class is structured EFFECTIVELY (not an eternity stretching...I have been to some schools that spend over 30 minutes stretching and actual time spent on the apparatus is maybe 2 rushed rounds on the apparatus, considering there are about 12 students in the class waiting for their turn as well. I walk out feeling like i wasn't challenged at all and i felt like i wasted my money. NOT HERE! I immediately noticed this difference here and i walked out challenged, happy and eager to come back to learn more. Space: The space has super high ceilings, which i love. I would highly recommend W&B to anyone, from a newbie looking for a place to have fun, be welcomed and given a fair chance to a highly advanced aerialist who is looking to add style, grace and learn new SMOOTH sequencing to add to an upcoming performance! read more

I love The Loft. Rachel is an amazing teacher that really cares about her students success and safety. I have formed a great camaraderie with the other students. Even though almost all of them are significantly above my level, (I unfortunately have not been able to make the time to be as dedicated as they are) they are all very encouraging and helpful with their own tricks they have picked up along the way. I have taken a few classes from other teachers at The Loft and have enjoyed all my classes with them as well. Overall I would say it is an amazing studio with dedicated and caring staff and students. I would not want to be doing my training anywhere else! read more

The Loft is a beautiful training space that exemplifies its name. It utilizes the industrial elements of the building while creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for dancers. The instructors are top notch - if I could live at this studio I probably would! Rachel and Brett are a powerful duo, and it's motivating to work in an environment where you can learn from highly talented and established professionals. Jordann is an incredible instructor who can break down moves and observe nuances in a very effective way, and Rachel's classes provide a lot of guidance on technique while emphasizing the artistic element of this amazing craft. Chris Hill's acting class is also a great way to learn how to access another layer of depth to your work. Whatever level you are at, the instructors will guide you appropriately and encourage you to challenge yourself. read more

One of my instructors used to practice here, so I thought it'd be too advanced for me despite having been practicing consistently for a few years. I decided to join the Beg/Int class, which isn't too basic for what I already knew, but was a good challenge that isn't too overwhelming. I can tell it was precisely where I needed to be to get myself to my next level of training. I was beginning to plateau at my original studio because I wasn't really conditioning or consistently doing sequences, but since 1 class has everything you need, every time, it's perfect! I didn't feel like "the new person" on my first day, since everyone is very friendly and social. I've heard of studios laughing at my (very advanced) instructor if she got stuck in things she just learned. So, it's good to know you can be pushed to do your best without feeling incompetent or too awkward. The drop-in rate is $5 more than where I had been regularly training, but I think the value of each class is so wonderful in exchange. read more

Womack & Bowman are an incredible performing duo (I've seen them at the Edison in DTLA and taken classes with each of them at The Loft, their studio class space) and their classes have been challenging, personal, and quite memorable. I'm not a dancer, nor do I have a very strong "core," but the facilitation of the classes and the attention of the instructors gave me the courage to climb the silks and do some aerial moves I didn't know I could do! It was a dream come true, really. I love how the class sizes accommodate the personal attention and therefore easy technique adjustments so it keeps a safe and fun environment for participants. Try out their newest workout class, Silkstreme! It's a blend of barre, aerial, and pilates... an intense, one-of-a-kind, full body work out you won't regret! read more

I love this studio, the instructors are fantastic. I almost always leave class feeling challenged and inspired. The students are all very warm and welcoming, the environment is very supportive and fun. It's so good that I make my way from downtown to the valley for classes, and sometimes I make the trek during the week when traffic is bananas. But it is worth it!!! read more

Really cute boutique studio. The workout is intense and challenging and you don't need to be an aerialist to do it. Should be ok for anyone who works out regularly. read more

The Loft moved to a bigger space with higher ceilings, which has been awesome because it allows more space for bigger drops. It's only a foot or two but it changes what you're able to do. Also take Lena's Fit and Bendy class, I've had progress with regular splits that I didn't think was possible (I'm naturally a middle split person.) Fit and Bendy 1 works out all the splits and a backbend in a way that stretches you out and strengthens while Fit and Bendy 2 is self guided and Lena helps with standing poses and anything you want to work on plus she's always bringing new toys to play with and looking out for new stretches to help you. It's a beautiful space with teachers who go beyond being mere technicians and really bring the art and choreography to classes. read more