10 Nov How to Find and Book Aerial Classes Abroad
Remember your first time going to an aerial class? Whether it is hoop/hammock/silks, it must be intimidating at first. It felt the same the first time attending an aerial class abroad!
Since my job was bringing me to various European cities, I decided to also try the classes abroad, and it has been super interesting to learn from instructors from different cultures. If you are traveling soon, here is how to find and book aerial classes abroad!
Why book aerial classes abroad?
Aerial arts is a growing and developing field, which means everyone has their own methods to train. I began my training in Hong Kong and started taking classes in Amsterdam, Italy, Portugal, and Germany. I learned that it is great for those who want:
A solid foundation
When you are a newbie of the class, your instructor typically would check in and assess your level. After showing and refining basic skills in almost every lesson, it would be hard for you to not get better at it.
To learn different techniques
Similar to yoga, your experience is highly dependent on what the teacher has to offer. Some offer strength-demanding tricks, while some focus on flexibility-demanding tricks, drops, and/or smoothness of the flow. Aren’t you curious to see how things are done in different countries?
To broaden your aerial network
Since I am visiting, instructors are usually curious to learn about my background and how I found them. Naturally, the two-way conversations get me to know more about them. It gives me a chance to ask for more tips and news regarding aerial courses around the world.
How to Search For Aerial Classes Abroad?
Let me walk you through this step by step, using Hamburg as an example.
1. Google (duh) – but it is not easy!
I always start with “Aerial Hammock (City)” as it is my main interest. If nothing comes up, here are my following search terms: Aerial Dance (City), Aerial Hoop (City), Aerial Silks (City), Aerial fitness (City).
Tip 1: If I am not happy with the search results on Google, I would run a similar search on Facebook.
Tip 2: I also ask Reddit for recommendation and that was how I found my class in Hamburg.
2. Going through the search result
The first that came up in Hamburg is Aerial Dance Center. It looks promising at first glance, so next:
- See if the site could be switched to English. If not, use the Google Chrome translation feature (how?).
- Find the timetable – this studio only offers 2 aerial classes per week that did not fit my schedule. Back to square one.
- Confirm the studio location – assuming you found the right class after checking their schedule, double check if it is reachable by train/Uber. Those are my preferred travel methods.
3. Reach out and book
If I find everything in point 2, I would head to their Facebook page and send them a message.
This way you can:
- Make sure you are signing up for the right class
- Let them know in advance that you are an English speaker. If they respond in English, then they are aware that the lesson will be at least half in English.
- Ask them any question you may have – e.g. price.
- Give them a chance to ask you questions/prepare in advance.
I never really had a lot of aerial classes to pick from, so I usually booked it as long as it is an aerial class. It is important to be opened to new experiences. My experience so far has been great!
Classes are usually in English, and I was able to gain a lot from each visit. To discover studios abroad, you can also join our Facebook community to view and share your experience.
My favorite experience is still Aerial Dance Art Concepts in Hong Kong because their lessons focus less on fancy tricks (what you do) and more on how you do it. This is where I learned the most of my aerial skills.
Have you taken an aerial class abroad? What was your experience? Share it with #aerialfam on Instagram!