Westcoast contortion - Langley BC www.westcoastcontortion.com/
The staff of Westcoast Contortion are highly qualified professional teachers who train students in acrobatics from beginner to professional. Various methods of South African, Chinese and Russian acrobatics, pilates, ballet and dance are used to help each student reach their full potential.
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Jena Carpenter Los Angeles, California -www.jenacarpenter.com/index.html
Jena started the Topanga Canyon Aerial Arts Workshop in February 2004 as a training space for herself, and others who 
want to learn and dedicate themselves to the skills of circus arts. In October of 2006 she moved down to the west valley where she was able to expand her teaching space and be located more conveniently between the 101 and 405 freeways to be accessible to more students from all areas of greater Los Angeles. She offers group classes on the weekends, and private or semi-private sessions during the week! She has seven years of experience teaching circus arts: at AcroSports San Francisco, Circus Smirkus Summer Camp in Vermont, Dream Circus, Hollywood, and the Jumbo Shrimp Circus Academy.
want to learn and dedicate themselves to the skills of circus arts. In October of 2006 she moved down to the west valley where she was able to expand her teaching space and be located more conveniently between the 101 and 405 freeways to be accessible to more students from all areas of greater Los Angeles. She offers group classes on the weekends, and private or semi-private sessions during the week! She has seven years of experience teaching circus arts: at AcroSports San Francisco, Circus Smirkus Summer Camp in Vermont, Dream Circus, Hollywood, and the Jumbo Shrimp Circus Academy. Skills:
flexible hand-balancing, contortion, aerial silks, duo hand-to-hand, corde lisse, trapeze, cerceau, bungee, acrobatics, mini-trampoline, juggling, stilts, and much more!!
flexible hand-balancing, contortion, aerial silks, duo hand-to-hand, corde lisse, trapeze, cerceau, bungee, acrobatics, mini-trampoline, juggling, stilts, and much more!!
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Circus Center San Francisco -http://www.circuscenter.org/classes/classes.html
Children’s acrobatics program
Children’s Chinese acrobatics program Ages 7 and up or by instructor’s permissionPrerequisites: Beginning - none Intermediate/Advanced - Instructor's permissionDrawing on the 3000 year tradition of acrobatic training in China, this program is designed to give students the discipline, strength and flexibility necessary to develop their acrobatic potential. After acquiring a thorough foundation in the basics of tumbling and handstands, students may graduate to more specialized skills, such as hoop diving, contortion, Chinese pole and teeterboard. This class requires considerable focus and commitment. Students are encouraged to attend twice a week. Additional classes are offered at a discounted rate. All students will be evaluated the first week of the session to determine placement in the proper level.
Circus Arts Ages 5 - 7 year olds and Ages 8 and upThis class offers children the opportunity to learn a wide range of circus skills with an emphasis on acrobatics, juggling, handstands and aerial awareness, as well as training on circus apparatus, such as rolling globe, tight wire, unicycle, rola bola, and mini-trampoline. Students will also be introduced to theatrical expression, clowning and creative movement. This is a great introductory circus skills experience for young people new to circus as well as for those who have participated in our summer camp or have had prior acrobatic or circus training.
Circus 101 Ages 8 and upThis class if designed for students wishing to discover, enjoy and practice a wide array of skills, such as trampoline, Chinese pole, hoop diving, tumbling, juggling, clowning, trapeze, rope, magic balancing, tight wire and more.
Children’s static trapeze Ages 7 and upPrerequisites: Beginning (age 7 & up) – noneIntermediate (age 10 and up) – instructor’s permissionAdvanced (age 10 and up) –
instructor’s permission
This class in beginning to advanced aerial skills on the Static Trapeze emphasizes strength, control, grace and flexibility. Beginning classes will focus on basic skills. Intermediate classes will continue to develop strength, flexibility and a vocabulary of moves on the static trapeze, focusing on correct form and technique. Advanced classes will continue emphasizing correct form and technique but, in addition, will focus on transitioning moves and using choreography.
Spanish Web Ages 12 and upThis class will provide students with a safe, fun introduction to the Spanish web. Techniques will include hand, foot, and knee spins, as well as various climbs and hangs. Focus will be given to developing strength, agility, and body awareness.
Flying Trapeze for Children & TeensChildren's class: Ages 8-12Teen class: Ages 13 - 17 Students will be introduced to all aspects of flying: Familiarization with the rigging, the terminology and the performance of basic tricks to a catcher. In addition to the net, students will be in safety lines.
Preschool Acrobatics Ages 18 months – 3 year olds & 3 – 4 year oldsWe are offering a series of specialized classes to suit your child’s developmental needs and improve his or her motor skills, coordination, balance and flexibility in a playful atmosphere with experienced, skilled instructors. Classes will focus on exploration, balance, gross motor skills and social development. Class will include circle time, free play, obstacle courses and creative movement
CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Chinese Acrobatics Prerequisites: Beginning Chinese Acrobatics - none Intermediate / Advanced Chinese Acrobatics - Completion of at least 3 semesters of Beginning Chinese Acrobatics classes and/or instructor’s permissionLearn the foundations of the ancient Chinese Acrobatic tradition. These techniques are the building blocks for all circus arts. Focus is on integration, flexibility, alignment, strength and control, with intensive work on handstands and tumbling.
Chinese ContortionPrerequisite: Completion of at least three semesters of Beginning Chinese Acrobatics, and/or the permission of the instructorBeginning contortion emphasizes flexibility, alignment, muscle control and stretching with intensive work on handstands. Students progress at their own pace.
Mongolian ContortionMongolian legend says that this form of contortion began when people tried to learn the movements of animals, such as the swan and snake. Mongolian contortionist Serchmaa Byambaa will teach students basic circus stretching as a foundation for contortion and any other circus apparatus or skill. Students will work on stretching and flexibility from a basic to professional level, emphasizing bridge, splits and shoulder stretching. Students will also work on balance and body control.
Int/adv doubles & handbalancingPrerequisite: Completion of at least three semesters of Beginning Chinese Acrobatics, and/or the permission of the instructorIntermediate/advanced class in partner acrobatics, with an emphasis on refining balance, handbalancing, partner work and safety. The basic skills covered are hand to hand, foot to hand and two person pyramids.
AERIAL SKILLS
Aerial conditioningPrerequisites: Aerial Conditioning – noneAdvanced Aerial Conditioning – instructor’s permissionThis class is for beginning students, or for students who want to excel in static trapeze, flying trapeze, rope or Spanish web. Students will build the strength, control and flexibility essential for achievement on aerial apparatus. Classes will include warm-up, floor stretching, strength training, time in the air on rope and static trapeze, and homework assignments.
Aerial Conditioning / Aesthetics In this class we will do exercises to strengthen the muscles used in circus aerial work. We will focus on efficiency of movement – connecting muscle groups that work together and relaxing muscles that do not need to be “tense” in the movement exercise, therefore preventing injury and unnecessary pain. We will also work on moving through the air with grace and clean lines using flexibility and tools from dance technique. The teacher will also give individualized “homework” exercises based on the needs of the students on their apparatuses. Most importantly, we will have fun!
Intro to aerial skills & static trapeze
Prerequisites: Intro to Aerial Skills: noneStatic Trapeze Level I: 1 semester of Intro to Aerial Skills Static Trapeze Level II: Instructor’s or Aerial Director’s permissionStatic Trapeze Level III: Instructor’s or Aerial Director’s permissionIntro to Aerial Skills is designed to build strength, flexibility and introduce students to basic aerial apparatus, such as the static trapeze and vertical rope. Static Trapeze Level I focuses on basic trapeze skills, while continuing with building strength and flexibility. Static Trapeze Level II focuses on more advanced skills. Static Trapeze Level III continues focus on advanced skills which will lead to building a trapeze act (in private classes).
Int/adv static trapeze & choreographyPrerequisites: Static Trapeze Level IIFor intermediate and advanced students who wish to work on choreography, expression, music and act development.
Single Point Trapeze
Prerequisite: Some prior aerial experienceStudents will learn how to use their static trapeze skills on a spinning trapeze. This class is adapted to beginning and intermediate level.
Swinging trapeze
Prerequisites: Static Trapeze Level IIClasses include proper stretching and conditioning necessary for learning swinging trapeze
Aerial Straps
Prerequisite: Intermediate/advanced level aerial studentThis is a beginning to intermediate class in aerial straps.
Rope
Prerequisites: Beginning: Some prior aerial experience. Aerial Conditioning is highly recommended.This class is for students interested in learning basic skills on the rope. Students will work on building strength, control and flexibility as well as learning basic moves on the rope.
Spanish web
Prerequisite: Beginning/Intermediate level aerial studentThis class will provide students with a safe, fun introduction to the Spanish web. Techniques will include hand, foot, and knee spins, as well as various climbs and hangs. Focus will be given to developing strength, agility, and body awareness
Beijing International Art School -http://www.beijing-art.com/aboutschool.shtml
Beijing International Art School, formerly Beijing Acrobatic School, is the largest secondary art school in China teaching circus arts, martial arts, dances and arts of other categories.
Students from all over the world choose to study here. Most students enrolling at the School previously had formal trainings already, and they will graduate from the school as professional performers and artists. The school also teaches those who do not have previous learning experiences but have a strong desire to equip themselves with a specialty and fulfill their dreams. In both cases, the School provides a constant resource of talents.
Students from all over the world choose to study here. Most students enrolling at the School previously had formal trainings already, and they will graduate from the school as professional performers and artists. The school also teaches those who do not have previous learning experiences but have a strong desire to equip themselves with a specialty and fulfill their dreams. In both cases, the School provides a constant resource of talents.
