Kind words

“[Their] coaching is gentle, supportive and encouraging. Makes you feel like you can do anything.” - Mercedes

“This class was absolutely fabulous! Jazmine is an amazing teacher! I felt so empowered and energized and these uplifting feelings continue to stay with me 2 days following! I can’t believe I hadn’t joined sooner. I highly recommend to anyone who would like to explore their creative side and their internal and external strength!” - Raina

“All the teachers at HVCA are amazing! They are very sweet and caring people and teach a variety of skill levels, so from newbies to experts everyone gets a good workout! I’ve been training with Mai and the rest of the crew for over 6 years now and they are definitely my favorite aerial studio. Safe space, excellent teachers, fun classes! I highly recommend them to anyone in the Hudson Valley looking to train or start aerial / circus arts!”

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES

Masks: To help protect vulnerable members of our community, please wear a mask if you have symptoms from recent illness, or if you have had a recent exposure to COVID-19. Please stay tuned for updates, as HVCA follows current NYS and CDC guidance regariding COVID-19.

Sanitization: Apparatuses will be sanitized after each class with isopropyl alcohol spray.

Signs of Illness, Exposure, and Class Package Expirations: All class package expirations will be extended for illness with, or exposure to COVID-19.  If you are experiencing fever or any COVID symptoms, or if you have experienced a close contact exposure, stay home and we will gladly credit you.  Our non-COVID related cancellation policy is still 24 hours notice required for class credit or refund.  Please continue to provide this notice for non-COVID related cancellations, and whenever possible, to help keep our service viable.  Thank you for protecting the vulnerable members of our families and communities.  

REGULAR STUDIO POLICIES

  • Arrivals more than 10 minutes after class starts are not permitted without instructor permission, as late students must be prepared to warm up thoroughly and independently, to prevent injury.

  • Jewelry must be removed prior to class, excepting small, smooth studs or closed hoop earrings. This is to prevent damage to the apparatus and injury to you.

  • No chewing gum or eating in the studio.

  • Do not bring spray rosin to class. Use studio rosin only, to support access for those with chemical sensitivities.

  • Use accurate self-assessment regarding your current abilities.  Wait to try a move if you are not sure your body is ready, or ask for a more accessible progression.

  • Teachers will handle pulleying and tying off apparatuses. Students please do not touch.

  • HVCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

  • Ask permission before recording others. Videos of instructors are to be used for your personal notes only and not shared or posted to social media. 

  • During freestyle and open studio time, seek permission from a teacher if you wish to practice any moves not learned at HVCA.  

  • HVCA staff reserves the right to remove or refuse any person or group that disrupts or behaves inappropriately in the studio. The physical and emotional safety of our students and teachers is essential to our work.

  • Students (and their guardians) agree to respect and support all members of our studio community. This includes supporting one another’s efforts and work at all levels of practice, refraining from making assumptions about others’ identities or experiences, referring to one another with the pronouns each person tells us they use, and generally making a positive contribution to our shared studio space.

  • Payment is due at the time of booking, to reserve your time slot. For regular group classes, 24-hour class cancellation notice is required for refund or credit. For private lessons, 25% of our fee is non-refundable, to support the booking process. If cancellations occur less than 48-hours prior to the timeslot booked or students do not attend, the full lesson fee will be non-refundable.

  • If HVCA must cancel class due to weather, teacher illness or other circumstances, students will be credited or refunded as per their preference. Cancellations will be posted on our Facebook & Instagram. Enrolled students will be texted.

FAqs

I’m not strong or flexible. is this possible for me?

Yes! When you work at your level, respecting your body’s pace & limits, some type of aerial practice is absolutely possible for most people. With guidance you’ll find progressions appropriate for you, gaining strength and flexibility gradually. Learning feels like play with an incremental approach and a supportive community of learners beside you. With consistent practice, you’ll perform feats of strength and grace you never thought possible.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE BEFORE ENROLLING?

Physically: We do suggest you develop a fitness habit before learning aerial - anything that connects you with the feeling of pain-free movement and helps you befriend your own body and limitations. You will need healthy shoulders in particular, and an ability to move through daily life feeling stable and generally without pain. For concerns about injuries or your health, check with your doctor before joining.

Mentally: You will need patience, determination, a commitment to working at your own level regardless of what others are doing, and a sense of humor. Success is not a matter of ‘talent’; people who appear to learn aerial at warp speed generally have years of athletic training. Aerial is hard and rewarding. Set goals around consistent practice, not outcomes. Be nice to yourself, breathe, and let it be fun.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE prior to CLASS?

  • Avoid eating a heavy meal immediately prior to class

  • Dress properly (see below)

  • Consider leaving jewelry at home. It will need to be removed for class.

  • Bring a water bottle

  • If you are new to the studio enroll in a Newbies class, or reach out to discuss your level.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? 

  • Leggings that extend well below the knees to protect from abrasion, and are fitted around the shins or ankles. In a pinch any movement pants will do.

  • A snug shirt that covers the torso and will stay in place when upside down. Leotards are great.

  • Bring a long-sleeved shirt to put on for certain moves, to protect armpits and inner elbows from abrasion.

  • ALL JEWELRY MUST BE REMOVED for class with the exception of smooth, small studs or closed-hoop earrings. Leave valuables at home.

DOES IT HURT?

At first, it usually does. However, there’s a crucial distinction to be made between getting used to it pain, and overdoing it / injuring yourself pain. Aerial involves putting your whole body weight on the little part of you that’s in contact with the apparatus. This is often a new and strange sensation, is literally a lot of pressure, and can hurt. If you can breathe easily, think clearly, and feel calm, some pain where the apparatus touches you is generally okay to work through. Take ample breaks, and things should improve within a few classes. Pain within a muscle or joint however, signals something is wrong and should be respected. You may need to avoid a certain movement or intensity for now, or take some time and seek support to heal an old injury or imbalance.

OKAY I’M TEMPTED, BUT I’M OLD!

Those who aren’t will be soon! One great thing about aerial arts is at a recreational level, little impact stress is involved. Aerialists can continue into their 50s, even 60s and beyond for those who keep a consistent and appropriately adapting practice. Our classes do tend to skew towards teens-30s, so if it helps you feel at home, bring a friend. And remember, we value you for the life experience you bring to our studio community. As we recommend to everyone, be sure to learn at your pace, skip things that don’t feel good, and check with your doctor about any injuries or concerns before joining.

But I’m big! Will your rigging hold me?

We get this question ALL THE TIME. Our rigging could hold a car. It will without question, hold you. Aerialists come in all shapes and sizes, and we welcome you as you are. Just as we recommend to all students, be ready to learn and your pace, skip things that don’t feel right, and check with your doctor about any injuries or health concerns before joining.

what about falling?

Falling is avoidable and to be avoided. Most students never fall in their entire experience of practicing aerial. Rare falls that do occur are minor, from down low, slowly, onto a thick crash-pad. We do not allow practice up high until material becomes second nature.

Do you offer kids classes?

We do not currently offer group classes for children. We know that they are wanted, and we do hope to offer them in the future. In the meantime, we are sometimes able to offer privates or semi-private lessons for children - please inquire. We also do welcome teenagers who are ready to learn in a focused, adult environment, to join our adult classes. This typically works best for teen athletes who are specifically interested in learning aerial. We suggest that families looking to introduce their teenagers to an athletic activity choose an alternative where a peer group experience is available. Check out the amazing studio that hosts us and offers youth classes: Innate Movement Parkour.

The back of the gym where classes take place does not have an adjacent waiting area, and so the opportunity to watch classes in session is not available. Family and friends who wish to wait for a class participant are welcome to use the waiting area at the front of the gym during time-slots that do not overlap with parkour classes, or when seating is available during parkour classes, however please note that HVCA classes are not visible from this area. Please inquire to ensure the waiting area is available if you require use of it for your visit.

Can i watch my child’s class, or can a friend watch me?

i have more questions!

Let’s talk! We want our new students to feel safe and oriented, and we are happy to chat with you. Send a text to (845) 377-3393, we respond fastest that way.

COVID-19 Protocols and procedures

Masks: are currently optional. Please stay tuned for updates, as HVCA follows current NYS and CDC guidance regariding COVID-19.

Sanitization: Apparatuses will be sanitized after each class with isopropyl alcohol spray.

Signs of Illness, Exposure, and Class Package Expirations: All class package expirations will be extended for illness with, or exposure to COVID-19.  If you are experiencing fever or any COVID symptoms, or if you have experienced a close contact exposure, stay home and we will gladly credit you.  Our non-COVID related cancellation policy is still 24 hours notice required for class credit or refund.  Please continue to provide this notice for non-COVID related cancellations, and whenever possible, to help keep our service viable.  Thank you for protecting the vulnerable members of our families and communities.  

REGULAR STUDIO POLICIES

  • Arrivals more than 10 minutes after class starts are not permitted.

  • Jewelry must be removed prior to class, excepting small, smooth studs or closed hoop earrings.

  • No chewing gum or eating in the studio.

  • Do not bring spray rosin to class. Use studio rosin only, to support access for those with chemical sensitivities.

  • Use accurate self-assessment regarding your current abilities.  Wait to try a move if you are not sure your body is ready.

  • Teachers will handle pulleying and tying off apparatuses. Students please do not touch.

  • HVCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Secure your valuables.  

  • Ask permission before recording others. Videos of instructors are to be used for your personal notes only and not shared or posted to social media. 

  • During freestyle and open studio time, seek permission from a teacher if you wish to practice any moves not learned at HVCA.  

  • HVCA staff reserves the right to remove or refuse any person or group that disrupts or behaves inappropriately in the studio.

  • Students (and their guardians) agree to respect and support all members of our studio community. This includes supporting one another’s efforts and work at all levels of practice, refraining from making assumptions about others’ identities or experiences, continually practicing use of correct pronouns as expressed by each person, and generally making a positive contribution to our shared studio space.

  • Payment is due at the time of booking, to reserve your time slot. For regular group classes, 24-hour class cancellation notice is required for refund or credit. For private lessons, 25% of our fee is non-refundable, to support the booking process. If cancellations occur less than 48-hours prior to the timeslot booked or students do not attend, the full lesson fee will be non-refundable.

  • If HVCA must cancel class due to weather, teacher illness or other circumstances, students will be credited or refunded as per their preference. Cancellations will be posted on our Facebook & Instagram. Enrolled students will be texted.