New students with pole and aerial experience: please email [email protected] for class placement approval.
For our current class offerings, visit our scheduling website.
Pole Class Descriptions
Pole Class Descriptions
Beginner classes
(no prior fitness experience required)
Pole Fundamentals
Prerequisite: none
Enroll if you're completely new to pole fitness. Learn basic spins, climbs, and holds. Pole Fundamentals does not increase in difficulty during the semester. Join at any time.
Fluffy Kitty™ Pole
Prerequisite: student must identify as a plus sized person
Fluffy Kitty is designed for plus-sized folx of all genders to help change the way you interact with your body. Gain strength and flexibility while cultivating a positive body image. No judgment here! Class also includes access to resources, support, and fitness professionals who specialize in plus size athleticism. There is no maximum weight limit for any of our classes.
Eat My Chrome: Pole Conditioning
Prerequisite: 1 Pole Fundamentals class
Eat My Chrome focuses on strength training without dance moves. Pole-based conditioning exercises are designed to help you acquire the strength necessary to safely try more advanced moves.
Fundamentals of Sexy
Prerequisite: 18+
Tap into sexy from the start. This is a fundamentals class wrapped in sensual self-exploration and does not increase in difficulty during the semester.
Novice classes
Pole Level 1
Prerequisite: 8 classes of Pole Fundamentals and instructor approval
Required skills: carousel kick, pole sit, basic pole spins and pole grips
Students will polish up their fundamentals moves and will also add new spins, floorwork, tricks, dance elements, and strength-based moves and poses to their repertoire.
Spin Pole Level 1+
Prerequisite: 8 classes of Pole Fundamentals, a strong understanding of Pole Level 1 repertoire and instructor approval
Required skills: carousel kick, pole sit, basic pole spins and pole grips
Apply your Pole Fundamentals and Pole Level 1 skills to a pole that rotates.
Pole Flow
Prerequisite: 8 classes of Pole Fundamentals, a strong understanding of Level 1 repertoire and instructor approval
Required skills: carousel kick, pole sit, basic pole spins and pole grips
Break away from tricks and find your dance expression in Pole Flow. Practice stringing together patterns that combine floorwork, spins, and basic strength poses.
Embrace Your Sexy: Level 1+
Prerequisite: 8 classes of Pole Fundamentals, an understanding of Level 1 repertoire and instructor approval
Required skills: carousel kick, pole sit, basic pole spins and pole grips
Connect with the sexy side of pole dance through exotic style choreography, sensual movement prompts, and platform heel instruction. Dance or stripper heels are recommended but not required.
Open Pole
Prerequisite: 1 class of Pole Fundamentals, prior pole experience and instructor approval
Partake in freeform static or spin pole practice time. Students must perform a self-guided warm up, practice tricks within their level range, and cool down.
Intermediate classes
Non-invert Level 2
Prerequisite: at least 8 classes of Level 1 and instructor approval. No tuck invert required
Required skills: Pole Level 1 requirements + stronghold crunch, chair spins, pole climbs and increased body awareness
Focus on all of the intermediate moves that do not require a tuck invert. More complex spins, strength based moves, floorwork, and transitions will be explored throughout the semester.
Pole Level 2
Prerequisite: at least 8 classes of Level 1 and instructor approval
Required skills: Pole Level 1 requirements + basic tuck invert, chair spins, pole climbs and increased body awareness
Execute inversions and more advanced spins, strength-based moves, and floorwork through combos and choreography that draw on gymnastics, ballet, hip-hop, and other genres of dance.
Advanced class
Pole Level 3
Prerequisite: at least 6 Level 2 classes, a strong understanding of Level 2 repertoire and instructor approval
Required skills: Pole Level 2 requirements + solid inside and outside leg hangs, shoulder mount with a light spot, one-arm spins, body awareness, active flexibility, and mental toughness
Level 3 requires a high level of stamina, strength, and technique. Learn advanced spins, tricks, dance, and floorwork. Class also includes high-intensity conditioning and flexibility exercises to generate extreme feats of athleticism.
Progressing in pole at Defy Gravity
Progressing in pole at Defy Gravity
Defy Gravity empowers students to embrace growth at their own pace. Listed below are guidelines for enrolling in higher level classes. Entering new levels requires instructor approval through evaluation. If you're interested in entering a new level, talk to your instructor after class.
Entering Open Pole and Pole Conditioning
Entering Open Pole and Pole Conditioning
- 1 class of Pole Fundamentals
Entering Pole Level 1
Entering Pole Level 1
- 8 classes of Pole Fundamentals
- Carousel kick
- Fan kick
- Pole sit
- Fireman spin
- Developing body awareness
Entering Pole Level 2
Entering Pole Level 2
- Stronghold crunch
- Chair spin
- 2 climbs to pole sit
- Increased body awareness
- Tuck invert (not required for non-invert 2)
Entering Pole Level 3
Entering Pole Level 3
- Solid inside and outside leg hangs (gemini and scorpio)
- Shoulder mount with a light spot
- One-arm chair spin
- Strong body awareness
- Active flexibility
- Mental toughness
Aerial arts class descriptions
Aerial arts class descriptions
Beginner classes (no prior fitness experience required)
Aerial Fundamentals
Prerequisite: none
Enroll in this course if you're completely new to aerial arts, or for those who need to build up strength and confidence before moving to other classes. We'll introduce three circus apparatuses: static trapeze, lyra (aerial hoop), and silks (circus fabric). This course offers a solid base of basic techniques, locks, and holds that reappear in all levels of aerial arts. You will also learn aerial awareness and develop a basic aerial vocabulary.
Intro to Hammock
Prerequisite: none
Aerial hammock is the most accessible apparatus in aerial arts. This class includes conditioning and instruction for basic poses, mounts, and transitions.
Fluffy Kitty™ Aerial
Prerequisite: student must identify as a plus-sized person
Fluffy Kitty is designed for plus-sized folx of all genders to help change the way you interact with your body. This class helps you gain strength and flexibility and cultivates a positive body image. No judgment here! Class also includes access to resources, support, and fitness professionals who specialize in plus size athleticism. There's no maximum weight limit for any of our classes.
Circus Conditioning: No Mount
New for Spring 2020
Novice Classes
Circus Conditioning
Prerequisite: must be able to mount apparatuses and instructor approval
Circus Conditioning welcomes all levels and focuses on building strength, flexibility, and stamina on aerial equipment. It's especially useful for students who wish to acquire the strength necessary to advance in aerial arts.
Hammock Level 1
Prerequisite: at least 8 classes of Intro to Hammock and instructor approval
Build on the knowledge gained in Intro to Hammock and learn new moves that require more strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Silks I
Prerequisite: Complete a silks evaluation with an aerial instructor
Aerial silks are both beautiful and challenging. Students learn how to climb, execute basic holds using the feet & hips, and how to control the fabric. You will continue to build strength and proper technique.
Silks Conditioning
Prerequisite: Complete a silks evaluation with an aerial instructor
This conditioning class is open to Silks 1 students and higher. Similar to Circus Conditioning, this class focuses specifically on strength, flexibility, and stamina as pertains to silks.
Trapeze I
Prerequisite: Complete a trapeze evaluation with an aerial instructor
Keep in mind that this is static trapeze, not flying trapeze or swinging trapeze. Learn basic tricks and expand on your understanding of good fundamentals technique. You will work up to more challenging tricks. This class will get you off the ground, onto the bar, and into the ropes!
Lyra I
Prerequisite: Complete a lyra evaluation with an aerial instructor
Lyra is the perfect apparatus for those looking to flow from one beautiful pose to the next. Learn basic mounts, poses, and transitions while also growing your aerial vocabulary and technique.
Aerial Hangout
Prerequisite: 1 Aerial Fundamentals class, prior aerial experience and instructor approval
Partake in freeform aerial practice time. Students must perform a self-guided warm up, practice tricks within their level range, and cool down.
Intermediate Classes
Open Silks: Level I and Up
Prerequisite: must already be enrolled in Silks 1 or Silks 2
Open silks is designed for Silks 1 and Silks 2 students to explore new moves and combos.
Open Trapeze: Level I and Up
Prerequisite: must already be enrolled in Trap 1 or Trap 2
Open trapeze is designed for Trapeze 1 and Trapeze 2 students to explore new moves and combos.
Open Lyra: Level I and Up
Prerequisite: must already be enrolled in Lyra 1 or Lyra 2
Open lyra is designed for Lyra 1 and Lyra 2 students to explore new moves and combos.
Advanced Classes
Silks 2
Prerequisite: Complete understanding of silks 1 tricks and techniques, silks evaluation and instructor approval
This class will push students harder physically on silks with heavier conditioning and more complex tricks. Build on your Silks 1 skills to create new sequences and shapes in the air.
Lyra 2
Prerequisite: Complete understanding of Lyra 1 tricks and techniques, lyra evaluation and instructor approval
This class will push students harder physically on Lyra with heavier conditioning and more complex tricks. Build on your Lyra 1 skills to create new sequences and shapes in the air.
Trapeze 2
Prerequisite: Complete understanding of trapeze 1 tricks and techniques, trapeze evaluation and instructor approval
This class will push students harder physically on trapeze with heavier conditioning and more complex tricks. Build on your Trapeze 1 skills to create new sequences and shapes in the air.
Open-level classes
(No prior fitness experience required)
Open-level classes
(No prior fitness experience required)
Bungee Fitness
Prerequisite: none
Try a lower-impact cardio option that also strengthens your core. This fitness program inspired by dance, aerial, and circus. Jumps, squats, push-ups and dynamic movements are more accessible and fun!
Bend & Flex: Flexibility for Pole and Aerial Arts
Prerequisite: none
Bend & Flex offers a comprehensive, deep stretch session that opens up your body and increases your range of motion over time. If you're looking to get your splits, a backbend, or just increase your overall flexibility, Bend n' Flex will help.
Bend & Rest: Restorative Flexibility and Stretching
Prerequisite: none
Need a break from constant gains? Bend & Rest is a chill take on Bend & Flex. Promote rest and recovery by focusing on restorative stretching -- stretch one part of the body (hips, back, legs, shoulders), and release tension everywhere else. Learn to approach movement intentionally and meditatively.
Advanced Bend & Flex
Prerequisite: must take the Bend & Flex class offered on the same day
This 30 minute class further explores your range of motion in both dynamic and static stretches. It builds upon the 75 minutes of active flexibility offered in Bend & Flex. Work on classic poses (splits, straddles, and backbends) and try newer, more complex shapes. There are no skill-related prerequisites for attending. Be prepared to feel tired afterwards!
Fluffy Kitty™ Yoga
Prerequisite: Student must identify as a plus sized person.
Burlesque Basics
Prerequisite: none
Explores different styles of classic and neo burlesque with different genres of music, props and varied dance styles. Routines feature solo dancing, dancing in pairs and larger groups. Get a heaping dose of self-love and confidence as we flirt, seduce, and tease. Wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to dance in.
Vertical Barre: Cardio Conditioning for Dance
Prerequisite: none
Get introduced to dance- and ballet-inspired cardio and conditioning exercises. Fundamental ballet movements like developpes, plies, jumps, and pirouettes are introduced.
Beginner Belly Dance
Prerequisite: none
Explore the ancient form of belly dance. Learn to move and isolate your hips, arms, and chest in very new ways. Strengthen your muscles, flexibility and your body confidence. Learn the shimmy, belly rolls, traveling steps and turns. Belly dance with fun, upbeat music and break out some new moves for the dance floor.
Acro Yoga
Prerequisite: none
The combination of acrobatics and yoga is a partner-style exercise in which one person of the team "bases" or sustains the other person – the "flyer" – in the air. We're looking for a teacher with fundamental concepts of both of these roles so students can explore hand/feet hold techniques and the art of sustaining stunning yoga poses while suspended. To apply for this position, please fill out this form.
WERQ Fitness
New for Winter 2020
Intro to Chair Dance
Prerequisite: 18+
Learn a great mix of prop dancing and exotic flow mixed with a hot, sexy choreographed exercise. You will also start building the strength to hold poses on and off the chair.
Inversions and Arm Balances
Prerequisite: none
Explore yoga-based upside-down moves for true beginners. Learn how to properly condition your full body and work towards forearm-, head-, and/or hand-standing poses. The "pushing" movements in this class counteract the "pulling" movements that may lead to stress injuries in pole and aerial.