HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

Aerial Silk uses two panels of fabric, raised to the ceiling from one point. Yvette describes it as a “flowy apparatus” where the aerialist uses gravity and strength to maneuver and wrap themselves up in the silks and climb into various points in them.

“There is an opportunity for adrenaline if you're looking for that,” Yvette laughed.

Lyra uses an aerial hoop, which is a metal circle that spins while the aerialist moves within it. Lyra tends to be something that those new to aerial arts can catch on to a little bit quicker than some of the other apparatuses.

“If you're not scared of spinning, [Lyra] is a great option. It's also a lot more beginner friendly because we can have it at varying heights,” Yvette said. “If you're a person who thrives on wins and feeling successful, which I think is a lot of people, I would say that Lyra is a good option.”

Pole uses either a chrome or stainless steel pole, and it can move or it can be stationary. Aerialists use dance elements with the pole, and start with and can keep one foot on the ground—so again, it can be a great class to start with for those who have never tried aerial arts.

“I call it the gateway into the circus arts because it's the most accessible out of all of them,” she said. “...It is a fun way for people to build their upper body strength without feeling like exercise.”

Yvette said most of the people who take classes at FM Aerial & Movement Arts are newer to the community and are simply looking for a new hobby to get them around people, just as she was when she began at the studio.

If you’re new or interested in something regarding the aerial arts, you might find comfort in knowing that building a welcoming and safe space to learn is a constant goal for Yvette in all of her classes.

“Growing up in a really small town [and switching] schools when I was really small, everybody already had their friend groups, so coming in it was really hard to break into that. It was something that carried with me all these years,” she said.

Yvette always checks in with students and classes, asking how they’re doing and how she can make this the most comfortable experience for them.

Check out FM Aerial & Movement Arts website at fmaerial.com to learn more about each class and sign up!

FM Aerial & Movement Arts is located at 508 Oak St N, Fargo, ND 58102.

Follow on Facebook @fmaerial and on Instagram @fmaerial and @ fmaerial_pole