In addition to its core educational program, Cycropia Aerial Dance offers specialty classes which are taught by company members at Cycropia's studio space in Madison, WI.
Meet Our Instructors
To view additional information, select an instructor or scroll down.
Instructor: Brenda Smage
Brenda Smage has been a full-time teacher of movement for over 8 years. She left the office world to teach yoga after receiving her 200 hour RYT, fell in love with aerial yoga shortly after, and then began her journey into aerial dance. Brenda has completed over 200 hours of aerial teacher trainings, and has over 4,000 hours of experience teaching movement. She teaches Aerial Yoga, Lyra (Aerial Hoop), Sling (Aerial Hammock), Silks, Rope, and Cloud Swing. In addition to teaching classes, Brenda offers private lessons which can focus on technique or on choreographing your own aerial dance piece. You can also book a private aerial party with a group of friends for an unforgettable experience.
INTRO LEVEL CLASSES 2023
Intro to Lyra (Aerial Hoop) – Thursdays 5 pm
Lyra (aka Aerial Hoop) is a great apparatus for people new to aerial, as well as those with aerial experience seeking to learn another apparatus. In this class we will start to build a fundamental lyra vocabulary, learn transitions, and begin to create short sequences on the hoop.
Please note that 'Introduction to Lyra' began Nov. 2022: If you missed the first sessions, you may still join class by taking a private lesson(s) to cover the necessary foundational moves. Contact Brenda to get started!
If you’d like to join the wait list for the next Intro class, please fill out this form.
Intro to Sling (Aerial Hammock) – Thursdays 6:15 pm
Sling (aka Aerial Hammock) is a great apparatus for people new to aerial, as well as those with aerial experience seeking to learn another apparatus. In this class we will start to build a fundamental sling vocabulary, learn transitions, and begin to create short sequences on the fabric.
Please note that 'Introduction to Sling' began Nov. 2022: If you missed the first sessions, you may still join class by taking a private lesson(s) to cover the necessary foundational moves. Contact Brenda to get started!
If you’d like to join the wait list for the next Intro class, please fill out this form.
ONGOING CLASSES
Current ongoing classes for aerialists with experience include Lyra, Sling, Silks, and Rope. Please contact Brenda for inquiries.
Instructor: Jess Clark
Jess is a certified yoga and aerial yoga instructor, and an aerial arts teacher with training in Aerial Fabrics, Trapeze, and Lyra through New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), in Rope (corde lisse) through Born to Fly-Paper Doll Militia, and in aerial straps through Aaron Koz. She is passionate about safely bringing the expressive freedom of aerial dance and the transformative joy of yoga to all. She values continuing education and makes her personal training a priority, always striving to adapt and grow as an instructor and artist, and bring new and innovative ideas to her students. Her classes are inclusive and offer a supportive learning environment for every body. Instruction is adjusted to individual student needs so that each can safely build a strong technical foundation, progress through skills at a comfortable pace, and explore movement and artistic expression in new ways.
Intro to Aerial Silks – Monday 6-7 pm
This 4 week session is an Introduction class; all levels and abilities are welcomed. Students will begin learning fundamental postures of aerial silks; including climbs, locks, holds, and transitions, to safely build a strong foundation in aerial arts
Each class will include strength and flexibility exercises specific to aerial training.
Class sessions run each month for 4 weeks and cost $100/session ($25/class).
Aerial Silks Fundamental 2 – Monday 5-6 pm
This 4 week session is a continuing class for aerial silks students with at least 1 year of experience. Students will continue learning fundamental postures of aerial silks and expand their aerial silks vocabulary with more advanced skills. Instructor approval required to join this session.
Each class will include strength and flexibility exercises specific to aerial training.
Class sessions run each month for 4 weeks and cost $100/session ($25/class).
ONGOING CLASSES
Instructor Approval is required to join ongoing classes and intermediate/advanced classes.
Current ongoing classes for aerialists with experience include Aerial Silks, Lyra and Dance Trapeze. Please contact Jess for more information.
Instructor: Luv Joy Seamon
With over a decade of experience teaching and performing aerial dance, Luv uses her diverse movement background and extensive training to help students build strength, confidence and endurance in the air. She strives to make classes fun and assessable, while challenging students’ mind and body. A lifetime learner, Luv frequently travels to seek out additional training and has completed a number of aerial teacher trainings.
Intro Wall Running – Mondays 7:30-8:30pm
Learn how to run and flip on the wall in a harness.
The cost for the class is $100 – please contact Luv for information and registration.
Aerial Silks Basics and Beyond – Tuesdays 7:45-8:45pm
This class is geared towards students with prior silks experience who want to focus on fundamental skills and strength building. Students should be familiar with basic skills such as footlocks, hip keys, and upright climbs.
The cost for the class is $100 – please contact Luv for information and registration.
ONGOING CLASSES
Instructor Approval is required to join ongoing classes.
Aerial Pole – Wednesdays 6:30-7:30p
Intermediate/Advanced Aerial Silks – Wednesdays 7:30-8:30p
Teen Intermediate Aerial Silks – (Time TBD)
Please contact Luv for information and registration.