By Alana Livingston
Cover photo courtesy of Alana Livingston
When I signed up for my first class at Coil Studio, I had one goal: try something that would make me feel like a circus performer, even if just for an hour. I’d heard about the studio’s aerial classes, yoga, dance, and even belly dancing, but what really intrigued me were the aerial hoop (lyra) and silks. I wanted to see if I could hang, quite literally, with the crowd who make flipping upside down look effortless.
I began with the “Intro to Lyra” class. First, let me say that any illusions I had about this being “easy” vanished about three minutes in. We started with a warm-up to get our blood pumping and bodies ready to move. Then came the real challenge: the hoop. I quickly learned that the lyra requires a solid amount of strength, especially in places I hadn’t thought about—hello, sore sides and tender spots! The instructor was encouraging and patient, helping us understand how to hold, swing, and pose. I was instantly hooked, pun intended, though I know it’ll take some serious strengthening to make friends with that hoop.
Next up was an “Aerial Teaser” class on the silks. Unlike the lyra, where you’re dealing with one solid piece of metal, the silks require a whole different level of coordination and technique. We learned how to secure ourselves by twisting and wrapping the silks in ways that kept us from slipping right back to the ground. Our instructor was a superhero, breaking down each move step-by-step and making sure we were safe and comfortable. It was challenging for sure, especially for my core, but what a thrill! At the end, I left feeling accomplished, if a little noodle-armed.
Beyond these two intro classes, Coil Studio offers everything from belly dancing to deep stretch yoga on the silks. Each class is set up to make everyone feel welcomed and encouraged. And, trust me, these classes challenge you physically and mentally. There’s an element of embracing where you’re at, learning to accept your own limits, and giving yourself credit for trying something out of the ordinary.
One of the best parts about Coil Studio? They also do amazing shows, where you can see the pros show off what’s possible when you stick with it. I left feeling inspired, sore, and ready to come back for more. I’d highly recommend Coil to anyone who’s curious about circus arts, wants a workout with a unique twist, or just wants something fun and different to do indoors for winter. I absolutely loved these classes, and if you’re like me—drawn to things a bit outside your comfort zone—you might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish here.
Alana Livingston is looking forward to starting an outdoor dinner club starting January 2025.
