Welcome to Ascend! We’re a vibrant San Carlos community passionate about aerial silks, aerial straps and aerial rope recreational classes in a supportive environment.

What is Aerial Silks?

Aerial Silks or Fabrics is a type of performance art where one or more person performs acrobatics in the air while hanging from a fabric. The fabric may be hung as two strands or put together to be considered a single strand.

Wikipedia
Aerial Silks

How do I get started?

Book an intro to Aerial Silks Class

Ascend Aerial Arts offers a one-day intro to aerial silks class that is perfect for those curious about aerial silks or interested in developing strong core and upper body with conditioning exercises on and off the silks. No experience necessary.

Enroll in our Beginner Aerial Class

Students ages 12 and up are welcome to enroll in our Beginner Aerial Silks Session Classes. Session enrollment ensures your spot in the same weekly class. Consistent practice is key to building aerial strength and stamina while learning foundational skills.

Schedule Aerial Assessment

Students ages 12 and up with previous experience training with a professional instructor or at an in-person studio may schedule an aerial assessment to determine which class will be the best fit for each student. Video submissions are not accepted.

Preparing for aerial class

Get ready before coming to your first aerial class! Get the 411 on what paperwork we need, how to get to the studio, when to arrive, what to bring, what to wear, what NOT to wear and what to expect in your first class with us at Ascend! Learn More

Aerial Silks Program

Learn to be Aerial Silks Safe

Aerial Silks Safety is our top priority! Aerial silks involve significant risk. We promote safety education for the aerial community.  Our students, teachers and professional affiliates perform aerial silks skills in the air that are incredibly dangerous! Our goal is educate the aerial community about things to consider when training on silks.

Learn more →

Highlights

  • Always Train with A Skilled Professional or Partner
  • Never train by yourself.  
  • Social Media Channels such as YouTubeTik Tok, or Instagram are not appropriate mediums for learning aerial silks as the nuances of proper execution of skills and how your own body operates is NOT conveyed effectively.
  • Aerial Fabrics is a progressive skill that is built over time just like any other athletic sport but must start with foundational basic skills before trying more advanced skills.
  • Train in a Safe and Prepared Space with a minimum of 14 feet of height and 6 feet of width of unobstructed space in every direction with a crash mat
  • Do not hang aerial apparatus on trees EVER.
Would you hang your car on that?

Our Amazing Team

Ascend Aerial Arts instructors are more than just teachers – they’re passionate aerial artists with a knack for inspiring others. From former gymnasts to dance enthusiasts, each instructor brings their unique background and love for the art form to their classes. Whether your focus is on building strength, mastering technique, or finding your artistic voice, our instructors will guide you on your aerial journey in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Aerial Instructor

Program Manager

Tammy Shueh

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Straps Instructor

Ariel Tal

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks Instructor

Camille Yabut

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks Instructor

Claire Lewis

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks & Rope Instructor

Colleen Richey

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks & Rope Instructor

Connie Ng

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks Instructor

Katerina Adamos-Jardine

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks Instructor

Laura Cornwell

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Rope Instructor

Sommer Panage

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks Instructor

Tzvetelina Tzeneva

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks Instructor

Anouck Iyer

Aerial Instructor

Aerial Silks Instructor

Susan Nery

Creativity at Its Finest

Ascend Aerial Showcase

Ascend Aerial Arts began its journey in March 2014 with an open showcase for students of all levels. This informal event featured a range of performances, from simple moves to elaborate routines accompanied by music.

In December 2014, we expanded our reach with the first full student showcase and scratch show, co-hosted by Elizabeth Finn and Janelle Dinosaurs. Due to the overwhelming number of talented performers, the event was split into two shows, showcasing over 15 acts. Our inaugural scratch show, “Up from Here,” featured several current instructors, including Connie Ng, Colleen Richey and Sommer Panage.

Since its inception, Ascend Aerial Arts has consistently produced at least one showcase annually, with a brief hiatus during the pandemic-related studio closures. We successfully resumed our showcase tradition in 2023

Showcase FLYERS THROUGH THE YEARS

2014
2015
2016
2016
2017
2019
2023