Welcome to the UpSwing Aerial Dance website!

In 2005, Studio 12 flys began as an aerial dance program specializing in low flying trapeze, sling, and rope & harness work. During these 6 years, we offered classes, workshops, and performance opportunities for Kids, Girls, Teens and Adults. This year we are expanding into our next level of development as an organization and business.

In 2011, we introduced the professional company-UpSwing Performance Company and have changed our name to UpSwing Aerial Dance. This new name reflects the new direction the organization and business has grown into. Hopefully, the website change cued you into noticing that there are changes and we will keep you up-to-date on the great plans for this upcoming year. The Kids Who Fly and Girls Who Fly classes will be on hold this year as we go through our restructuring. We do hope to offer workshops from time to time for these age groups. Stay tuned!

Studio 12 flys has been the vehicle for not only our own growth but also the growth of the The Tea Dancers, under the direction of Natta Haotzima. Natta's classes have moved to 8th Street Studios (across the hall) and although we continue to support Natta and her endeavors through our mutual love of each other's art forms, her company and classes have become a separate entity from Studio 12 flys and UpSwing Aerial Dance. Visit her at http://www.theteadancers.org

We have 3 teaching aerialists on faculty, and 5 adjunct faculty committed to the merging of dance and aerial arts. UpSwing Aerial Dance offers a rare blend of creativity, aerial technique, improvisation, time and space to motivate the artist within you. ALL classes, workshops and performances held at Studio 12 are under the direction of Cherie Carson and UpSwing Aerial Dance. To contact Cherie go to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 510.587.0770

Support UpSwing Aerial Dance & UpSwing Performance Company by making a donation here!

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What our students say...
"Studio 12 is exceptionally supportive of all levels of physical ability and skill. After cancer treatment five years ago, I thought I would never get on a trapeze again, but a wonderful friend gave me a gift certificate to Studio 12, which might be one of the most important gifts I have ever received. All of the teachers have been so accepting of the serious limitations I have in my leg and have helped me do things with my body that I never dreamed possible. I know that the community at Studio 12 and being able to continue my passion has helped my healing tremendously. I still have trouble walking, but at least I can fly!! Thank you so much, Cherie, Ashley, Hannah and everyone at the studio." Mary Love

"Our favorite way to play...These classes on trapezes and other low flying aerial equipment are up there at the top of my list of big fun to be had in this world! My daughters take Girls Who Fly and Kids Who Fly, and these classes truly rock and are their favorite part of the week. I love the aerial adult class and have been doing this form of movement, with great pleasure, for many years. The teachers at Studio 12 are fun, supportive, creative and kind. I can not recommend these classes more highly as a worthwhile and whimsical exploration of self which instills confidence, grace, balance, improv. and communication skills. Enjoy!" Beth Gelfand