Ground Disciplines

Please note: these classes are for students aged 16+.
The prerequisite skills listed must be mastered and readily recalled before advancing to the next level.

Multi-level classes

For classes that are level 1 & 2 or 2 & 3, instruction will be provided for both levels.

Instructors may use language/phrases such as “Level 2’s are doing scissor beats, Level 3’s feel free to carry them into break beats”

In a multi-level class, you must meet the prerequisites for the lower level to attend

Levels are specific to each discipline

It's important to note that each discipline will have different parameters and prerequisites for each level.

For example: you meet the prerequisites for a level 1 Aerial Hoop class, you would not also meet the prerequisites for a level 1 Partner Acro class

Prerequisites apply to all levels

Our prerequisites are designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all students. It's important to check prerequisites for each class you wish to attend. Your instructor will let you know once you are ready to move to the next level. You must be signed off to move up.

Check the level prerequisites for your class/discipline below

Handstands

Handstands are fun and accessible, and with a little bit of persistence, open up a whole new world of movement possibilities. No matter your handstand level, you will find just the right challenge for you! Handstands truly are a great practice to invest in.

Prerequisites

  • No significant limitations of mobility

  • Comfortable and consistent 10s straight freestanding handstand. No matter your handstand level, we recommend you first attend a foundations class to learn our handstand vocabulary, and the instructor will inform you when you are ready to move to intermediate.

  • This class is by invite only. Students must be able to hold a minimum 30 second free handstand without any assistance in a variety of shapes and transition freely between shapes.

Movement & Soft Acro

This practice combines elements from yoga, martials arts, contemporary dance and gymnastics, to create a totally unique movement flow experience.

Prerequisites

  • All levels are welcome!

Cyr Wheel

A mix of surfing, skateboarding, object manipulation, acrobatics and finding your flow, cyr wheel is a great combination of them all. But be careful it’s highly addictive! Cyr wheel is a simple metal circle in which the acrobat moves and spins, conceptually it is similar to a coin spinning on a table. Find how to generate your own momentum to make this wheel move!

Prerequisites

  • No pre-requisites

  • Waltz, Familiarity with manipulation movements and how the wheel moves

Tumbling

Have you ever found yourself saying “I wish I did gymnastics as a kid” or think “I would love to be able to do a flip”? Well now is your chance! This class will break down body mechanics and positions which are foundational to dynamic tumbling skills. You will work towards further developing your spatial awareness with protected falls and landings to grow your confidence in your acrobatic abilities.

*Please note we will not specifically be teaching back tucks but rather the skills necessary to prepare your body for moves such as that. If a back tuck is already a skill in your repertoire then we will be able to work with you to improve your technique and help you further advance your skill level.

**Our space has padded but not sprung floors

Prerequisites

  • No significant limitations of mobility

  • Bridge, Cartwheel, Able to kick to handstand in free space comfortably, Dive roll, Jump full turn

Acro Yoga

Acro yoga is the practice of L-basing, where one partner lies on their back (the base) and lifts the other partner into the air (flyer) with the guidance of a spotter. You will learn to balance and communicate as a partnership and build new friendships in the process. Acro is a fun and welcoming practice that will have you improving your flexibility and stability without even noticing!

Prerequisites

  • No pre-requisites

  • Confidence flying and/or basing bird, Throne, Folded leaf, Star and Cartwheel without the assistance of a spotter

Partner Acrobatics

Partner Acrobatics is an awe-inspiring discipline which involves the base tossing and balancing the flyer in very complex acrobatic movements. This class will cover a variety of techniques including foot to hand, hand to hand, columns, pitches, tempos, counterbalances and more.

Prerequisites

  • General body awareness and a baseline of good bodyweight strength. No partner required. Not currently running - look out for Specialty Series!

  • You must base or fly consistent and solid: 2 high, standing foot to hand, standing high bird No partner is required for this level.

  • You must base or fly consistent and solid: 10 second standing hand to hand, pitch to reverse foot to hand. You must obtain approval from ICS to attend this class, email us info@islandcircusspace.com. You are also required to register with a partner.

Icarian

Icarian is the fun and dynamic practice of L-base popping! Different from Acro Yoga pops, Icarian involves a full release of contact in the air before the base catches the flyer. This class will focus on building strength, precision, timing, and trust and is great for calibrated pairs looking to take their partner acrobatic practice to the next level.

Prerequisites

  • Flyers: Exposure to AcroYoga with confidence flying basic transitions including a cartwheel, reverse star, and throne.

    Bases: Exposure to AcroYoga with enough hamstring flexibility to L-base with straight legs. Confidence basing cartwheel, reverse star, and throne.

  • Tuck jump, Flat top half turn, Bird to straight leg throne, and Back connected

Juggling

Juggling is a fun and addicting pastime, and even better, it's accessible to everyone! Whether you're brand new to juggling, or if you know how to juggle with balls and are looking to step up your game to learn with rings or clubs, this class is for you!

Prerequisites

  • No pre-requisites

  • 3 ball juggling

Hula Hoop

Welcome to the world of hula hooping! This class will teach and refine the basics and build upon these to build up your skill repertoire. No experience is necessary and intermediate practitioners are welcome too!

Prerequisites

  • Join us in a class or series!

Flexibility

Flexibility truly is the key to functionality, whether you are simply looking to keep your body healthy and agile or to progress your skill as an athlete or acrobat. This class will break down the mechanics of stretching techniques and help you reach further, split deeper while protecting your back and joints. 

Prerequisites

  • Join us in class!

Strength & Conditioning

Our Strength & Conditioning explores what goes into being a great circus artist. This ground-based training program is designed to help you build strength, enhance flexibility, and improve overall fitness in a safe and effective manner. You will be guided through a series of functional movements and exercises that target specific muscle groups, improving your core stability, balance, and coordination. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness/circus journey, this class will empower you to reach new strength goals while prioritizing the long-term well-being of your body

Prerequisites

  • Join us in class!

Core Conditioning

The secret ingredient to Circus success. Whether you’re an aerialist, hand-balancer or acro enthusiast, this class will fortify your core and make those daring feats feel effortless. Prepare to take your training to the next level.

Prerequisites

  • Join us in class!