Queer Pole jam
Jun
17
1:00 PM13:00

Queer Pole jam

We invite you to join us in our safe space to learn a bit of pole, hang out, and maybe make a few new friends. This event is a queer-hosted safe space for all LGBT+ people, and just $5! If we haven’t met you yet, please consider joining our family (for *at least* a day)!
The first hour is a 1 hour taster class, and the last half hour will be play time and time to socialize! Feel free to spend time together and socialize in our lobby before/afterwards as well!

 


Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts is a non-profit pole dance studio located in downtown Renton, WA. We aim to serve a diverse community by providing a supportive and safe space to build self-esteem and empower artistic expression.


We are an inclusive community that welcomes EVERYONE regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, fitness level, or dance experience.


Prior pole or dance experience is NOT required to attend, or participate.

Come exactly as you are!

 

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Guest Workshops & Coaching with Gunnar Field aka 'The Splits Whisperer'
Mar
3
to Mar 5

Guest Workshops & Coaching with Gunnar Field aka 'The Splits Whisperer'

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Ascendance is thrilled to host Gunnar Field aka ‘The Splits Whisperer’ for multiple in-house workshops in 2023!

2 HR CLINICS:

  • Flexibility technique for exotic pole

  • DYNAMIC flexibility technique - all levels

1.5 hr WORKSHOPS:

  • Beginner Hand-Balancing

  • make me a pretzel: intro to contortion

Gunnar Field is a Mongolian-technique contortion and hand-balancing coach based in Minneapolis, MN and has been teaching contortion for over a decade and training for even longer. Using his 30 years of accumulated knowledge of body movement and mechanics, he teaches Mongolian contortion techniques infused with his own flair and influences from his past trainings in gymnastics and ballet.

Gunnar has travelled to Ulaanbaatar Mongolia to study contortion and train under the guidance of Nargama Baatar, and furthered his training in China at the Beijing International School of Acrobatics and Arts. He has performed internationally, notably in China, Thailand, and the USA.

Please email ashlee@ascendancestudios.org directly to facilitate room rentals for private lessons.

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Befriending the Body with Roxanne
Feb
25
3:30 PM15:30
workshop

Befriending the Body with Roxanne

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A core part of our mission at Ascendance is to help students build self-esteem through pole dance and aerial arts. Our work in the world runs against the grain of the broader culture we exist in, a culture shaped by interlocking systems of oppression that undermine the way we esteem and love our bodies. These intersecting factors include ableism, racism, sexism, fatphobia, transphobia, and ageism; they surround us and become deeply internalized in the way we relate to our bodies and the bodies of others.

 

Undoubtedly, learning to pole dance can bring up painful emotions related to the body; simultaneously it can also help us to transform that pain into freedom, joy, and community. This workshop will be a chance for students to reflect on all of this in a supportive container through a combination of journaling, sharing, and (of course!) dancing.

 

This 90 minute workshop combines prompted freestyle flow exercises, journaling prompts, and space to share reflections in pairs/as a whole group, for anyone who seeking to reflect on the struggles and joys of getting to know your body as you learn pole dance in a group setting.

This workshop is open to pole dancers of all-levels.

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Guest Workshops & Coaching with Gunnar Field aka 'The Splits Whisperer'
Nov
11
to Nov 14

Guest Workshops & Coaching with Gunnar Field aka 'The Splits Whisperer'

  • Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Ascendance is thrilled to host Gunnar Field aka ‘The Splits Whisperer’ for multiple in-house workshops in November of 2022!

  • Creative Floor Movement for Aerialists

  • Beginner Hand-Balancing

  • Active Splits

  • Back & Shoulder Flexibility

Gunnar Field is a Mongolian-technique contortion and hand-balancing coach based in Minneapolis, MN and has been teaching contortion for over a decade and training for even longer. Using his 30 years of accumulated knowledge of body movement and mechanics, he teaches Mongolian contortion techniques infused with his own flair and influences from his past trainings in gymnastics and ballet.

Gunnar has travelled to Ulaanbaatar Mongolia to study contortion and train under the guidance of Nargama Baatar, and furthered his training in China at the Beijing International School of Acrobatics and Arts. He has performed internationally, notably in China, Thailand, and the USA.

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Roz the Diva - Build Your Confidence
Oct
2
6:45 PM18:45

Roz the Diva - Build Your Confidence

Come as you are. I'm a dark skin, semi-bald, overweight, outspoken woman who runs around NYC half naked. I'm also a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community; I'm already a fan of your religion; your disabilities don't scare me; the only race I see is pizza. Unless you're a total douche bag, we're already BFFs.

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Sep
24
5:00 PM17:00

Student Showcase and 4th Anniversary

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We are excited to host another Student Showcase! This time to celebrate our FOURTH year as a studio.

 

Save the date for

Saturday, 9/24

5:00 - 7:00p

 

Students of all levels will perform on pole, lyra, and hammock, sharing their incredible talents with each of us. Bonus performances from a few instructors and a guest appearance by Sexy Rexy round out this night of dance!

 

"Seats" are limited (we'll be sitting on the floor or standing around the room). Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test administered within 48 hours of the event are required to attend (PCR over rapid testing preferred). Masking strongly encouraged.

 

$5 secures your spot to enjoy this incredible celebration (and cupcakes!)

 

Performances will be taped and available to purchase later.

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Sep
5
7:00 PM19:00

Gunnar Field - Back & Shoulder Flexibility

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Are you feeling stuck in your shoulder and back flexibility, and want to take your pole & aerial movement to the next level? Are you searching for new drills or sequences to work on that will help you achieve your flexibility goals? Look no further!

In this workshop, we’ll focus on getting deeper into our shoulders, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine through the use of active flexibility drills and strengthening exercises to target tough-to-engage positions for pole dancers. Focus will be on active flexibility; shoulder & back openers and stabilizers.

$55 for 90 minutes

Prerequisites:

*No existing injury that would impact stretching your shoulders or back.

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Aug
27
4:00 PM16:00

Dancing in the Air - Aerial Yoga Flow Workshop with Elisa

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Join Elisa for this special hammock workshop!

Get a focused class on foundations and moves needed to take your training to the next level. This workshop is geared for those with existing aerial yoga/hammock experience who are looking to move up into Intermediate Aerial Yoga Flow.

$45 for 90 minutes of instruction.

Prerequisites:

For students have Three months in Aerial yoga
Or currently in Pole level 1-2
Or currently Lyra 1-2

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Aug
20
4:30 PM16:30

Healthy Shoulders for Pole and Aerial Dancers

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Healthy Shoulders for Pole and Aerial Dancers

Learn about how cool and amazing shoulders are! We’ll learn about the anatomy of the shoulder and how it moves when we do pole and aerial. We’ll then put that information together with simple exercises to promote healthy shoulders for pole and aerial dancers.

This workshop is interaction and will include doing the exercises, simple movement analysis, and drawing and taping muscles on our bodies. For full physical participation, wearing something that allows your shoulder and trunk anatomy to be seen is recommended, like a sports bra.

$40 for 60 minutes of instruction

About your instructors:
The Circus Doc, Dr. Emily Scherb, DPT
(https://circusanatomy.com/)

Dr. Emily Scherb began her training as a circus artist in 1992. She continued training, performing, and teaching as she made her way through school, always making sure she wasn’t too far from her trapeze. When she graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Dr. Scherb knew she wanted to work with circus artists to serve the community that has been so important to her. Over the past decade of working with circus artists Emily has gained deep insight on how circus bodies work in the air and on the ground. As she has expanded her knowledge she has worked to share those gains with the community through workshops, teaching, and recently writing the first book to address the unique challenges to the aerialist’s body, Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts.

 

Dr. Liz Corwin, Lyra Instructor at Ascendance

Liz Corwin is one of our own instructors! She is a practicing physical therapist who holds a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Elon University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Human Physiology. She is a board certified Sports Clinical Specialist and serves on the board of directors for Seattle Dance and Performing Arts Medicine. Her dancing has taken her to Europe and South America in addition to around North America, and has had the pleasure of working with many dancers across the country as a Physical Therapist including for numerous dance companies around Seattle and the dancers of Ailey II. She is very passionate about creating engaging and inspiring environments for her students. She loves dancing and helping others dance too!

 

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Summer Picnic & Play!
Jul
9
3:00 PM15:00

Summer Picnic & Play!

Join us for summer fun, food, and some outdoor apparatus play at Riverview Park!

Saturday, July 9th! 3:00 - 5:30p

We’ve booked the picnic shelter and will setup some music, a Stage Pole, and Aerial A-Frame. We’ll eat, socialize, and play! Bring a potluck dish to share (if possible, please label common allergies/dietary considerations), chairs or a blanket to sit on, and get ready for a some fun!

Riverview park has a parking lot off of 169. Cross over the bridge to find the picnic shelter. We’ll have access to bathrooms and a BBQ and some sheltered picnic tables. The park is less than 10 minutes from the studio, next to the Cedar River Trail and shaded by large, beautiful trees. It has a grassy meadow perfect for blankets and aerial shenanigans.

Friends and family welcome!

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May
7
to May 8

May Student Photoshoots!

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Celebrate your pole and aerial journey with a photoshoot! Maggie and Cat will be behind the lens and are so excited to capture some beautiful shapes.

These mini shoots are 30 minutes in length.

5 Images for $75 or 10 images for $110.

You will get 5 (or 10) professionally edited images. If you sign our model waiver to use your photos for social media and marketing, your photo session is just $60 or $90.

Come with hair and makeup ready, and a little early to warm yourself up. Bring a few of your fav poses, any photo inspiration you have, and we will help pose and style you.

To reserve a slot, email Hello@AscendanceStudios.org and let us know your top 2 time slot choices.

Saturday 5/7 - Studio C - Aerial shoot
3:00 - 3:30
3:45 - 4:15p
4:30 - 5:00p
5:15 - 5:45p
6:00 - 6:30

Sunday 5/8 - Studio B - Pole Shoot
11:00 - 11:30
11:45 - 12:15
12:30 - 1:00
1:15 - 1:45
2:30 - 3:00
3:15 - 3:45
4:00 - 4:30
4:45 - 515

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Feb
28
3:30 PM15:30

Rock Climbing!

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Community Event - Rock Climbing!
Saturday, March 26, 5:00 - 7:00p

Seattle Bouldering Project, Poplar Location

900 Poplar Place S. 98144

We'll be taking a field trip to the Seattle Bouldering Project, to climb and have fun and connect with each other outside the studio.

The cost is $16 for 2 hours of fun. We've reserved room for up to 20 people, so snag your spot early!

 
 
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Feb
27
10:00 AM10:00

Video Shoots with Astral Video Art

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Video Shoots with Astral Video Art!


Sunday, February 27th.

Capture your art in motion with Astral Video Art

Whether you’re going for a raw and unedited look for competitions, or a stylized music video feel, tailor the lighting, colors, shot angles and backdrop to your needs, Kate with Astral Video Art is excited to collaborate and bring out your best on film.

Kate is an award winning creative media artist, a scholar and educator, and a pole and circus performer. She has over 13 years experience in creative media production, and teaches university classes.

You can also find Kate (@catness_pd) on our schedule, teaching flexibility. Check out @astralvideoart on Instagram for some samples of her incredible work.

Photo of aerial silks performer.

THE DETAILS

STUDIO B - POLE SHOOTS

10:00 AM

11:15 AM

12:30 PM

STUDIO C - AERIAL SHOOTS

3:00 PM

4:15 PM

5:30 PM

PRICING:

  • 1-hour video shoot: $100 (as deposit)

  • Set-up fee: $30

  • Editing: $50/minute of finished video

  • [Special Effects Option: $100 flat fee - see astralvideoart.com for examples]

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Feb
19
6:00 PM18:00

Studio Showcase

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We are craving live performance and are excited to bring back an In Studio Showcase!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 19th at 6:00p!

Students of all levels will perform on pole, lyra, and hammock, sharing their incredible talents with each of us. Bonus performances from a few instructors and a guest appearance by Sexy Rexy round out this night of dance!

"Seats" are limited (we'll be sitting on the floor or standing around the room). Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test administered within 48 hours of the event are required to attend (PCR test preferred). Masks must be worn at all time too. Capacity will be limited and we will space ourselves out as much as possible.

$5 secures your spot. All proceeds will go to benefit and expand our Scholarship program. Performances will be taped and available to view online at a later time.

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Feb
12
4:30 PM16:30

WineStone Night

Love sparkles, love wine? Have we got an event for you!

We’ll be setting up the studio to rhinestone any personal projects or costumes you may have. Perfect for those who need to add some sparkle to their costumes for any upcoming Showcases, Competition, or even Halloween!

BYOB or a snack to share. We’ll provide glasses and the space, as well as some glue and stoning tools. Bring your costume and any jewels you have. Maggie Nation will have some real crystal rhinestones available for purchase, but supplies will be limited.

Looking forward to a fun, sparkly hangout! Pre registration to this free event encouraged so that we know how to prepare the space.

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Dec
11
to Dec 12

Videoshoots with Astral Video Art

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Videography Shoots with Astral Video Art!


Saturday 12/11 - Pole Artist Shoots
Sunday 12/12 - Aerial Artist Shoots

Capture your art in motion with Astral Video Art

Whether you’re going for a raw and unedited look for competitions, or a stylized music video feel, tailor the lighting, colors, shot angles and backdrop to your needs, Kate with Astral Video Art is excited to collaborate and bring out your best on film.

Kate is an award winning creative media artist, a scholar and educator, and a pole and circus performer. She has over 13 years experience in creative media production, and teaches university classes.

You can find Kate (@catness_pd) back on our teaching schedule this December. Check out @astralvideoart on Instagram for some samples of her incredible work.

The Details

The following times are available to shoot at the group rate for this event.

Sat 12/11 - Pole Shoot

Studio B

2:00 - 3:00

3:15 - 4:15

4:30 - 5:30

Sun 12/12 - Aerial Shoot

Studio C

3:00 - 4:00

4:15 - 5:15

7:30 - 8:30

Pricing

Total pricing is dependent on editing, effects, and desired length of the finished video. Base price includes:

  • Set up - $33

  • 1 hour shoot - $100

  • Editing - $50/finished minute of video

  • *Astral Video Art is absorbing the $15 studio rental fee as a discount to the Ascendance family!

With basic editing, a 3-minute video is $283, a 4-minute video is $333, and a 5-minute video is $383.

  • Option for music editing: $50 flat fee. Includes removing or repeating sections, seamless cuts, fades, transitions, etc.

  • Option for special effects: $100 flat fee. Enhanced editing for a music video feel, using experimental video effects. Astral Video Art can take specific requests, or you can leave it up to her.

Inquire with questions at kate@ascendancestudios.org

Use the link below to request your spot or to ask questions.

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Nov
13
to Nov 14

Photoshoots!

  • Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts (map)
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Celebrate your pole and aerial journey with a photoshoot! Maggie and Cat will be behind the lens and are so excited to capture some beautiful shapes.

These mini shoots are 30 minutes in length. For $65, you will get 5 professionally edited images and the option to purchase additional images. If you sign our model waiver, your photo session is just $50.

Come with hair and makeup ready, and a little early to warm yourself up. Bring a few of your fav poses, any photo inspiration you have, and we will help pose and style you.

To reserve a slot, email Hello@AscendanceStudios.org and let us know your top 2 time slot choices.

Saturday 11/13 - Studio B - Pole shoot
11:00 - 11:30
11:45 - 12:15
12:30 - 1:00
1:15 - 1:45
2:30 - 3:00
3:15 - 3:45
4:00 - 4:30
4:45 - 515

Sunday 11/14 - Studio C - Aerial Shoot
2:00 - 2:30
2:45 - 3:15
4:00 - 4:30
4:45 - 5:15
5:30 - 5:45

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3rd Anniversary Jam!
Sep
18
2:30 PM14:30

3rd Anniversary Jam!

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Ascendance is turning 3 this year! In celebration, we're throwing a socially distanced 90s pole jam on Saturday, September 18 from 2:30 - 7:30 pm!

Join us for classic 90s jams, to-go cupcakes, and group dance sessions.

We’re keeping things safe by spreading the love out all afternoon long and limiting the number of participants. Sign up for one of the three time slots with the links below to attend this FREE event!

Time slots are broken up into these time slots for both Pole and Aerial jams.

2:30 - 4:00p

4:15 - 5:45p

6:00 - 7:30p

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Jan
2
4:30 PM16:30

Virtual Workshop - Spinning into the New Year

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Events(8).png

Join Tara as we spin into the new year and work on some upper level, long form, Spin Pole combos!

Home pole with spin mode required.

We'll cover a swizzly mount, some fantastic flares, and a fun devil's point shuffle variation. If we nail all that, more twirls await!

This workshop is recommended for those L2+ and for those who are comfortable inverting on spin pole. Must have comfortable inside and outside leg hangs, and be comfy with a Genie. Crash mat recommended for your home pole.

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Paper Snowflake Making
Dec
12
6:15 PM18:15

Paper Snowflake Making

  • Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts (map)
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Join us for FREE social event - Paper Snowflake Making, hosted by Maggie!

All you need is a pair of scissors, some paper, and an optional hot drink of your choice. Dial in for some social time and leave with some beautiful wintery creations to brighten up some of the darkest days of the season. It's sure to be a fabulous time!

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Dec
5
6:00 PM18:00

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go - A Fundraising Showcase Event

Copy of Copy of Fundraiser Flyer.png

Enjoy an evening of dance and festivities from home! Don your finest (finally, a chance to show off your pandemic stress buys!) and log on for a night of student, staff, and guest performances from your friends at Ascendance Pole and Aerial Arts.

Between Festivus feats of strength, airing of 2020 grievances, and dazzling performances, we’ll play some engaging games (with prizes!), and kick off our fundraising campaign for the studio.

Grab your tickets to live stream this one night only show

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Virtual Pumpkin Carving Party
Oct
25
4:00 PM16:00

Virtual Pumpkin Carving Party

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Pole dancers, Pumpkins and Poltergeists, oh my! Join your Ascendance community for our pumpkin carving and movie watch party on Sunday 10/25, via Zoom!

You will need:

  • At least 1 pumpkin

  • A towel or sheet or tarp to contain the mess!

  • Appropriate tools (no dull flimsy knives. No one wants to see you severe a thumb! How are you gonna pole with an open wound? Wear gloves. Use appropriate and sharp tools.)

  • Appropriate libations (water, seltzer, pumpkin spice Irish coffee, whatever.)

Event is open to anyone. A suggested donation of $5 to our scholarship program made payable through our Fractured Atlas link is much appreciated.

Register via Mindbody to receive the Zoom link to join!

Can’t wait to get spooky with all of you!

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Ascendance Turns 2!! Happy Boo-thday!
Oct
17
6:00 PM18:00

Ascendance Turns 2!! Happy Boo-thday!

We’re turning TWO! Man, time has flown!

Celebrate with us remotely and join our Zoom call. We’re planning some fun activities to commemorate this event. Mark your calendars - details coming soon! Start planning a fun costume to wear while you dial in!

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYuduugrjsoEtxoZBa7bPOIEAVB16aT9TeO

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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October Video Shoots with Marika
Oct
11
to Oct 18

October Video Shoots with Marika

Video Shoot with Marika!

Sunday, October 11th and 18th

This is a special opportunity to have a personal videography session with Marika! Marika is a wonderful and sweet dancer, dance studio director, choreographer, show producer, videographer, and more! She has a sharp eye for movement and professional equipment to make your mini performance a little extra. We are so excited that she is sharing her talents with us. 

We feel it. We’re stuck at home, we don’t have competition stages, or performance opportunities like we used to. So we’re creating our own!  Document a freestyle, film a competition submission, or capture some of your favorite choreography in one of your fav pole sets. Make it your own! 

$15 reserves your 45 minute session. $45 is due to Marika via Venmo at the beginning of your session. Come ready with your hair and makeup done. You’ll get a few minutes to warm up, but we suggest warming up at home before you arrive.

This will be a socially distanced shoot in the studio, and all COVID precautions will be taken to keep both dancers and our videographer safe. Full details will be sent via email after registration.

Videos will be recorded in 4K video resolution. You will receive an email to a Dropbox folder with all video clips from the session.

To book, email Hello@AscendanceStudios.org with your preferred time slot.


Sunday 10/11

1:00 - 1:45
2:00 - 2:45
3:00-3:45
4:00 - 4:45


Sunday 10/18

10 - 10:45 (taken)
11 - 11:45 (taken)
12 - 12:45 (taken)
1:30 - 2:15 (taken)
2:30 - 3:15 (taken)
3:30 - 4:15 (taken)
5:00 - 5:45 (taken)

Check out a little bit of Marika’s work below!

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Virtual Floorwork Fundraiser to Support BLM
Jun
27
7:00 PM19:00

Virtual Floorwork Fundraiser to Support BLM

Join us for this special online Zoom workshop to benefit Black Lives Matter.

In this workshop, the fabulous Miss Katie will lead you through dancing on the floor and exploring various sequences and choreography that emphases connection, sensuality, and fluidity. Students will develop a foundation of dance skills to create their own low-flow/floorwork flows.

Layers are highly recommended: (leg warmers, leggings, socks, knee-pads, top, etc.) Pole heels are highly encouraged as they factor into choreography, but are not required.

No Pole Required for this class.

Suggested donation for this class is $15. Send donations to Katie over Venmo @KatieMejia. Katie will pass on the collection at the end of the night to The Okra Project (https://www.theokraproject.com/) The Okra Project is a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever we can reach them.

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Power Pole with Lara Michaels
Jun
13
9:00 AM09:00

Power Pole with Lara Michaels

Power Pole with Lara Michaels
Online Zoom Meeting

This class is designed for solid intermediate students who are comfortable with inverting and are excited to dive deep into the finer points of technique for excellent execution. A primary focus is leg hang combinations, preparation for handsprings, and different entries to handsprings. This is the perfect class for detailed technical instruction and progressive breakdowns. Bring your questions and requests!

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Focused Backbending with Lara
Jun
10
2:00 PM14:00

Focused Backbending with Lara

Bend Deeper: Focused Backbending with Lara

Online Zoom Meeting

Bend Deeper: Focused Backbending
Unlock your full spinal potential! Class will prepare the body for deeper backbending poses through active range conditioning, engaged stretching, and structural stabilization. Focus will be on increasing range in all areas of the spine, particularly mid to upper back, and channeling the power of hip extension for a more complete backbend.

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Help sustain Ascendance with a one-time or recurring donation. Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts is a fiscally sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) charity. Contributions made payable to Fractured Atlas for the purposes of Ascendance Pole & Aerial Arts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Donate now at Fractured Atlas!