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Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

1. What is Hollywood Aerial Arts?
2. Where is Hollywood Aerial Arts located?
3. Where do you get your instructors?
4. Who can fly on the trapeze?
5. Who can not fly on the trapeze?
6. What if my child wants to fly?
7. How safe is the Flying Trapeze?
8. How do I register for classes?
9. How much do classes cost?
10. How many people are in a class?
11. Is there a beginning class?
12. Do you have private classes?
13. What should I wear to class?
14. Will I be sore the next day?

What is Hollywood Aerial Arts?

Hollywood Aerial Arts is a multi-purpose training and production team specializing in aerial performance.  Our training program is designed to create a safe and exciting environment in which the participants are transformed mentally, emotionally and physically while achieving feats they never believed were possible.  Our production team combines the talents of the top designers in the field to create spectacular events utilizing all the disciplines of aerial artistry, magical innovation and cutting edge show production technology, all designed to bring your vision to life.

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Where is Hollywood Aerial Arts located?

We are centrally located just minutes from LAX between the 105, 405 and 110 freeways.  Just 1 block from Hollywood Park Casino and Racetrack, it is a great location with dozens of shops and food locations on the Century Corridor.  Our new 10,000 sq. ft venue houses our training and production facility, audio and video pre and post production suites, costume and scenic construction areas and our show fabrication facility.  Directions to our school from Mapquest are available here.

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Where do you get your instructors?

Our staff comes from amazing and diverse backgrounds that all yield instructors that care about your growth in a safe and nurturing environment.  That includes people from the circus, Pilates, stunt work, dance and other wide ranging performing arts.  However, it's not enough that they are amazing in their field.  They must also be trained in our strict guidelines and procedures to create that magical combination of great experience with excellent teaching skills.

Hollywood Aerial Arts is the largest booker and supplier of aerial talent on the west coast. If you are a professional instructor or performer that could fit into our program, please feel free to email us here regarding our job opportunities.

If you are not a professional but love the potential of training and working in this field, we have programs for trainees to enter the world of the aerial arts instruction.  Depending on your skill level, experience and background we will work with you to determine the best way to utilize your talents and create a place to develop your abilities.

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Who can fly on the trapeze?

Our youngest flyer is 4 and the oldest is in their early 80's.  We have something for everyone to share regardless of your physical strength and ability.  About 40% of our flyers start out with a fear of heights.  We learn that fear stems from lack of understanding, so with our slow and systematic approach, we allow you to learn the safe and controlled way to conquer your fears and achieve your dreams.

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Who can not fly on the trapeze?

Your safety is always our prime concern.  If we feel you are either impaired in some way as to not be safe to fly or there is something that could pose a physical risk to yourself or our team, we will ask you to refrain from certain aerial training.  We don't allow alcohol or other narcotics on site and will not allow anyone to fly that we feel is under the influence.  We also don't allow anyone who is disruptive or poses a physical risk to the other flyers.  We want your experience to be both safe and rewarding without the worry of outside distractions.

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What if my child wants to fly?

We have some amazing flyers that are very young yet excel in this wonderful activity that builds self esteem and physical awareness. If the children are below the age of 12, we ask that a parent or guardian is present with them during class.  All children and young adults below the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian to be allowed to participate.

A copy of that form is available here.

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How safe is the Flying Trapeze?

The circus has propagated the allure of the "death-defying" acts on the flying trapeze, but the reality is much different.  The flying trapeze is very safe.  All of our beginning flyers must wear a safety harness at all times so they are under our care from the time they are hooked up until they are safely on the ground.  There are typically small scrapes and bruises in any physical activity but the serious risk is very small.  We've found the Flying Trapeze and other aerial apparatus to be safer than gymnastics, cheerleading and even competition ping pong!

If you have any physical impairments that could impact your own well being, please let us know so that we might safely assess your abilities to fly.

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How do I register for a class?

You can register and sign up online here:  Hollywood Aerial Arts Online Registration.

If you have any questions regarding our online system, please email us here or call our office at 310-412-7171.

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How much do classes cost?

Our inside introductory class is $30 for a 2 hour class.  After that, most people opt for the weekly class rate. That is $20 per class as long as you sign up the same class each week for one month. That rate is pre-paid at the first of the month and reserves your space in the class. A $25 "Drop-in" Rate is also available for those who have taken their introductory class but whose schedule varies from week to week or can't come on a consistent basis.  We also have a $15 "Student" rate which is for those who sign up for 3 or more classes per week and pre-pay by the month.  Fees are payable at the time of your class by either cash, Visa/MC or check made out to "Ray Pierce Productions".

Fees for our outside High Flying Trapeze are $10 more per session.  The Intro class is $40, Drop in Rate is $35, Weekly is $30 and the Student Rate is $25.

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How many people are in a class?

We normally have a 8 person maximum for our classes.  There are rare times where it could go to 10 if someone brings more guests than expected but that is the exception.  In that case we always try and run long to accommodate all the participants.  The average is much lower.  Our online scheduling helps balance our classes and keeps from overbooking.  Private groups can bring as many people as they want but the flying time per person is cut down.

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Is there a beginning class?

All of our public flying classes are open to all skill levels.  It doesn't matter what the person before or after you is working on... each swing is your own and you can work at your own level.  We feel that with multi-level classes and being around more advanced fliers, it allows you to learn from watching and being around less experienced fliers allows the more advanced students a chance to share their experiences.

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Do you have private classes?

We offer private classes in all of our disciplines by request.  Private classes in each individual apparatus are priced at $75/hr but can be divided up by the participating students. Private lessons on the outdoor flying trapeze are $200/hr.  You may purchase them online but first need to call our office to arrange a suitable time.

Corporate training and team building workshops are custom designed for each group to create the exact experience required.  Please email here or call 310-412-7171 for more information on this exciting opportunity.

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What should I wear to class?

For the Flying Trapeze, suitable apparel would be something you would wear to a yoga or pilates class.  Tight but not restrictive clothing such as tights, leotards, warm up suits, etc.  Baggy clothing which could be problematic when hanging upside down should be avoided.  Shorts are acceptable but many prefer the back of their legs covered when attempting the knee hang or other similar skills. Gymnastic shoes, socks or bare feet are acceptable.  For the Outside Flying Trapeze, most people prefer socks or gymnastic shoes for more comfort on the net.

For tissu and web classes, it helps to wear a unitard or leotard which covers the mid-section to prevent too much burning on the bare skin.  Feet need to be bare to climb properly.

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Will I be sore the next day?

Few things are certain in life... but this usually is!  We've had professional athletes from almost every field and nearly all are surprised by the intensity of the work out that the aerial arts deliver.  It could come a few days later but some soreness is very common given the dynamic nature of these skills.  We recommend some form of ibuprofen and a nice hot bath (bubbles are optional!) the day after your first class, followed by a good session of slow stretching to get the range of motion back into your upper body.

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