What Is Aerial Silks?
Aerial silks is a beautiful and empowering aerial art where you climb, wrap, and move through long lengths of fabric suspended from the ceiling. Using strength, balance, and creativity, you’ll learn how to lift yourself off the ground, explore graceful poses, dramatic drops, and flowing sequences that feel equal parts athletic and artistic.
Our silks classes focus on building strength and confidence at your own pace. You don’t need any prior aerial or dance experience to start — just a willingness to try something new. We break skills down step by step, offering modifications and progressions so everyone can feel successful, supported, and challenged.
Aerial silks is a full-body workout that improves core strength, upper body power, flexibility, and body awareness — all while having a ridiculous amount of fun. Whether your goal is fitness, creative expression, or simply trying something totally different, silks offers a chance to reconnect with your body in a powerful and playful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to know before attending an aerial silks class.
Do I need any experience to start?
Nope! All of our beginner classes are designed for people who have never touched silks before. Just bring an open mind and a sense of adventure.
What if I’m nervous to try?
Totally normal! Many students feel the same way their first time. Our instructors create a supportive, no-judgment environment so you can relax and have fun.
Can I just drop in, or do I need to commit?
You’ve got options! Try a single class with a one-time pass, grab a class pack if you’d like a block of visits, or join with a membership for the best value if you plan to come regularly.
Do I need to be strong or flexible?
Not at all. You’ll build strength and flexibility as you go. Most of our students start as complete beginners.
What if I have an injury or physical restriction?
You know your body best, and we encourage you to listen to it. Let your instructor know about any restrictions before class, and they’ll help you modify movements so you can stay safe while still enjoying the experience.
What should I wear to class?
In aerial silks more coverage with tighter fit clothing is best, as this will help you avoid rope burns and bruises. Barefoot or grippy/yoga socks are recommended as normal socks tend to be slippery.
Typical workout gear will work for all lessons that we offer. Please wear what you are comfortable with.
Leave the Jewelry at home. Rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces and even earrings can scratch the apparatuses and pose a safety risk to you if they get caught.
Please do not wear street shoes past the front door and socks are always optional.
Is there an age or weight limit?
Most of our classes (with the exception of Pole) are designed for 14+ years of age, and participants under 18 must have their parent register them and sign a waiver.
We do have youth aerial silks classes, which include age 6-13.
Our aerial silks are rigged to hold up to 5,000LBS! We take safety very seriously and all of our rigging far exceeds typical recommendations for the industry.
Inspection of all our equipment is preformed before each class to ensure the safety of our students.
How do I sign up for a class?
Head to our online schedule, pick the class that fits your level, and register! We recommend booking ahead since spots fill up quickly.
If you are unsure what class to register for, check out our class descriptions or talk to your instructor if you feel like your ready to move up a level!
What should I bring with me?
Water, comfortable clothes, and a smile.
Are men allowed?
YES! Individuals of all identities are allowed and welcome to attend lessons. Our studio is inclusive of all and welcoming of anyone that wants to participate!
Upcoming Classes
Meet your Silks Instuctors
Alison C. (AL)
Alison C. (AL)
Silks Instructor
Alison discovered aerial fitness in 2017 while looking for a fun and fresh way to workout. What started as a spontaneous class quickly became a full-blown passion! By 2018, she had also started teaching others how to fly.
Alison blends her experience, passion for movement, and love of teaching to create an active and encouraging environment for her students. Her classes are all about building strength, boosting confidence, and falling in love with aerial—one climb at a time!
Sydney
Sydney
Silks Instructor
Sydney discovered aerial back in 2019. She was trying to find a new way to fall in love with herself and fitness again after having spinal fusion surgery. After discovering The Pole Barn community and taking classes, she became an instructor in 2021.
She is passionate about aerial because it challenges her mind, body, and spirit in all of the best ways. Being an aerialist has given Sydney the greatest outlet for growth, inspiration, and connection. Her classes are all about having fun, gaining new skills, and fostering new relationships!
Jen C.
Jen C.
Youth Silks/Pole Instructor
Jen started her pole and silks journey in 2018. She was looking for a way to build up her strength while working on her love for dance. Jen fell in love with the family atmosphere of the studio and never looked back. When Jen isn’t designing pole dance routines she is hanging out with her family and friends, reading anything smut wise she can get her hands on, and baking up sweet treats to share with everyone.
May-Ling
May-Ling
Silks Instructor
May-Ling took her first silks class in 2019 and promptly decided that hanging out in the air was the best place to be. Coming from a dance and gymnastics background, she delighted in the freedom being in the air gave her to explore new shapes and movements. In 2022 she began teaching silks and brings a blend of tough love and enthusiasm that pushes her students to challenge themselves and try things they didn’t know were possible.
Stephanie
Stephanie
Silks Instructor
Stephanie began her aerial journey in the fall of 2011, following her time with the St. Paul Bouncing Team. As that chapter came to a close, she searched for a new way to stay connected to the air—and after just one aerial class, she was completely hooked. What began as a physical passion soon evolved into something much deeper.
In 2018, Stephanie began taking classes at The Pole Barn and immediately knew she had found her aerial home. Surrounded by a supportive and inspiring community of instructors, her strength and confidence grew, and her connection to the art form deepened.
With a compassionate and grounded approach, Stephanie hopes to create a welcoming space where students of all levels can explore, express, and reconnect with themselves through movement. She believes that no matter what life throws your way, if you can find time in the air, you can cope with anything
Becca
Becca
Silks Instructor
Hi, I’m Becca! I discovered aerial silks in 2022 as a fun and engaging way to stay active—and I quickly fell in love with the movement, creativity, and strength it builds. What started as a personal passion soon turned into a deeper mission: to create a welcoming, inclusive space where anyone can begin their own aerial journey.
Whether you’re brand new or looking to grow your skills, my goal as an instructor is to help you feel confident, supported, and empowered—while having a whole lot of fun along the way!
Emily
Emily
Aerial Fit Instructor
Emily missed dancing and decided to take a chance at The Pole Barn choreo class. Emily started silks in 2018. Emily found a second home at The Pole Barn taking more and more classes. Silks make her feel pretty and strong. She has been taking silk classes for the strength and toning, joking she’s too old to perform. It is a solid workout, and exciting finding new muscles!
You will probably hear about her Pyrenees Mix dog, Kota in class. She likes to go on adventures with Emily to wineries and Downtown Stillwater for Leo’s pup cups.