 | Thrive Movement Studio |
CIRCUS AND AERIAL CLASSES
Private lessons are great for working on skill hurdles or acts, or come with a group of friends or family for a fun group lesson! Lessons start at $85/hr and are available on lyra, trapeze & silks. We have windows open and exhaust fans running during warm weather! Gift certificate link: https://squareup.com/gift/J6KXH3ZMZBN2M/order |
Aerial and Circus Classes: Winter Session!
Aerial and Circus Class Descriptions:
Adult Intro to Fabric, Trapeze and Lyra w Heidi Kirchofer. 14 & up
For Adults (14 & up) who are excited to try aerial dance! We’ll work on building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We start to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world with strength, power and grace.
For Adults (14 & up) who are excited to try aerial dance! We’ll work on building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We start to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world with strength, power and grace.
$320
Adult level 100, Fabric, Trapeze and Lyra with Margaret Hopkins. 14 & up
For Adult students who have already completed at least one intro session. We’ll continue building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe environment. We will start working on feeling comfortable a bit further from the ground and progressing in holding more of our body weight. We will continue to work on body awareness, connection to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We will build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world and in the air with strength, power and grace.
For Adult students who have already completed at least one intro session. We’ll continue building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe environment. We will start working on feeling comfortable a bit further from the ground and progressing in holding more of our body weight. We will continue to work on body awareness, connection to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We will build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world and in the air with strength, power and grace.
$320
Adult level 300 mixed Aerial w Margaret Hopkins. 14&up
For student who have taken a few years of aerial classes we will continue learning vocab, sequencing, dynamic and creative movement, fluidity and building strength on fabric, Lyra &Trapeze
For student who have taken a few years of aerial classes we will continue learning vocab, sequencing, dynamic and creative movement, fluidity and building strength on fabric, Lyra &Trapeze
$320
Adult level 350 with Margaret Hopkins. 14 & up
This faster paced class is for students who have taken at least 2 years of classes, can climb and invert in the air easily and repeatedly. We will do drops and extended sequencing on lyra, trapeze and silks
This faster paced class is for students who have taken at least 2 years of classes, can climb and invert in the air easily and repeatedly. We will do drops and extended sequencing on lyra, trapeze and silks
$320
Adult mixed level Fabric, Lyra and trapeze . 14 & up
A mixed level and apparatus class for students who are able to climb put foot locks on or mount the trapeze or lyra with ease. Inverting in the air is not a requirement but will be prepping for that skill to unlock inversions and drops in the future. We will work on fluidity and longer sequencing on trapeze, lyra and aerial fabric.
A mixed level and apparatus class for students who are able to climb put foot locks on or mount the trapeze or lyra with ease. Inverting in the air is not a requirement but will be prepping for that skill to unlock inversions and drops in the future. We will work on fluidity and longer sequencing on trapeze, lyra and aerial fabric.
$320
Aerial Intensive **Camp is Full**. 9 & up
Aerial Intensive- August 5-16
Guest coach Becca DeAngelis will lead daily classes in aerial fabric, trapeze, lyra and sling. Students will try all the things and select their favorite apparatus to delve deeper into. Their second class will focus on ground skills: acrobatics, partner acro, flexibility, dance and stage presence and act creation. New acts will debut in an outdoor show!
9-12pm, M-F ages 9&up. $500
Show @ 6pm on the 16th. Rain date Aug 17 at noon
Coaches: Becca DeAngelis, second coach announced soon!
Aerial Intensive- August 5-16
Guest coach Becca DeAngelis will lead daily classes in aerial fabric, trapeze, lyra and sling. Students will try all the things and select their favorite apparatus to delve deeper into. Their second class will focus on ground skills: acrobatics, partner acro, flexibility, dance and stage presence and act creation. New acts will debut in an outdoor show!
9-12pm, M-F ages 9&up. $500
Show @ 6pm on the 16th. Rain date Aug 17 at noon
Coaches: Becca DeAngelis, second coach announced soon!
$500
Circus Camp.
Ground and Air camp! July 8-19, M-F, 9-1 daily with a spectacular outdoor evening performance at 6pm 7/19. Show rain date: Sat 7/20 at 12pm. Youth age 5 & up. 4 coaches and is filled with all things circus- Stilt walking, juggling, acrobatics and mini trampoline, visual art & set design, unicycling & rolling globe, trapeze, lyra, silks! Young circus artists try all the classes then select their favorite 2 circus disciplines + art to focus on building skills and creating acts for the show. $550. Camps fill fast! Save your spots soon! Email Heidi- thrivemovementstudio@gmail.com with any questions. Teaching artists- Joel Melendez, Heidi Kirchofer, Kim McKenzie. Guest aerial coach announced soon!
Ground and Air camp! July 8-19, M-F, 9-1 daily with a spectacular outdoor evening performance at 6pm 7/19. Show rain date: Sat 7/20 at 12pm. Youth age 5 & up. 4 coaches and is filled with all things circus- Stilt walking, juggling, acrobatics and mini trampoline, visual art & set design, unicycling & rolling globe, trapeze, lyra, silks! Young circus artists try all the classes then select their favorite 2 circus disciplines + art to focus on building skills and creating acts for the show. $550. Camps fill fast! Save your spots soon! Email Heidi- thrivemovementstudio@gmail.com with any questions. Teaching artists- Joel Melendez, Heidi Kirchofer, Kim McKenzie. Guest aerial coach announced soon!
$550
Crossing Over: Trapeze and Sling Int/Adv w Becca DeAngelis. 3/23, 2:30-4:30.
Crossing Over: Trapeze and Sling
Static trapeze can be considered a rigid sling, while Sling can be considered a squishy trapeze. In this workshop you’ll explore the similarities and differences between these apparatuses.
For students who have previously taken this workshop, we’ll revisit some skills, build on others, and introduce a whole host of new tricks.
We’ll roll, drop, wrap, and swirl on these seemingly unrelated apparatuses. Exploring the ways in which the same skills and pathways can be performed on both when applying techniques that account for their shape. We will find timing, wraps, walk-downs, and a few skills which don’t quite translate and the reasons behind that.
Prerequisites: Beginner: Must be able to mount, sit, and stand on the trapeze and/or sling with minimal assistance, passing familiarity with either beginner sling or beginner trapeze skills.
Intermediate: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to safely invert a few times over 2hrs
Advanced: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to easily and safely invert repeatedly
Crossing Over: Trapeze and Sling
Static trapeze can be considered a rigid sling, while Sling can be considered a squishy trapeze. In this workshop you’ll explore the similarities and differences between these apparatuses.
For students who have previously taken this workshop, we’ll revisit some skills, build on others, and introduce a whole host of new tricks.
We’ll roll, drop, wrap, and swirl on these seemingly unrelated apparatuses. Exploring the ways in which the same skills and pathways can be performed on both when applying techniques that account for their shape. We will find timing, wraps, walk-downs, and a few skills which don’t quite translate and the reasons behind that.
Prerequisites: Beginner: Must be able to mount, sit, and stand on the trapeze and/or sling with minimal assistance, passing familiarity with either beginner sling or beginner trapeze skills.
Intermediate: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to safely invert a few times over 2hrs
Advanced: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to easily and safely invert repeatedly
$65
Crossing Over: Trapeze and Sling With Becca DeAngelis, Beginner/Int. 3/23, 12-2. 14 & up or serious student.
Crossing Over: Trapeze and Sling
Static trapeze can be considered a rigid sling, while Sling can be considered a squishy trapeze. In this workshop you’ll explore the similarities and differences between these apparatuses.
For students who have previously taken this workshop, we’ll revisit some skills, build on others, and introduce a whole host of new tricks.
We’ll roll, drop, wrap, and swirl on these seemingly unrelated apparatuses. Exploring the ways in which the same skills and pathways can be performed on both when applying techniques that account for their shape. We will find timing, wraps, walk-downs, and a few skills which don’t quite translate and the reasons behind that.
Prerequisites: Beginner: Must be able to mount, sit, and stand on the trapeze and/or sling with minimal assistance, passing familiarity with either beginner sling or beginner trapeze skills.
Intermediate: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to safely invert a few times over 2hrs
Advanced: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to easily and safely invert repeatedly
Crossing Over: Trapeze and Sling
Static trapeze can be considered a rigid sling, while Sling can be considered a squishy trapeze. In this workshop you’ll explore the similarities and differences between these apparatuses.
For students who have previously taken this workshop, we’ll revisit some skills, build on others, and introduce a whole host of new tricks.
We’ll roll, drop, wrap, and swirl on these seemingly unrelated apparatuses. Exploring the ways in which the same skills and pathways can be performed on both when applying techniques that account for their shape. We will find timing, wraps, walk-downs, and a few skills which don’t quite translate and the reasons behind that.
Prerequisites: Beginner: Must be able to mount, sit, and stand on the trapeze and/or sling with minimal assistance, passing familiarity with either beginner sling or beginner trapeze skills.
Intermediate: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to safely invert a few times over 2hrs
Advanced: Easily mount the trapeze and/or sling; be able to easily and safely invert repeatedly
$65
Ground and Air Jam. 5 & up
Students will have the opportunity to do all things circus! . Kids will cycle through stations, work on ground skills like juggling, Chinese yo-yo, acrobatics, Aerial skills, sling, lyra and trapeze.
Students will have the opportunity to do all things circus! . Kids will cycle through stations, work on ground skills like juggling, Chinese yo-yo, acrobatics, Aerial skills, sling, lyra and trapeze.
$240
Homeschool Circus. 5 & up
Kids age 5 & up will to work on all things circus! Students will take one class with Joel Melendez in devil stick, Chinese yo-yo, juggling, spinning plates, unicycle, rolling globe and rola bola and a second class with Heidi Kirchoer in aerial fabric, trapeze and lyra. All will practice acrobatics and mini-trampoline. We will begin each class with a warm up and a game. Kids will gain strength, flexibility, co-ordination, confidence, balance and performance skills and community connection.
Kids age 5 & up will to work on all things circus! Students will take one class with Joel Melendez in devil stick, Chinese yo-yo, juggling, spinning plates, unicycle, rolling globe and rola bola and a second class with Heidi Kirchoer in aerial fabric, trapeze and lyra. All will practice acrobatics and mini-trampoline. We will begin each class with a warm up and a game. Kids will gain strength, flexibility, co-ordination, confidence, balance and performance skills and community connection.
$360
Lyra All the Lions. Beg-Adv. w Becca DeAngelis 4/6, 11-1pm. 14 & up or serious student
In this workshop we will explore the many variations of lion rolls: entrances to lion, exits from lion, snake roll/rotisserie chicken from a "wrapped" lion, open lion: aka martini with exits/entrance
Students are not required to try every skill; it is simply encouraged.
Prerequisites: Students must be able to sit up and stand in the lyra without assistance. Mid-to-strong knee beats, hanging beats. A long sleeve layer is recommended for some of the rolls. A willingness to try and an open mind.
In this workshop we will explore the many variations of lion rolls: entrances to lion, exits from lion, snake roll/rotisserie chicken from a "wrapped" lion, open lion: aka martini with exits/entrance
Students are not required to try every skill; it is simply encouraged.
Prerequisites: Students must be able to sit up and stand in the lyra without assistance. Mid-to-strong knee beats, hanging beats. A long sleeve layer is recommended for some of the rolls. A willingness to try and an open mind.
$65
Lyra- Rolls, Drops and Releases workshop. Beg-Adv w Becca DeAngelis 4/6 3:30-5:30pm. 14 &up or serious student
In this workshop we will work on drops, rolls, and releases on lyra.
We will explore beats for power and timing, and discover how to modify a skill based on your familiarity with the movement.
We'll add flare and pizzazz to the entrances and exits of more familiar skills.
Students are not required to try every skill; it is simply encouraged.
Prerequisites: Beginner: Must be able to mount, sit up, and stand in the lyra without assistance.
Intermediate: Mid-to-strong knee beats, hanging beats.
Advanced: Toe/foot & elbow hangs are helpful but not necessary.
A long sleeve layer and pants that cover most of the leg is recommended for some of the rolls.
In this workshop we will work on drops, rolls, and releases on lyra.
We will explore beats for power and timing, and discover how to modify a skill based on your familiarity with the movement.
We'll add flare and pizzazz to the entrances and exits of more familiar skills.
Students are not required to try every skill; it is simply encouraged.
Prerequisites: Beginner: Must be able to mount, sit up, and stand in the lyra without assistance.
Intermediate: Mid-to-strong knee beats, hanging beats.
Advanced: Toe/foot & elbow hangs are helpful but not necessary.
A long sleeve layer and pants that cover most of the leg is recommended for some of the rolls.
$65
Open Studio- Free Classes!. 4-Adult
Come try out Aerial and Capoeria Classes!
12-1
Adult Aerial
Youth Capoeira (age 8-14)
1:30-2:30
Youth Aerial (age 9-14)
Youth Capoeira (age 4-7) 45min class
3-4 Adult Aerial
Please email to save your spot! and let us know which class or classes you are coming to
Come try out Aerial and Capoeria Classes!
12-1
Adult Aerial
Youth Capoeira (age 8-14)
1:30-2:30
Youth Aerial (age 9-14)
Youth Capoeira (age 4-7) 45min class
3-4 Adult Aerial
Please email to save your spot! and let us know which class or classes you are coming to
$Free
Rigging for aerialists. 4/6, 1:15-3:15pm. 14 & up
In this workshop participants will gain an understanding of what to look for and what to avoid in regard to aerial rigging. A must have safety course for those hoping to perform and all who want to take responsibility for their own safety
Open to everyone, including instructors, students, parents of students, theater and arena riggers who are more frequently being asked to suspend aerialists, and anyone who feels like attending.
We will cover rigging with round slings, typical hardware, what to look for when purchasing aerial equipment and free-standing rigs, and general terms / concepts such as breaking strength, working load limit, and shock load.
Participants should leave the workshop armed with questions to keep in mind when entering aerial studios and performance situations, and the ability to run a rudimentary risk assessment for themselves.
This workshop will partially be guided by questions from participants.
Other topics may include:
mechanical advantage systems - the pros and cons, when to use them
how rigging decisions are made - one-size does not fit all and why that might be
rigging from wood beams v steel beams v open web steel joists v free-standing aerial rigs, and the various hardware for each
when to walk away
how to inspect your equipment, and record keeping
frequently used tie-offs / knots / hitches
various ways to rig silks, hammocks/slings, trapezes, straps, lyras
and more
**This workshop will not be able to cover all rigging scenarios nor is it a certification course.
In this workshop participants will gain an understanding of what to look for and what to avoid in regard to aerial rigging. A must have safety course for those hoping to perform and all who want to take responsibility for their own safety
Open to everyone, including instructors, students, parents of students, theater and arena riggers who are more frequently being asked to suspend aerialists, and anyone who feels like attending.
We will cover rigging with round slings, typical hardware, what to look for when purchasing aerial equipment and free-standing rigs, and general terms / concepts such as breaking strength, working load limit, and shock load.
Participants should leave the workshop armed with questions to keep in mind when entering aerial studios and performance situations, and the ability to run a rudimentary risk assessment for themselves.
This workshop will partially be guided by questions from participants.
Other topics may include:
mechanical advantage systems - the pros and cons, when to use them
how rigging decisions are made - one-size does not fit all and why that might be
rigging from wood beams v steel beams v open web steel joists v free-standing aerial rigs, and the various hardware for each
when to walk away
how to inspect your equipment, and record keeping
frequently used tie-offs / knots / hitches
various ways to rig silks, hammocks/slings, trapezes, straps, lyras
and more
**This workshop will not be able to cover all rigging scenarios nor is it a certification course.
$65
Teen circus Jam with Joel Melendez. 12 & up
Calling all thrill-seekers, performers, and adventure enthusiasts aged 13 to 18! Join this Teen Circus Class, where the spotlight is on fun, friendship, and phenomenal skills!
Take a dive into the dynamic world of ground circus arts with upbeat and inspiring circus performer and Capoeirista Joel Melendez. From acrobatics & mini trampoline, stilt walking & unicycling to juggling & mastering the Chinese yo-yo and devil sticks- work on developing a dazzling circus repertoire! We strive to build a vibrant community of circus aficionados, whether you're a seasoned performer or a total newbie, everyone is welcome to join the circus family. Together, we'll support each other, learn from one another, and celebrate our unique talents and create acts for the end of the year show!
Calling all thrill-seekers, performers, and adventure enthusiasts aged 13 to 18! Join this Teen Circus Class, where the spotlight is on fun, friendship, and phenomenal skills!
Take a dive into the dynamic world of ground circus arts with upbeat and inspiring circus performer and Capoeirista Joel Melendez. From acrobatics & mini trampoline, stilt walking & unicycling to juggling & mastering the Chinese yo-yo and devil sticks- work on developing a dazzling circus repertoire! We strive to build a vibrant community of circus aficionados, whether you're a seasoned performer or a total newbie, everyone is welcome to join the circus family. Together, we'll support each other, learn from one another, and celebrate our unique talents and create acts for the end of the year show!
$250
Youth Contortion and Flexibility w Erin Mahoney. 8 & up
Whether you want to work on improving your flexibility for your aerial practice or go beyond flex into Contortion, this training offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the world of flexibility and strength. This engaging class provides a safe environment for youth to learn various flex & contortion techniques including stretches, poses, balances, and partner acrobatics while focusing on backbends, handstands, forearm stands, and chin stands. Students will develop flexibility, strength, and body awareness, all while building confidence and fostering a positive relationship with their bodies.
Whether you want to work on improving your flexibility for your aerial practice or go beyond flex into Contortion, this training offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the world of flexibility and strength. This engaging class provides a safe environment for youth to learn various flex & contortion techniques including stretches, poses, balances, and partner acrobatics while focusing on backbends, handstands, forearm stands, and chin stands. Students will develop flexibility, strength, and body awareness, all while building confidence and fostering a positive relationship with their bodies.
$240
Youth Intro to Fabric, Trapeze and Lyra with Margaret Hopkins. 9 & up`
For students 9&up who are excited to try aerial dance! We’ll work on building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We start to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world with strength and confidence.
For students 9&up who are excited to try aerial dance! We’ll work on building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We start to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world with strength and confidence.
$240
Youth level 1 & 2 Fabric, Trapeze and Lyra. 9 & up
For students 9&up who have already completed at least one intro session! We’ll continue building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We will continue to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world and in the air with strength, power and grace
For students 9&up who have already completed at least one intro session! We’ll continue building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We will continue to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world and in the air with strength, power and grace
$240
Youth Level 1 & 2 mixed aerial. 9 & up
For students who can climb put on foot knots in the air, do pull overs on bar apparatus and feel pretty comfortable moving around apparatus. At this level we'll work on more complex fabric sequencing, with the goal of inverting in the air and may start on drops .
For students who can climb put on foot knots in the air, do pull overs on bar apparatus and feel pretty comfortable moving around apparatus. At this level we'll work on more complex fabric sequencing, with the goal of inverting in the air and may start on drops .
$240
Youth level 1 mixed aerial w Margartet Hopkins. 9 & up
For students 9&up who have already completed at least one intro session! We’ll continue building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We will continue to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world and in the air with strength, power and grace
For students 9&up who have already completed at least one intro session! We’ll continue building a solid foundation for progressing on aerial silks, trapeze and lyra, combining strength-building, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and nurturing environment. We start low to the ground and without needing to hold full body weight. We work on body awareness and connecting to the core & proper shoulder engagement. We will continue to build strength and aerial movement vocabulary, unlocking creativity and connection to the body/self in order to move in the world and in the air with strength, power and grace
$240
Youth level 3 fabric with Heidi Kirchofer.
For students who have taken several sesssions of fabric and can invert cleanly in the air several times during class. We will work on drops, sequences and straight arm inversions.
For students who have taken several sesssions of fabric and can invert cleanly in the air several times during class. We will work on drops, sequences and straight arm inversions.
$260
Youth level 3 Trapeze/lyra with Margaret Hopkins. 9 & up
Youth level 3 Trapeze/Lyra with Margaret Hopkins
is for students who are interested in focusing on bar apparatus. Students in this class should have completed level 2 aerial and be able to easily get on the apparatus, invert and be ready to work at height.
Youth level 3 Trapeze/Lyra with Margaret Hopkins
is for students who are interested in focusing on bar apparatus. Students in this class should have completed level 2 aerial and be able to easily get on the apparatus, invert and be ready to work at height.
$260
Thrive Movement Studio opened in the summer of 2014 and is a dream come true for Heidi Kirchofer Joel Melendez. It represents years of dreaming and scheming by the dynamic duo and lots of hard work by Heidi, Joel and Heidi's father Charles Kirchofer.
Contact Us
- 221 Burlington Rd, Harwinton, CT 06791
- (860) 309-0306
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