Knot Springs Classes
Currently some of my public classes are held at Knot Springs in the Yard building in NE Portland, OR. Classes here include Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga, and Aerial Restorative/Yin, and are open to all—seriously… they are great for all levels, and very suitable for beginners. I have also created an ‘Aerial Yin/Restorative’ class which is pure bliss and one of my personal favorites—the fabrics hang low in this class and we go through various supported poses with the fabric and other props with the intention to be at ease while finding juicy passive stretches.
See 'Class Descriptions' below and Register for classes through Knot Springs here and check out their full website which includes details on the serene spa and phenomenal soaking/sauna facility.
The Circus Project Classes
Additionally I teach both Aerial Yoga and Aerial Dance in NW Portland at The Circus Project, a non-profit/501(c)(3). The Circus Project is a fun and playful space for all ages offering classes of aerial, circus, acrobatics, and other training. Find the class schedule here; drop in to yoga classes or sign up for one of our aerial series!
Is the Aerial Fabric Safe?
The aerial fabric can support thousands of pounds and serves as a lovely supportive prop, a hammock to completely relax in, the means to discover a completely restorative inversion, thus decompressing the spine, and it can also be an instrument to play with acrobatics-inspired tricks, most often found in the ‘All Levels’ class or in private lessons, as well as climbing and learning tricks in aerial dance classes.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
aerial yin/restorative yoga
This luxurious class is a hybrid of Restorative, Yin, and Aerial Yoga. In this style we are calming the mind and nervous system with our breath, presence, and the support of the fabric. We are therefore also conditioning our attention and focus. In the poses that are of the Yin style, we target our connective tissue. This will increase the wellness of the respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems. Poses are held anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes. Our connective tissue is cool in nature, and needs a calming practice to safely and effectively target it. Our muscles are made up to 30% of facial bags, so we are creating much space in our bodies with this practice by creating length in deep stretches while we fully relax our muscles—this will provide numerous benefits, including releasing tension in our bodies as well as create space for muscle building. This is the second part of stretching our bodies, and can contribute much gain in flexibility. We are activating generation in our joints, as well as breaking down scar tissue residue from injury or immobility. Energy channels, meridians, or nadis are opened. Come bliss out and expand in this grounding, centering, and peaceful, supported aerial class.
aerial foundations
The aerial hammock is essentially a glorious prop, as it offers support and even feedback while exploring poses. Yoga with the fabric can be an exciting way both to reinvigorate an established practice and be a fun way to come to yoga as a beginner. The fabric enables stability while approaching many poses—this can be excellent for injury recovery or even overcoming fears. We even get some acupressure benefits from the contact with the hammock. It’s super fun, safe, and very supportive. On a side note, it is one of the best yoga practices I’ve found to help open the shoulders.
aerial yoga all levels
This class is great if you feel like you’ve mastered the Foundations class, or if you have a strong yoga or acrobatics background. With the fabric, we go through various poses and flows, or Vinyasas, exploring flexibility and strength, shoulder opening, climaxing with an optional challenge pose, and spending generous time in ‘inversion land’ (also always optional); concluding with the signature cocoon sivasana/resting pose in the hammock, you’ll be able to rest, relax, and restore while being cradled from the sky. Yes, it is as luscious as it sounds; although the classic sivasana on the floor is available should you choose! Come fly!
Yin Yoga
In this style we are calming the mind and nervous system with our breath, presence, and through various passively held and relaxing poses. We are therefore also conditioning our attention and focus. Practicing in the Yin style, we target our connective tissue. This will increase the wellness of the respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems. Poses are held anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes. Our connective tissue is cool in nature, and thus needs a calming practice to safely and effectively target it. Our muscles are made up to 30% of facial bags, so we are creating much space in our bodies with this practice by creating length in deep stretches while we fully relax our muscles—this will provide numerous benefits, including releasing tension in our bodies as well as create space for muscle building. This is the second part of stretching our bodies, and can contribute much gain in flexibility. We are activating generation in our joints, as well as breaking down scar tissue residue from injury or immobility. Energy channels, meridians, or nadis are opened. Come bliss out and expand in this grounding, centering, and peaceful, supported yoga class.
Aerial Dance
Circus-style aerial dance as one might catch in a Cirque du Soleil; however, we will absolutely start at square one. No push-ups? No problem. Aerial dance is very fun; yes, it is challenging, but I strongly and warmly encourage and advocate everyone to meet themselves exactly where they are—it is an excellent way to take your fitness to the next level, or to even initiate exercise again, so do not fret, but come and play. I strive to hold a supportive and fun, safe class; we do general conditioning and stretching, and introduction to playing on the silks—learning to climb, as well as play on trapeze and other apparatuses. Find your edge and learn to fly!
Photo by: Amarett Jans
Have any questions?
If you have any specific questions about classes, scheduling, or private lessons, fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.