top of page
Untitled design-2.png

EARTH & ELEVATE — MASTER FAQ

Welcome to Earth & Elevate’s FAQ hub! We know beginning (or continuing) an aerial journey comes with lots of questions, so we’ve created simple, easy-to-navigate FAQ sections to help you find exactly what you need. Whether you’re enrolling in our Youth Recreational Program, joining the Performing Company, or looking for studio guidelines, you’ll find clear answers and expectations below. Our goal is to support you every step of the way—on the ground and in the air.

AERIAL FAQ (Youth Recreational Program) How is tuition calculated for Rec classes? Youth Rec tuition is billed as a flat monthly rate, not per class. Here’s why: We average the number of class days across the entire Sept–June season Tuition already accounts for holiday breaks and studio closures. Some months have 5 class meetings, some have 3, most have 4 — the cost balances out across the full season. This structure keeps billing consistent and predictable for families It also provides sustainability for our small business. This model is standard across dance, gymnastics, and aerial studios nationwide. What holidays or breaks does the studio close for? Earth & Elevate follows the public school calendar for major breaks and closures. Youth Rec classes do not meet on: Thanksgiving Break: Nov 26–30 Winter/Holiday Break: Dec 22–Jan 2 Spring Break: March 23–29 Memorial Day: May 25 Any studio-specific closure needed for rigging upgrades, maintenance, or safety treatments (families are notified in advance) will either be refunded or offered as a make-up class. What should my child wear to class? -Form-fitting athletic clothing that covers the backs of the knees and underarms. -No zippers, buttons, or jewelry. -Hair secured off the face. Do we need prior experience? No prior aerial experience is required for Level 1 classes. Higher levels require instructor placement. How do make-up classes work? Make-ups may be completed through Open Gyms, which also serve as optional extra practice time. Students must reserve Open Gym online after logging into their account. Open Gym is first-come, first-served. How do I register? Enroll online through your Earth & Elevate account. Choose your class, set your start date, and complete payment to secure your spot. When will I be billed? You are billed on the same date you select as your start date. Memberships renew automatically until canceled or until the end pf the fiscal season. What is your cancellation policy? We require 30 days’ notice to cancel an active enrollment to ensure we can fill the spot and maintain studio sustainability. Why is there a $30 Admin Fee? What does it cover? Aerial arts is a highly specialized sport with significant safety and equipment needs. The $30 Admin Fee helps offset: -Quarterly professional safety inspections -Regular equipment replacements (silks, slings, mats, hardware) -Rigging hardware retired at 10% wear -Ongoing rigging maintenance, testing, and upgrades Aerial arts has some of the highest overhead costs of any recreational activity. This fee keeps our studio safe, compliant, and sustainable. Can my child switch classes? Yes — depending on availability and coach approval. Email us to request a transfer. Are parents allowed to watch? Parents may observe from designated areas. To maintain safety siblings must remain supervised and off equipment at all times. What ages do you serve? Regular Season Youth classes begin at age 6. Series classes for younger kiddos may be offered sporadically throughout the year. Teen and adult classes are also offered. What apparatuses do students use? Depending on the class: Silks, sling, hoop/lyra, trapeze, conditioning, and creative movement. What if my child is nervous or shy? Totally normal! Our coaches create a supportive, empowering environment where most students warm up quickly. Do you offer private lessons? Yes — private and semi-private sessions are available. Check out our private sessions tab in the main menu. Do students perform in showcases? Yes!Our Rec Class Recital is held at the end of the season (end of May) and participation is optional. What should we bring? A water bottle and tied-back hair. What if my child is sick? Please keep them home if they have a fever or contagious symptoms. Open Gyms may be used for make-ups. What are the hygiene expectations? -Arrive clean and free of strong odors -Clean hands and feet -Fresh athletic clothing (free of pet hair or debris) -Use deodorant if needed (especially for older youth/teens) -No food on mats or apparatuses -Stay home if sick Good hygiene keeps our shared equipment clean and ensures a positive experience for everyone.

PERFORMING COMPANY FAQ What is the Earth & Elevate Performing Company? A10 month-long training and performance pathway for dedicated aerial students who want deeper technique, choreography, conditioning, and show experience. How do students join? Entry is through summer intensives-as-auditions. Students demonstrating readiness, commitment, and foundational strength are invited to join Mini, Junior, or Elite company levels. What are attendance expectations? Performing Company requires consistent attendance. This includes: • Weekly company classes • Rehearsals • Dress rehearsals • Show weeks • Parade appearances • Community performances Excessive absences may affect casting or eligibility for certain events. What events does the Performing Company participate in? • Fall “Elemental” Showcase (Nov) • Santa Parade (Nov 28) • Spring Show (April) • UFO Parade (May 16) • June End-of-Season Show & Recognition (June 14) • Photoshoot (June 12) • Optional: Competition Pathway (Eugene Local Invitational + Nationals) What is the competition pathway? Students may opt into the competitive track, which includes: • Private sessions for choreography development • Event-specific rehearsal expectations • Travel to selected competitions What are parent commitments? Parents ensure: • On-time drop-off and pick-up • Communicating absences early • Supporting dress rehearsal + show requirements • Reading emails/announcements thoroughly • Respecting coach decisions regarding casting, choreography, and safety What is expected of Performing Company students? A professional mindset appropriate for their age: • Kindness + teamwork • Positive attitude • Willingness to try challenging skills • Respectful communication • Proper care of equipment • Taking corrections with maturity What are the Open Gym expectations for Company? Open Gym is encouraged for: • Strength building • Technique refinement • Independent conditioning • Choreography polishing Company members are expected to use Open Gym responsibly—no new skills without coach supervision. What are the costs? Performing Company tuition includes: • Weekly training • Choreography • Performance prep • Show production support Additional costs include: • Costumes • Make-up supplies • Parade accessories • Competition registration fees • Travel (if competing) Admin Fee + equipment fees apply as per recreational program. What are hair and makeup expectations? Varies by show, but typically includes: • Simple, secure hairstyle (braids, buns, or performance-approved style) • Age-appropriate makeup • Assigned colors or looks for themed performances Assistance is available during show week on a first-come basis. What if my child is injured or sick? Safety comes first. Injured or ill students may be asked to modify, observe, or temporarily step out of choreography until cleared by a coach.

STUDIO ETIQUETTE — EARTH & ELEVATE Arrive on time- Warm-up is essential for safe aerial work. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late may be asked to observe for safety reasons. Respect the space & equipment Aerial gear is highly specialized. Students should only use equipment with a coach’s approval and may not adjust rigging or swap apparatuses on their own. To keep our studio environment clean, safe, and comfortable for all students, we ask families to follow these simple hygiene guidelines: -Please arrive clean and free of strong odors. Aerial involves close contact with apparatuses that are shared across classes. -Hands and feet should be clean. -Students may use the bathroom sink or studio wipes before class if needed. -Hair should be secured. This keeps apparatuses cleaner and prevents tangling. -Sick students must stay home. Even mild colds spread quickly in close-contact activities. -Please use deodorant if needed. Especially for older youth and teens — it makes a big difference in shared spaces. -No food on the mats or apparatuses. -Water only inside the training area. Good hygiene keeps our equipment in excellent condition and supports a positive experience for everyone in class. Listen to coaches the first time For safety, instructions must be followed promptly. Coaches may redirect behavior if safety boundaries aren’t met. No running, climbing, or using apparatuses outside of instruction. This includes siblings waiting during class. Phones put away- We encourage students to stay present unless the coach invites photos or video. Water breaks as needed Keep hydration handy but off the mats. Kindness and encouragement always- Earth & Elevate is built on supportive community energy. We lift each other up—literally and figuratively. Clean up after yourself- Return mats, blocks, and props to their original places before leaving class.

©2022 by Earth & Elevate.

bottom of page