Aerial Arts Class Near Me: Finding a Studio and What to Bring

Finding an aerial arts class near you usually means searching for an aerial studio, a circus arts gym, or a pole and aerial fitness studio in your city. Most US metro areas have two to five options, and almost every studio runs a beginner-friendly intro class once a week. Here is how to pick the right one and what to wear when you show up.

How to Find a Local Aerial Studio

The fastest way to find an aerial studio near you is to search "aerial silks studio" or "aerial fitness" plus your city name. Most studios have small marketing budgets and rely on local search.

Other ways to find a studio:

• Instagram search. Search the city name plus "aerial," "silks," or "pole." Studios post training videos constantly and almost always show up in city-based searches.
• Mindbody or Sweat app. Both apps let you filter by aerial or pole disciplines in your area.
• Local circus arts scene. If your city has a Cirque du Soleil show in town, the local performers often teach at neighborhood studios on off days.
• Yoga and dance studio referrals. Many yoga and dance instructors cross-train at the local aerial studio and will know who teaches well.

Picking the Right Studio for Your First Class

Not every studio is right for every beginner. Some skew performance and competition. Some skew fitness and conditioning. Some skew pole-and-exotic. Read the studio bio and Instagram before booking.

Things to look for:

• A dedicated beginner class on the schedule, not just an "all levels" drop-in
• Visible safety equipment in the studio photos: crash mats, proper rigging, multiple instructors on the floor
• Class sizes capped at 8 to 12 students per instructor
• A waiver and intake process before your first class (a sign the studio takes safety seriously)

Most intro classes cost $25 to $45. Many studios run a deal where your first class includes a follow-up at a discount.

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What to Wear and Bring to Your First Aerial Class

For a silks, lyra, or hammock class:

• Full-length leggings. No cropped or capri.
• Fitted top with armpit coverage. A fitted tank with a long-sleeve layer underneath works.
• Hair tied up. No ponytail catching during inversions.
• No jewelry. Rings, watches, and necklaces can snag silk and damage the fabric.
• A water bottle. Aerial work is harder than it looks. You will sweat.

For a pole class:

• Fitted shorts. Boy-short or booty-short cut.
• Sports bra. Bare midriff for grip points.
• No body lotion or oil for at least 24 hours before class.

For full discipline-specific outfit guidance, see our aerial arts outfits guide.

Studio-Branded Apparel and Why It Ships Nationwide

Many aerial students fall in love with their studio after a few months and want the studio logo on a tank or hoodie. Most studios now sell branded apparel through an online print-on-demand shop, which means the gear ships nationwide and arrives within about a week.

If your studio does not sell branded apparel yet, the setup is free for the studio (no inventory, no upfront cost). Most owners are surprised how fast a shop pays for itself. We hear from studios that earn $300 to $1,000 in apparel profit a month within the first 90 days.

If you are a studio owner reading this, see our guide on aerial arts studio shop setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an aerial arts class cost?

Most intro classes cost $25 to $45. Drop-in classes are usually $30 to $50, and monthly memberships range from $150 to $300 depending on the city.

What should I wear to my first aerial arts class?

Full-length leggings, a fitted tank with a long-sleeve top layered underneath, hair tied up, no jewelry. For pole specifically, fitted shorts and a sports bra.

Can I buy studio-branded aerial apparel online?

Yes, if the studio runs a print-on-demand shop. Most studio shops ship nationwide and deliver within about a week of order.