D’AIR

I decided to take a trapeze class because I don’t like heights. And I have vertigo. So I was a bit nervous about passing out or puking. Thankfully neither happened. I think that’s because the class was so much fun that I kinda forgot about my limitations. Check out an intro class and see how much fun you’ll have. It’s also a good workout.

If you were to ask me how to learn Aerial dance in Atlanta, Chances are Dair would be the first name I mention. They have taken an old church on Rosalia and Boulevard and turned it into an aerial studio that has 22′ of usable vertical space on a variety of apparatuses. The teachers and directors are very well versed professional aerial dancers, with a variety of other certifications and abilities from pilates to salsa to gymnastics. Dair teaches from a dance and performance perspective and has group and private classes. The technical, progressive format is very safe and offers a solid fondation for every level.
The primary focus of Dair is to offer a free program for kids and teens. After school, summer camp and even parent-​child mentor programs are available. My own child who has special needs attends with my partner on tuesdays and tuesdays are always good days now. In fact, tuesday is now reserved as family day in our house. In the past few years I have seen at risk kids walk in and come out committed to aerial dance and acrobatics. Kids that I know will grow up and be absolute superheroes amongst peers for their focus and ability. Dair teaches them how to access those abilities in a safe place and give them a break from everyday life.
The greatest thing about taking a class in trapeze or fabrics is that it offers the same break to adults, and teaches adults how to access the abilities that we already have and we become stronger in transformative ways. It’s not just about muscle, or flexibility, it’s also quickly about facing fears, finding faith and surrender. If you are thinking this is something you can’t do, step forward anyway, because that’s what most of us thought as well. If you need inspiration, just go to one of the shows held at the studio. They have shows featuring students and ensemble only shows and they are all beautiful and inspiring and always sold out.
The prices for adult classes are competitive and affordable, if you think it’s an unneccesary expense, just know that you can cancel your gym membership soon after you commit to aerial classes. The workouts ARE that good.

Dair is absolutely fantastic. I’ve been taking classes since they opened in 2007 and it is still my favorite part of each week. Whether you take trapeze or the silk classes, the staff really knows what they’re doing and they do a great job of accommodating all levels of experience.

I have gone to 3 performances thus far
This is a great FUN & DIFFERENT event to do in Atlanta
The venue is an old church turned into a large dance facility.
DAIR is located right off the ZOO Atlanta Exit and parking is free and friendly. The show ticket prices are reasonable and the show is well worth the time as you will surely be in for something you’ve probably never seen before!

I stumbled upon the DAIR Project when I was in search of a birthday adventure. Google «Atlanta Trapeze» and DAIR pops up. My friends and I did an hour and a half private workshop covering trapeze and aerial fabric dancing. We had so much fun, I signed up for the aerial fabrics class for beginners. Don’t know what aerial fabric dancing is? Think Pink performing at the Grammy’s or Cirque du Soleil.
I’ve been attending class for the last few weeks now and it is the highlight of my week. I can tell I’m getting stronger and holy moly what fun! Mind you, I think I’m probably one of the weaker or maybe less athletic folks in the class so some of the moves are challenging and I have to keep working at them but pushing myself is part of the fun! Fabrics will work every part of your body with a particular focus on core, back and arm strength.
The instructors are hands down the nicest, most patient group of women on the planet. While they are extremely talented performers in their own right, they are also good teachers. They provide very clear instructions about how to execute each move and how to do it safely. Like I said before, I’m not exactly a «natural» but the environment at DAIR is so supportive and positive that no one makes me feel like a loser for not being able to do something right out of the gate.
I hate going to gyms and working out for the sake of working out so learning a skill like aerial dancing and getting a good work out at the same time is priceless. Plus it is FUN! If you are in a rut, I highly recommend arranging a workshop or trying one of the several classes that are offered. Proceeds from adult classes help fund their afternoon programs for teens so you can feel good about that too.
Seriously, I think DAIR is my favorite find in a long time and that is saying something.