Where are classes and workshops?

  • Studio 12 in The Sawtooth Building 2525 Eighth Street Berkeley CA.

What is the date/time of my class?

  • All of this information is listed under your class on our Youth Class Page or our Adult Class Page.

  • If any of this information changes during your class series you will receive details by EMAIL.

What is an aerial dance class?

  • Aerial dance is a special form of aerial arts with the focus on the inherent beauty and fluidity of movement, as opposed to the tricks and stunts taught in circus aerial arts classes. Students learn vocabulary to move and secure themselves on the equipment by various body parts, but the emphasis of the class is on freedom of movement and expression in the vertical and horizontal space using 'motivity' trapeze, designed by aerial dance pioneer Terry Sendgraff and other aerial equipment such as tissu, lyra, rope and harness, etc.  Students will be guided to explore the range of movement possibilities on and off the apparatus.

What should I wear to class?

  • Fitted, stretchy leggings (option to wear athletic shorts over these), slim yoga pants or sweatpants that cover the backs of your knees but are not too baggy, dancers belt if applicable is a good choice!

  • Fitted top that tucks in and covers your armpits. Some students prefer tank tops and bring a fitted long sleeve option for when we need to cover our armpits.

  • No crop tops.

  • No shoes in the studio or on the equipment.

  • No jewelry, belts, buttons or zippers as they can get in the way of your work on the equipment or hurt the equipment.

  • If you have long hair, please pull it back so that it doesn't get tangled in the equipment or hang in your face while upside down.

How Much do Classes Cost?

  • Single class options for RETURNING ADULT STUDENTS ONLY are $40/class.

  • Series class packages are $36/class.

  • Sign up for 2 series and receive an additional discount of $32/class!

  • Series are discounted pricing! You get the equivalent of at least 1 free class per series to give you as much flexibility as possible. We understand life happens and we want to give you, our dedicated students, as much as possible.

HOW Do I PAy for my class?

  • Pay via PAYPAL buttons on our Youth Class Page or our Adult Class Page. Be sure to use the button under the correct class section. If there is a dropdown menu, please carefully select the correct series.

  • You can also pay via Venmo @upswingdance

I PAID FOR MY CLASS, Do I NEED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE TO REGISTER?

I have to miss a class in my series, are there makeup classes or refunds available?

  • ALL SERIES purchases are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • THERE ARE NO MAKEUP CLASSES

  • If you would like to ask for an exception due to prolonged illness or injury please email Cherie@upswingaerialdance.org AND ChrisSpiteri@upswingaerialdance.org

WHAT ARE UPSWING’s Covid/sick policies?

  • As of June 1, 2023 we will no longer require proof of vaccination or masks to attend classes.

  • Students and staff will continue to wear masks on a voluntary basis in UpSwing classes.

  • If you have been exposed to Covid, please let us know asap so we can monitor and inform our other participants.

  • If you are feeling sick please STAY HOME, students who show any symptoms of illness during class will be asked to leave.

Which Class/Level is most appropriate for me/My child?

  • Please carefully read the class description under each class title on our Youth Class Page or our Adult Class Page. Required experience levels and prerequisites are detailed there.

  • If you have any further questions or would like to ask for an exception, such as younger students with a lot of aerial experience joining an older age group class, please email ChrisSpiteri@upswingaerialdance.org.

The class I’m Interested in says “returning students only” or “full”. can I still sign up?

  • Sorry, all of this class’s spots are full! We cannot accept more students at this time.

  • You can join the waitlist for this class though! Please email ChrisSpiteri@upswingaerialdance.org to do this. You will be notified by EMAIL if a spot opens up.

Can I Sign up for a SERIES as a NEW Student?

  • YES! Please sign up for a series in an appropriate class level. Most students NEW to aerials should begin in a level 1 or mixed level class.

Can I Sign up for a drop-in class as a NEW or youth Student?

  • No, new students must commit to a series.

  • If you are a visiting ADULT STUDENT from out of town or would like to request an exception for another reason, please email ChrisSpiteri@upswingaerialdance.org.

  • NO EXCEPTIONS FOR YOUTH STUDENTS!