Getting Sky High on Silks

When I asked my two children, Nicolas (9) and Camille (7 ½), if they were interested in trying a class where they could experiment with aerial silks and swing on a trapeze, they instantly screamed “YES!” They did those things and more during our visit to Cirque Freaks, a movement and aerial arts studio in Alpharetta. 
Spencer Maxwell, co-founder and instructor, warmly welcomed my kids into the large, open, warehouse space, and began their hour-long class with warm-up stretching on the mats. Getting limber led to a quick, but thorough, conversation about the basics of hoisting oneself up onto one of two sets of aerial silks suspended from the ceiling. Then, up they went!
The classes tend to be small (groups of 10 or fewer) so time is spent being active, not waiting for your next turn. Spencer patiently and clearly explained the mechanics of maintaining proper foot position and the importance of s-l-o-w-l-y inching down the silks to get both feet back on the ground, then guided them through several beginner’s moves as they got comfortable with the apparatus. They learned to do a foot lock, the simplest trick to do on the silks. Both my kids said they felt excited but nervous about climbing up high without the instructor holding on, but once they got going, both of my children were shouting with excitement from the top of the silks. “I don’t want to leave; I’m having too much fun!” Camille announced.
Cirque Freaks caters to a wide range of ages and ability levels, and offers several Cirque-style classes, including static trapeze, Spanish web, and Cyr wheel. The studio has couches for parents, clean restrooms, and even a basket of toys for younger siblings. Special events, like workshops, birthday parties and even a moms’ night out are scheduled in the coming months.
Drop-ins to try a class are welcome; just call ahead and check the class descriptions to pick the right class for your children’s ages. We can’t wait to go back!
– Mary Block