Classes
At Zia Aerial Performing Arts (ZAPA), Las Cruces’ home of aerial arts, we offer a variety of aerial and strength-based classes designed to support all levels — from those just starting out to seasoned practitioners. Whether you're taking your first steps into aerial arts or looking to refine your skills, we provide a friendly, supportive space where you can grow, build strength, and discover your own artistry in the air.
KIDS CLASSES
Ages 8 - 12
Intro to Aerial
Begin your aerial journey here.
Intro to Aerial covers the fundamental techniques of silks, hammock, and lyra, introducing students to safe movement, foundational skills, and basic aerial vocabulary. This course is a prerequisite for enrolling in aerial technique classes.
No experience needed — only a willingness to learn, move, and have fun.
Kids Aerial 1
Grow stronger, braver, and more skilled in the air.
Kids Aerial 1 is designed for young students who have completed Intro to Aerial for Kids. This class continues building foundational skills while introducing increased challenges across silks, hammock, and lyra. Students strengthen their body awareness, expand their aerial vocabulary, and gain confidence through playful progressions and creative exploration.
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Aerial (Kids).
HAMMOCK
Explore the graceful flow of movement and strength in Hammock 1. In this class, you'll learn to use a single fabric loop to create beautiful shapes, poses, and transitions, all while building core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. This class offers a unique blend of support and challenge as you discover the freedom and fluidity of movement in the air.
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Aerial.
LYRA
Explore strength, balance, and artistry within the circle.
Lyra 1 is designed for students who wish to focus specifically on aerial hoop (lyra). Building on the fundamentals introduced in Intro to Aerial, this class teaches beginner mounts, shapes, transitions, and simple sequences in and around the hoop. Students will develop strength, spatial awareness, and control.
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Aerial.
SILKS
Silks 1
Learn to climb, wrap, and create shapes in the air.
Silks 1 focuses on building strength, developing proper technique, and mastering beginner skills such as footlocks, basic climbs, and simple sequences. Designed for those who have completed Intro to Aerial or have prior silks experience*, this class lays the groundwork for fluid and confident movement on fabric.
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Aerial.
Silks 2
Advance your skills and soar higher.
Silks 2 is designed for students who have mastered Silks 1 and received instructor approval to continue. This class builds on foundational vocabulary with more challenging wraps, climbs, inversions, and sequences performed higher in the air. Students will increase strength, endurance, and aerial awareness while developing performance quality and artistic expression.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Silks 1 and instructor sign-off.