We offer supportive, thoughtfully structured classes designed to help you move, grow, and feel empowered. STUDIO INFORMATION:
1. DRESS CODE (to protect you and to keep our apparatus safe):
Please NO LOTION - It makes the apparatus slippery and dangerous. Please wear a LONG SLEEVE top or leotard - Ideally something that can be tucked in if needed for inversions etc. Please wear comfortable LONG pants or leggings or tights (or a combination) that you can move in - Covered skin is protected skin! Please keep finger nails and toe nails short and trimmed. Please NO JEWELRY, NO ZIPPERS, NO METAL, or anything else that might snag, tear, or damage the apparatus. Please keep hair tidy and out of the face, preferably in a bun if hair is long (so it doesn’t get stuck on anything).
2. WHAT TO BRING:
Layered clothing is always a good idea
Water Bottle
Yoga Mat
4. FAQ
Do I need to be fit to participate?
-No. Anyone can start. Being “fit” may help some learn skills faster. Is this for complete beginners?
-Yes. The Intro to Aerial Dance class is for complete beginners. Is it hard?
-Yes, not going to lie about this one. It is challenging physically in both strength and flexibility. We work and condition in small safe steps to get to where we need to go. Is it painful?
-At times yes. Bruises, burns (if not wearing the appropriate attire), muscle soreness, muscle cramping all can occur. It does get less painful as we progress. What is the learning curve for Aerial Dance?
-It can be slow. Patience and giving yourself a little grace goes a long way. Strength, flexibility, knowledge, and skill all take time. What do I wear?
-Please cover skin to protect it! Long sleeve leotards/tops, full length pants or tights required. What do I need to bring with me to class?
-Water bottle, yoga mat, and a good attitude! What if I have already practiced Aerial Dance?
-Contact us! What is your photo policy?
-We prefer that photos wait until the end of class as it can be distracting (there are times it just needs to be captured in the moment, I get it!) Posting photos of yourself is great (post it on our page too please!) Common courtesy, please ask for permission prior to taking/posting/sharing any photos of others! INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Carissa Thornall is the dreamer and dancer behind Cloud 9 Aerial Dance. She has always had a passion for health and fitness, and a drive to improve the health of others. After graduating from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2008, she worked as a full time personal trainer, helping clients meet their fitness goals. In 2011 she started her own business, Raising the Bar, to continue to provide fitness services. She partnered with CrossFit Waikiki and Corporate Fitness Hawaii and has worked for several large corporations and companies in Honolulu including American Savings Bank and UHA Health Insurance. Carissa attended Mid Pacific Institute, and began dancing there at the age of 13. She started practicing aerial dance in 2010 at Samadhi Hawaii in Honolulu and fell in love. She has worked extensively on Silk, Slings/Hammock, Dance/Static Trapeze, Lyra/Ring, Spansets, and several other apparatus. She became an aerial instructor and Samadhi company member in 2013, teaching ages 4 through 65+. Carissa was fortunate enough to choreograph and perform in several Samadhi shows including "Samadhi LIVE" and "The Tale of the Circle Keys". She performed at Art After Dark at the Honolulu Museum of Art, Hallowbaloo at the Hawaii State Art Museum, Movement Center's annual dance performance at Mamiya Theatre, and many other community events and festivals on O'ahu. She also has a production background, working as a floating stage hand, rigging assistant, sound and lighting assistant, and eventually stage manager at multiple aerial dance shows for Samadhi Hawaii and Volary Aerial Burlesque at the Art Zone and Inspiration Theatre in Honolulu. After a 5 year hiatus (and 2 babies back to back!), Carissa is working to get back into "aerial shape" and is beyond excited to share her passion and love of aerial dance. She loves the challenge aerial dance possesses, the juxtaposition of strength and grace, and getting creative in the air! The possibilities are endless! Past Certifications: AFAA CPT, CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Strongman, CrossFit Rowing, TRX Group Suspension, TRX Summit attendee, Zumba.
