Below are some of the most commonly asked questions I get in regard to my lyra classes. If you have a question that’s not answered here, just drop me a line and I’ll get back with you.
Lyra & YOU
How do I know if I can do it?
Why do I have to sign a waiver?
What happens in a class?
Is it just lyra?
What should I wear, and what else do I need to bring to class?
Class Schedule & Booking
When are classes?
Do I really have to book online?
None of your class times work for me. Can I book a time that’s not on the calendar?
What if I need to cancel?
Why are regular classes sometimes canceled… and why does the schedule change?
Group Classes
Which class is right for me?
Why aren’t there more people in a group class?
I’d like to take classes with my friends. Can we book together?
Private Classes
What makes private classes different?
Can I share a private session with a friend?
One class or a multi-class course?
Payment
How much does it cost?
Can I buy a gift certificate or pay for someone else?
What about refunds?
Location(s)
Where do you teach?
I want you to come to my place to teach. Can you do that?
Why should I to commit to six sessions if you teach at my location?
Lyra & YOU
How do I know if I can do it?
You can. It’s a whole-body workout, with emphasis on the upper body (arms, abs and back, especially). Many women, especially, are intimidated because of this and because of preconceived notions about what their bodies can do. Basically, as you progress, you’ll find yourself able to lift your entire body weight – even if you can’t do a pull-up when you begin. I’ve worked with men and women of all ages, sizes and shapes and been delighted as they find strength, beauty and grace in themselves they’d never known.
Why do I have to sign a waiver?
The waiver releases me from liability and confirms that you acknowledge that there is indeed risk involved in taking aerial classes. It is a sport. There is always a risk that you can hurt yourself. You’ll need to sign a waiver at your first class. Or you can complete it in advance – it’s here.
What happens in a class?
Generally, the class is structured in three phases. The beginning and end (about 10 minutes each) is free-form, for students to get up in the air and play, warm-up and review things. The bulk of the class is spent working on moves, transitions, conditioning, or some combination of these. I do not specifically guide warm-ups and cool-downs; however, I do encourage each student to do this as part of each class.
Is it just lyra?
Not exactly. In my loft, there are two rigging points, so there is often one lyra rigged as well as another apparatus from my arsenal. This may be silks, sling/hammock, rings, aerial rope, or something else. The second apparatus is generally used for some conditioning, but I often teach you a little bit on it – or use it to demonstrate how lyra skills can translate to other apparatus.
What should I wear, and what else do I need to bring to class?
Wear comfortable, close-fitting clothes that offer a full range of motion. This could mean leggings and a sports bra, a leotard, or something like that. You’ll likely want something that protects the backs of your knees, such as tights or over-the-knee socks.
Feel free to bring:
- Water, if you’re particular about it. I do have filtered water, though, to which you’re welcome.
- A yoga mat for stretching, if you don’t want to do it on concrete.
- Rosin, chalk, Eco ball, etc. if you need to assist your grip. Often, I have one or more of these available, but not always.
- A camera. If you want evidence.
- A friend. To share the class, to take photos, to be your cheerleader, or all of the above.
Class Schedule & Booking
When are classes?
To see the current schedule and book your class, check my class calendar. There aren’t any unscheduled drop-ins. If you’re new, please contact me before booking a class. I’ll probably have a specific time I’d suggest for you.
Do I really have to book online?
Yes. Click here and select the class/course you’re interested in booking. You will be asked to either pay a deposit or pay in advance when you book. If the online scheduling system isn’t working, email, call or text me and we’ll work it out.
None of your class times work for me. Can I book a time that’s not on the calendar?
It depends. If you want to schedule a private session, YES – just drop me a line and we can find a time that works for both of us. If none of my group classes work for you, ask me about it; there may be a chance that there have been others asking for a similar time/day and we can create a new class. Otherwise, another option is contact me to book a private session, or even shared private with a friend.
What if I need to cancel?
If you know ahead of time that you can’t make a class, please cancel via the appointment system and let me know so I can offer the spot up to other students. If you’re unable to cancel online, you can email, call or text me. Please cancel with as much notice as possible, and we’ll schedule a make-up time.
Why are regular classes sometimes canceled… and why does the schedule change?
I update my regular class schedule based on attendance, interest and my personal schedule. Also, sometimes I am booked for performance/travel/meetings/personal commitments that interfere with class times. If I need to cancel or reschedule a class, I’ll blackout the date in the appointment system and give as much notice as possible to schedule make-up classes.
Group Classes
Which class is right for me?
It depends. That’s why I’d like for you to contact me before booking your first class. We’ll talk about your current activity/fitness level, your background and any injuries, etc.
Why aren’t there more people in a group class?
A maximum of four seems to be what works best in an hour. There can be up to six in a 90-minute class. Certainly, the fewer people, the more time you get to spend in the air. If you’ve got a larger group with which you’d like to schedule a class, contact me and we can book something special.
I’d like to take classes with my friends. Can we book together?
If there’s room in a regularly scheduled class, yes. If you want to split a private, you can do that, too. If nothing on my schedule works for you, contact me and we can book something especially for you – either a one-time workshop or a series.
Private Classes
What makes private classes different?
Private classes are all about you. We focus on what interests you and proceed at the speed that works for you. Some people schedule a private to see if they’re really interested in pursuing lyra; some people schedule time to work on choreography.
Can I share a private session with a friend?
Certainly. A private session is your time, and if you want to split it with a friend or two, that’s fine.
One class or a multi-class course?
You can schedule a single private class anytime you’d like. However, if you want to have regular classes I do recommend booking a course. Course offerings change every few weeks, so check out the calendar.
Payment
How much does it cost?
Here’s the scoop:
- Group course and workshop prices are listed within the booking system, as they often vary due to length, maximum number of students, etc.
- Pay-as-you-go classes (conditioning, freeform lyra etc.) are $20 per student/hour
- Private class pay-as-you-go – $60 per hour (can be split with another person). Package of 6 sessions, pre-paid – $300 ($50 per session). Please contact before booking.
- I can travel to teach at custom locations, as well. All traveling classes must be booked in six-class courses, paid in advance. For six hours of private or shared private sessions, this is $480 total. It’s $120 total per student for six one-hour classes of 4 students (or six 90-minute classes of 6 students).
Can I buy a gift certificate or pay for someone else?
Yes. If that doesn’t work, contact me and we can discuss the specifics. Vouchers an be redeemed by entering the code here.
What about refunds?
Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Generally, students are rescheduled rather than pursuing a refund.
Location(s)
Where do you teach?
I generally teach out of my loft/studio. The studio in Avondale Estates, just east of Decatur but still inside 285… very near Your DeKalb Farmers Market. Here’s a map.
I want you to come to my place to teach. Can you do that?
Yes. I need to confirm that the location can be rigged, or if you already have a lyra there. When I travel to teach, I prefer a six-session commitment or a single, longer workshop format class.
Why should I commit to six sessions if you teach at my location?
Traveling to teach involves a significant time commitment. When you commit to six sessions, it makes it easier to plan my schedule and to map out a path for your class progress.
Sadie Hawkins is a burlesque aerialist and fire performer based in Atlanta, Ga.