Soaring over Denver in aerial performance

What's better than sweating it out on the dance floor while feeling the rhythm of the music? Doing it aerially.

At Aerial Dance Over Denver, instructors teach the art of aerial performance to anyone who has the urge to engage in extreme dancing. Using fabric, hoops, and bungee cords, students can learn the basic techniques of how to fly high in the sky—sans illicit paraphernalia.

While working with instructors, students learn how to twist and turn in the air while performing acrobatically choreographed moves.

But for those whose cartwheels look more like an old, broken wagon wheel, keep in mind that you don't have to be a gold-medal gymnast in order to master this art. Owner of Aerial Dance Gayle Lynne said that anyone can join.

"We call it a new way to work out, and you're learning a new skill," said Lynne.
Besides building upper body strength and endurance, this workout can also build self esteem and confidence, according to Lynne.

"What I noticed after the third week is that [students] walk taller and seem more confident," she said. "There's a look of magic on their faces after doing something they never thought of doing before."

Within about four weeks, Lynne said that students will begin feeling more comfortable climbing fabrics while suspended in mid-air.

So much so that once they graduate from petrified amateur to cool and confident fabric-climbing maven, they can advance to becoming an entertainer performing in professional events, or even begin instructing a class of their own.

Newbies to aerial performance can begin classes anytime. Aerial Dance offers drop-in classes for those who are apprehensive about dedicating themselves to a full month of high endurance performance art.

Lynne said she invites anyone to come in and preview one of her classes. She advises newcomers to bring their water bottles, yoga pants, and most importantly, their enthusiasm.