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Aloft Aerial Dance
Categories: Education Specialty Schools Dance Schools Active Life Fitness & Instruction Dance Studios Dance Schools, Dance Studios [Edit]
2041 W Carroll AveSte 306
(between Damen Ave & Hoyne Ave)
Chicago, IL 60612
Neighborhood: Near West Side
(773) 782-6662
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
About This Business:
ABC Dance Academy offers variety of dance and fitness classes. Both group and private classes. Great family discounts and free parking. Studio open… read more »
17 reviews for Aloft Aerial Dance
17 reviews in English
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Review from Abigail W.
Chicago, IL
8/13/2008
Really can't write enough on how cool this place is!
The instructors were awesome (thorough, helpful, and fun) and the free intro class on Saturday is perfect to help you decide if you are ready for Trapeze. (Definitely RSVP thru their website, it fills up quick.)
Just Do it!!! seriously, try it out. -
Review from Becky S.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2007
Seriously. If only for the sake of answering, "What'd you do this weekend?" with "I learned how to trapeze, bitches", this place is worth a visit. The instructors are fabulous, and totally nursed me through my mini panic attack (Oh no! Hanging 5 feet off the ground with a spotter! Wahhh.) And now they're offering free intro classes?! Get to their website, get directions to their super secret location (you can always pretend you're going for top secret spy training..), and get thee to Aloft Loft.
Oh, one more thing. If you have grandiose visions of "flying through the air with the greatest of ease", adjust your expectations. The trapezes there are not the flying ones that you generally see in the circus (and that led to Robin's family's demise..), but stationary ones, which are infinitely less intimidating, in my opinion.
Have fun!Listed in: My neighborhood can beat up…, Local Gift Giving Guide
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Review from Lisa A.
Winfield, IL
4/24/2006
This recently-opened center for aerial dance is located on a fairly un-happening block in Humbolt Park, so you'll feel like you're on your way to an underground performance art venue as you walk around to the back of the building to enter through the alley.
If you want to learn how to hang (and eventually spin and dance) from trapeze bars, hoops, ropes and more, they offer tons of classes. Great place for former dancers and gymnasts, circus freak wannabes or anyone looking for a cool and different place to get some exercise. They had a rockin' opening benefit with aerial and burlesque performances, bands, food and a "horizontal bar" (i.e. a dancer pouring screwdrivers while suspending from a zip line along one side of the space), so there's sure to be cool events coming from them in the future.
The El doesn't go anywhere near the place, so you best bus it or drive there. -
Review from grace M.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2007
So I thought I was pretty fit, a strong dancer, who grew up playing lots of sports, but I had no idea how intense and strength building this art could be. I can now do pull-ups!
This is really hard, but really fun and it is so satifying to wrap yourself up in the ropes and hang upsidedown or climb up in the silks wrapped just right, then test your fear and let go. This place is like therapy. You can really clear your busy mind because it's all you can do to remember what to do next on the trapeze. It's also much cheaper than therapy! $275 for a 10 class card and if you come to the free Saturday intro class you get a discount!
Be prepared to test yourself in everyway. -
Review from Stacy C.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2009
I'm addicted and I can't wait to go back!
My friend and I decided to try something new and went to the free beginner trapeze workshops that they have (2nd Saturday of the month but sign up early!) and I absolutely fell in love. It was a lot of hard work, as I don't have a lot of upper body strength but after the workshop I've been trying to work on that so I can go back for some classes.
The workshop was fun and everyone gets a turn to try everything they taught us...we even learned "The Mermaid" and "The Reverse Angel" (if my memory serves me right) plus some basics like just being able to get on the bar, to sit or to stand. I left with sore hands and a very sore upper body, but it was definitely worth it and like I said, I can't wait to go back!!
They also have "El Circo Cheapo Cabaret" the first Saturday of the month. It's $10 and you get to see some of the most amazing performers you could imagine! But get there early, as they did sell out this last time. If you can do 5 pull ups, you get $5 off your price! If you can do 10 pull ups, they'll enter your name into a hat and someone wins a full refund of their ticket! -
Review from Kar M.
Chicago, IL
6/4/2009
You must understand that this place made a mockery of what I used to call my "upper body strength." But profound shame aside, it's fun to learn new skills. I came as a super-beginner tourist to this whole scene and am really glad I tried it.
The location is a little strange to navigate at first--more of a warehouse space than a studio, and with a dodgy buzz-in system--but know what you're looking for before you head out, and you shouldn't have any problems.
Trapeze: hip, though I really could have used some aerial conditioning before attempting this -- I was the slouch who practically had to get hoisted up to the bar before attempting any of the sexy/graceful moves thereon. But once there, so sexy, so graceful.
Silks: that is the stuff. I feel like a more useful mammal for knowing how to climb, suspend myself from, and cocoon within a strand of something. This was a blast to learn and one helluva workout.
And the bragging rights? Sheesh. For some people, "I took a class in trapeze" translates to "You may have seen my recent Cirque show in Vegas." Who am I to correct them?Listed in: Girl Power, I have been known to move it…
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Review from Naomi L.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2008
This space is kick arse!
The girls are fit strong beautiful elegant and make any slob like me want to learn trapeze. Highly reccomend taking a class or booking the space for a party! -
Review from Killer B.
Seattle, WA
10/23/2007
I recently saw "Crucible the Musible" here on a Friday night. Tucked away behind an alley off of California, where I hadn't been since the last time I bought smack back in 1999, you have to look (or have a guide) to find the entrance.
But it's worth it. (And it's close to Maiz. There's a date idea for ya.)
I can't comment on their other shows, but this one was very funny. The character of "Snack Wench" maintained the plucky comic relief and held the majority of my attention, even over flying witches and trapeze dancers spread eagle in high-wire acts.
Overall it is just a very fun night away from typical Chicago theater. It's been my experience that the off-off Broadway stuff is either great or sucks losers dry. This was on the up and up. I recommend it. -
Review from Jaime S.
9/5/2009
Thank you Aloft loft, for giving me the opportunity to "try before you buy" with the free Saturday intro class.
There were 6 people in my class, which I thought was great because it meant we would have more time to do tricks....but there is just something about today that left me with just ehhh feelings about this place. Surprisingly, I thought all the tricks except for the last one were fairly simple, and I would have appreciated if we spent more time delving into variations of the tricks. Obviously there were some people who struggled more than others, but at least two other girls were getting the tricks down with as much ease as yours truly. As there were two instructors, I had hoped that maybe they would split into an easy and intermediate section.
Like nearly every person there, the real reason I want to do this is so I can pull out some sweet Cirque de Soleil style moves. On the silks. I asked if we could see some tricks and they obliged, but when I asked if we could attempt to climb ONE NOTCH to see how difficult it was, they were not having it. As someone who climbs a pole 2-3 days a week (at flirty girl fitness for all you Judge Judys that think I'm a lady of the night), let me see what I can do on the silks, especially since there is a Trapeze prerequisite to get to silks strictly because of the need to build your upper body strength. For someone who has even the slightest dance background and ANY regular pole experience, the trapeze 101 just doesn't cut it.
The instructors mentioned that nearly the entire company was about to embark on a circus tour through October so maybe that is why those who were staying around seemed unwilling to take the extra step to ensure me signing up? I really was hoping to sign up on the spot, but I just wasn't sold in this session. I'd like to give it another chance, so hopefully I will be able to do so. -
Review from Amy L.
Portland, OR
11/29/2006
Seriously, what could be more fun than swinging around upside-down on a trapeze? By the end of a weekend, I had bruises on the backs of my legs like you wouldn't believe, but it was so worth it.
You won't see a sign for this place from the street, you'll need to go into the alley way to find it. -
Review from Andrew W.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2009
We went in for their free trapeze classes which they do on the 2nd saturday of every month. All the employees were SUPER friendly and very willing to help us out to learn the basics of trapeze. It was something I never though I would have the opportunity to do. Many of my friends plan to take classes in the future as it is something unique, fun and different. Highly suggest you check this place out!!
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Review from F J.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2009
Before I begin, I must say I laughed my arse off after reading Becky S's comment on her response to the question, "What'd you do this weekend?" Answer: "I learned how to trapeze, bitches!" How apropos.
Just when you think you've challenged your body and know your limitations, leave it to the folks at Aloft to change your perspective. I've taken flying trapeze, ballet, gone rock climbing, Level 3 Ashtanga / Vinyasa, years of training in the military even...none of these things prepared me for the surprise my muscles felt after taking Trapeze and Silks at Aloft. After your first day, don't expect to be able to lift your arms to shampoo your hair without groaning. Don't get me wrong...you will love it! I did and still do.
I've taken Aerial Conditioning, 8 weeks of Trapeze and Beginning Silks at Aloft and lemme just say this place rocks! Staff couldn't be more wonderful- friendly, helpful, knowledgable, understanding...and buff. After the first couple of classes you will notice an improvement in your body and aerial skills...but a warning...I personally don't think it's the kind of activity meant for those that do not have an active lifestyle. Meaning, if you've never worked out in your life, might not want to start here. Not for the faint of heart.
Good to know stuff:
The space is located on Carroll street, near Grand and Damen, in the warehouse district. It's a warehouse space so expect it to be somewhat cold in the winter and hot in the summer- dress appropriately but make sure to wear clothes that protect whichever body part is likely to get roughed up. Depending on the class, your clothes will have either chalk or rosin on them...wear the (temporary) stains like a badge of courage. Also, you'll be showing your feet so clean out those toenails. ;) Enjoy!! -
Review from Maggie F.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/4/2010
Just as I hoped: nothing beats the rush of trapezery! After just two lessons I can climb up a rope to the bar, do a few full beats and throw my whole self over the bar and perch on it like a prepubescent gymnast! I don't even think actually losing weight could make me feel lighter! My diss better be able to write itself because I've got a new vocation!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2010
After briefly considering the roller derby, I settled on circus arts to chase away the dissertation… Read more »
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Review from Bonnie B.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2010
It is so cool that they hold a free class once a month. I used to be in gymnastics as a kid, and I really missed playing around on uneven bars and the like, so I wanted to give this a try. It was a lot harder than I remember! I have so much respect for aerial performers. I was so proud of myself for simply managing to sit on top of the bar. It was a lot of fun and something different to try.
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Review from Matt R.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2009
I am a circus performer and I have to say that I am SOOOO jealous of the space that aloft has- fantastic place with enough strong people around to lift an elephant. El Circo Cheapo has some great acts at it and I can only imagine the classes are just as good. Stop by- take a class...
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Review from Kaio b.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2009
if you are bored of the same ol routine this is def something worth trying . The day i went there werent too many guys but that shouldnt stop you. some of the routines were quite easy if you have upper body strength. i felt it was a bit short and wished i had more time and routines. Very friendly instructors too.
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Review from Nils S.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2008
Awesome new space, more convenient and safe. Same awesome classes and teachers!
