Grand
River
Rocks
KITCHENER
Aerial Silks & Circus Arts
Instructor: Erika Lui | contact: www.erikalui.com/contact
Aerial silks is a captivating and physically demanding performance art which uses friction achieved through positioning and wrapping the body along two fabric strands suspended from a height. An aerialist can create acrobatic and dance-like movements in the air by climbing, wrapping, descending and dropping through the fabric’s vertical space.
In order to learn this enthralling art form, we are offering a range of class levels designed for absolute beginners to advanced students. Our aerial curriculum at each level is progressive, in that skills and technique is taught through a series of increasingly demanding drills and sequences designed to challenge students’ strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, technique and creative thinking. Students can progress to the next level of classes at their own pace, once they feel confident in their abilities to consistently and safely perform the necessary prerequisite skills.
Private and semi-private lessons, or group events are available upon request. For more information, and to inquire about class availability, please contact Erika by filling out the form provided at http://www.erikalui.com/contact
Aerial Silks Courses
If you have not signed up for classes in advance, we now have $35+HST walk-in options available for the Beginner levels and above! You can join a single class by paying at the front desk! NOTE: this option is not available for Introductory classes.
LEVEL 1: Introduction to Aerial Silks class series (3-week / 6-week course)
This entry-level Introduction to Aerial Silks course is required for students with NO EXPERIENCE in any sort of gymnastic, dance or aerial sport discipline to learn how to safely and properly use the apparatus in order to mitigate potential risk of injury.
This Introductory course is designed for adult students (age 16+) who are completely brand new to the aerial arts and/ or are in need of a more detailed overview of basic terminology, wraps, techniques, drills and practices needed to build up the strength and understanding to safely practice the foundational aerial silks moves. In this course, students will learn basic technique for entry-level climbs, body wraps, upright and supported inverted poses, entry-level sequences, and get a basic introduction to hip key/hip locks and inverted hangs.
This class is designed as a crash-course for those who are wanting to try out aerial silks for the first time, so repeated registration is welcome but not necessary: all of the knowledge and skill introduced in this entry-level course will be reviewed and practiced in the beginner level and beyond.
PREREQUISITES: NO prerequisite abilities needed! This is an entry-level course.
Max 8 students per class, min 2 students to run.
$180+tax per 6-week course
(registration closes 24hrs prior to start of first class in the series)
NO DROP-INS AVAILABLE FOR THE INTRO LEVEL CLASSES
LEVEL 2: Beginner Aerial Silks class series (6-week course)
This beginner level course is designed for adult students (age 16+) who have taken at least one session of the Introduction to Aerial Silks course, or have equivalent knowledge, and feel comfortable with a less hands-on approach to reviewing terminology and drills. At this level, students are familiar with identifying and understanding what the foundational skills are, but are still working towards building the strength and technique needed to consistently perform foundational level skills such as safely and confidently climbing, wrapping footlocks in the air, and inverting off the ground. Much of the foundational content from the absolute beginner course will be reviewed and expanded upon with more challenging sequences that build the endurance and coordination needed to progress to many of the compound skills explored in the intermediate course.
PREREQUISITES: Must have completed at least one series of the Introductory course, or have an equivalent level of training. Must have basic understanding of beginner terminology, be familiar with wrapping a footlock from the ground, and be able to invert in a knot tied at hip height.
Max 8 students per class, min 2 students to run.
$180+tax per 6-week course (registration closes 24hrs prior to start of first class in the 3/6 week series)
$35+tax drop-in class rate (same-day registration at front desk if space available)
LEVEL 3/4: Beginner-Intermediate Aerial Silks class series (6-week course)
The beginner-intermediate level course is a split-level course designed for adult students (age 16+) who have been training at the beginner level for some time, and are looking to take on more advanced drills and sequences than the typical beginner level, but are still working towards intermediate-level skills like being able to consistently and confidently perform an invert and hip key in the air without major assistance throughout class. Students at this level should be confidently able to climb and wrap a footlock in the air. In this class, students will be doing a significant review of beginner level skills, but through longer and more elaborate sequences that build their strength and confidence in the air.
PREREQUISITES: Must be familiar with basic climbs and wrapping footlocks in the air, and be able to perform a straddle invert and hip key from the ground, without major assistance. Ideally have completed at least one series of the beginner level course, or have an equivalent level of training.
Max 8 students per class, min 2 students to run.
$180+tax per 6-week course (registration closes 24hrs prior to start of first class in the 3/6 week series)
$35+tax drop-in class rate (same-day registration at front desk if space available)
LEVEL 4: Intermediate Aerial Silks class series (6-week course)
This is an intermediate-level course designed for adult students (age 16+) who feel confident moving on from the beginner/ beginner-intermediate level, or equivalent training. In this level, students will explore more complex climbs, wraps and drops that build upon the foundational skills and techniques developed in the beginner level. At this level, students are comfortable climbing to the top of the silks multiple times throughout the class, consistently wrapping footlocks in the air, and are able to perform hip keys, inversions and knee hooks in the air without major assistance. This class will explore more complex wraps and moves, new transitions and skill variations, and longer, more compounded sequences. We will work on expanding the repertoire of techniques and moves that come from various inverted knee hook and hip key positions, foot wraps and other tensioned wrapped positions, and directional drops.
PREREQUISITES: Strong understanding of foundational skills with ability to consistently climb to the top of the silks, and invert and hip key in the air without major assistance.
Max 8 students per class, min 2 students to run.
$180+tax per 6-week course (registration closes 24hrs prior to start of first class in the 3/6 week series)
$35+tax drop-in class rate (same-day registration at front desk if space available)
LEVEL 5: Advanced Aerial Silks class series (6-week course)
This advanced level course is designed for adult students (age 16+) who have outgrown the intermediate level and are wanting to work on longer and more technical sequences, and dynamic/ strength-based skills and sequences. Students at this level will have mastered the foundational skills, with strong stamina and awareness in the air, having trained for multiple consecutive years. At this level, students are ready to begin conditioning and working toward more complicated techniques such as meathooks, beat swings and other momentum-based techniques, and drops from open wraps, or stacked, multidirectional drops. Training at this level will have an emphasis on strengthening technique, self-guided exploration, improvisation and problem-solving.
PREREQUISITES: Several continuous years of aerial silks training, strong stamina and awareness in the air, and ability to consistently climb multiple reps in a row, confidently hip key and invert unassisted in the air multiple times throughout class, safely and confidently perform a skin-the-cat in the air without major assistance, and be able to hang from two points of contact, unassisted for at least 10 seconds.
Max 8 students per class, min 2 students to run.
$180+tax per 6-week course (registration closes 24hrs prior to start of first class in the 3/6 week series)
$35+tax drop-in class rate (same-day registration at front desk if space available)
Aerial Silks Open Practice
Open Practices are supervised, non-instructional, all-levels drop-in training sessions for students to supplement course learning. Open Practices are for currently registered students, or students who have completed at least one series of classes (or equivalent training). If you have questions regarding your ability to join our Open Practices, please do not hesitate to reach out to the instructor at https://www.erikalui.com/contact
Open training times are supervised by the Instructor, but are non-instructional/ self-directed 2-hour training sessions for students to practice their aerial skills. Students are welcome (but not required, please take care of your bodies!) to come/stay for the full 2-hour training session. Registration will close 24 hours prior to the start of each Open Practice Training time slot. All students are expected to train responsibly: refrain from experimenting with new skills seen on the internet or skills outside your comfort level, or from teaching other students. Students can use this open time to practice skills that they have been working on in class, or working on personal projects that are within their physical limits.
PREREQUISITES: Open to all levels. Only currently registered students or students who have completed at least one session of classes (or equivalent training) may register for Open Practices.
Max 8 students per training session, min 2 students to run.
$20+HST per drop-in Open Practice Training session
registration will open 6 weeks in advance, and close 24 hours prior to class
Circus Classes & Workshops in the GRR Studio (upstairs)
ALL LEVELS HANDSTANDS CLINIC
Location: Studio (upstairs)
Class Type: Single classes / Drop-in
Instructor: Erika
Date/Time: Tuesdays 8:15-9:15 PM | Sept 16th – Oct 21st
Cost: $30+tax
Handstands are an excellent work-out and cross-training activity to build full body strength, mobility, flexibility, focus, and alignment. This 60-minute class will focus on building and strengthening core-body awareness and stability, prehab for shoulder and wrist strength and mobility, and explore techniques and drills for finding balance in increasingly demanding body positions. Material difficulty can be adjusted to suit the skill level of each student, so that everyone can benefit regardless of if you’re brand new to inverting or are an experienced hand balancer!
Max 10 students per class, min 2 to run.
$30+HST per drop-in
(registration closes 24hrs prior to start of class)
BEGINNER ACROYOGA
Location: Studio (upstairs)
Class Type: 6-week course
Instructors: Erika & Andrew
Date/Time: Thursdays 7:00-8:00 PM | Sept 18th – Oct 23rd
Cost: $150+tax for 6 weeks (or sign up for remaining classes!)
AcroYoga is a partner-based movement discipline that blends acrobatic movements with yoga, often drawing on concepts from circus, cheerleading, and dance acrobatics. This teamwork-based activity involves a base, flier, and spotter when learning new skills, and focuses on developing both verbal and nonverbal communication to build trust, body awareness, balance, and strength. This 60-minute beginner-focused acro yoga class series will build on and strengthen the fundamentals of L-basing, covering topics such as foundational poses, inversions, standing basics, and transitions and flow. Material difficulty can be adjusted to suit the skill level of each student, so that everyone can benefit regardless of if you’re brand new or already experienced. Register with a partner or as an individual! We encourage students to come with an openness to meeting and working with new people!
Max 30 students per class, min 4 to run.
$150+HST per 6-week course.
(registration closes 24hrs prior to start of first class in the series)
INTRO TO CYR WHEEL
Location: Studio (upstairs)
Class Type: Workshop
Instructors: Christa Wilson
Date/Time: Friday, October 17th, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Cost: $50+tax
Have you ever wanted to try Cyr wheel? Now is your chance to step on the wheel and see what it feels like. We will learn the beginning of centre spins on one foot and two feet. We will learn the first start to manipulation of the wheel and we will see what a rock and roll feels like. These are the building blocks of the different skills in Cyr wheel.
There are NO PREREQUISITES, this in an introductory level workshop.
Max. 12 students, min. 2 students to run. Height must be between 160 – 185 cm (due to the sizes of equipment available). Ages 16+. Registration closed 24hr prior to start.
Christa Wilson is a dynamic circus artist known for her captivating performances on the Cyr wheel. With nearly a decade of experience, she has developed a diverse repertoire of original routines, ranging from theatrical storytelling to high-energy commercial acts. Some of her signature pieces include Queen of Hearts, Octopus’s Garden, and various contemporary works that showcase her artistry, precision, and innovative movement.
A true innovator, Christa has also pioneered Cyr wheel on ice, seamlessly blending the grace of skating with the technical mastery of wheel manipulation. Her groundbreaking performances on skates bring a new dimension to the art form, pushing the boundaries of circus and movement.
In July 2024, Christa competed at the Cyrs and Beers competition in Las Vegas, earning a notable 4th place finish in the Battle at the Brewery. Her dedication to the craft has made her a sought-after performer, bringing her unique style to stages across the circus and entertainment industry. Whether mesmerizing audiences with elegant fluidity or powerful dynamics, Christa continues to redefine what’s possible on the Cyr wheel.
Aerial & Circus Workshops
TUMBLING & GROUND ACROBATICS WORKSHOP
Location: Aerial Training Space (at back of gym)
Class Type: Workshop
Instructors: Erick Santos
Date/Time: Friday, October 17th, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Cost: $50+tax
Acro Workshop: Come learn new skills and improve the ones that you know. We will work on such elements as cartwheel, front and back walk over and potentially front and back flips. We will start with the basics and some conditioning in preparation for the acro skills. No prerequisite skills are needed to attend, come with enthusiasm and willingness to learn and we will work at the level you are at.
There are NO PREREQUISITES, this workshop is open to ALL levels and abilities from absolute beginner to advanced!
Max. 8 students, min. 2 students to run. Ages 16+. Registration closed 24hr prior to start.
Erick Santos is a Brazilian multidisciplinary performer, creator, and co-founder of 3 Creations. With a foundation in artistic gymnastics, Erick launched his circus career in China, where he mastered trampwall, diving, and fast track. He went on to perform onboard Royal Caribbean ships as a tumbler, diver, and acrobat, and later joined Franco Dragone’s La Perle in Dubai as a high diver and air track tumbler. In Brazil, Erick toured with CIA Ruda, bringing his acrobatic expertise to contemporary circus stages. Today, he collaborates with his wife, Christa Wilson, as Duo Erick & Christa, performing in three original shows they have created together. His work combines athletic precision, creative innovation, and heartfelt artistry, reflecting his passion for pushing boundaries and connecting with audiences worldwide.
DYNAMIC AERIAL ROPE WORKSHOP
Location: Aerial Training Space (at back of gym)
Class Type: Workshop
Instructors: Mark Segal
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18th, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $45+tax
Mark is a veteran circus artist who specializes in dynamic rope. This workshop will introduce the fundamentals of dynamic aerial for both rope and silks, although these techniques are foundational to dynamic aerials for any discipline. In this workshop, we will introduce big swings, and the dynamic relationship between the artist, the apparatus and the floor. We introduce and break down the concept of catch release – which is the basic system of creating dynamic energy – and work on straight arm inversions as a starting point for lifting/ loading and releasing through centre-mass for momentum-driven movement. We will also work on controlled swinging and spinning, and exploring different ways of getting on and off apparatus and using the floor as a necessary part of the aerial performance equation. As the students practice develops we will introduce more traditional drops and positions toward the creation of a well rounded act. Dynamic rope technique is an exciting addition to any vertical aerial practice from beginner through advanced. Dynamic technique brings momentum-based movement flare, energy and grace to any vertical aerial act.
This workshop is open to all levels and is for anyone interested in learning more about this dynamic art.
Max. 8 students, min. 2 students to run. Ages 16+. Registration closed 24hr prior to start.
AERIAL STRAPS WORKSHOP
Location: Aerial Training Space (at back of gym)
Class Type: Workshop
Instructors: Mark Segal
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18th, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Cost: $45+tax
Aerial straps are widely understood to be one of the most challenging and physically demanding of any aerial discipline. Straps require a level of strength, mobility, dynamism and positional control that can seem “impossible” when done at a high level. It can also be used as an excellent cross-training tool for other aerial disciplines. In this workshop we will work on the fundamentals of aerial straps conditioning and movement/ mobility. We will explore progressions for straight arm inversion, levers, support work (i.e. work with your bodyweight above the wrists – imagine gymnastics rings), as well as breaking down the the more straps-specific techniques such as front back meat hook/levers etc., so that students are not only building strength/coordination, but also understanding HOW these techniques work.
This workshop is an aerial straps technical/ conditioning class open to any aerialists at the beginner to intermediate levels of their practice or any student interested in learning the fundamentals of aerial conditioning.
Max. 8 students, min. 2 students to run. Ages 16+. Registration closed 24hr prior to start.