Dress Code – Gym policies – FAQs

Dress Code

  • Gym-appropriate clothes required
    • tank top/t-shirt – Not too baggy and must be able to tuck into pants. (no bare midriffs)
    • leggings to the ankles are best for boys and girls. Boys may wear shorts over leggings if this makes them more comfortable.
  • Longer hair should be securely fastened off the shoulders and out of the face.
  • Remove all jewelry, rings, bracelets, and dangly earrings.
    • If you have any sort of permanent jewelry, please bring athletic tape to cover
    • No zippers, buckles or rivets
  • Long fingernails (and toenails) will cause rips in our fabrics.  Please keep nails groomed and free of snags. Artificial nails should be round without points (Think Almond Shaped)
  • Bare feet is best for all classes, but mandatory for ages 12 and under. NO socks may be worn on either of our trampolines.

Open gym

  • This time is reserved for students currently enrolled in class with Turners. Space is reserved to review and improve skills you have learned IN CLASS.
    • You MAY NOT teach yourself new skills or others new skills. New skills should be brought to your instructor. 
    • You may NOT teach other participants. Please leave teaching to our instructors.
  • It is critical to warm up before getting on equipment
  • Share the equipment with others and always have an appropriate mat underneath your hang point.
  • If the instructor on duty feels that something you are doing is not safe for you to practice during Open Gym, you must stop until approval is agreed upon by your class instructor and/or the instructor on duty (IOD).
  • Open gym is not a place for children to run free. Parents may work with their children on the trampoline following trampoline rules (below)
    • No socks on the trampoline
    • Only one student at a time on the trampoline under the age of 10.
    • Over 10 must get permission from instructor on duty to work in pairs.
  • If you are not attending classes at Turners, you must call ahead to get approval to participate. Upon your arrival, the instructor on duty will orient you to the gym’s rules and policies.
  • Please respect all equipment,
    • including mats (only use as intended)
    • Exercise blocks, stretch bands, yoga blocks,  youth class manipulatives, Devil sticks, etc. are not to be used as toys and thrown all over the gym. Please put them back when finished.
  • Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless otherwise cleared with the IOD.

We reserve the right to limit or deny any student not following the dress code to participate in part or all of the class for safety or concerns about our equipment without a refund.

Food and Drinks

  • Only water with a closed lid may be on the floor. 
  • No food on the blue mats.  Food may be eaten in the concession area or at the black chairs.  Please check your surroundings prior to leaving to make sure no mess is left behind.

Class Manners – minding our p’s and q’s

  • Please stay off the floor until the instructor has called you out onto the floor.
  • Follow the dress code, no gum, water only etc. so your instructor does not have to take time out of class to remind you.
  • We definitely want you to come and have fun, but please keep conversations to a minimal so everyone is able to learn and stay safe.
  • Turners is a safe and supportive space for everyone young and old.  Please be aware of your surroundings and make sure your conversations and language are family friendly
  • While we certainly encourage couples to take class together, please remember that we are a family friendly facility and encourage you to mind your PDA.

Basic Safety

  • Be Aware: Due to the variety and unpredictability of hazardous situations that could arise, preparedness, awareness, and common sense are critical to safety. If something appears worn or broken or in any way unsafe, report it to the instructor on duty and do not use it until it has been thoroughly inspected. Make it known that equipment is off-limits.
  • When crossing the floor, use the paths around the equipment and not across the mats.
  • Most failure happens from human error, not equipment failure. When equipment fails, it is usually because equipment was misused. All rigging is to be done by an approved instructor. 
  • Be physically and mentally prepared. Have adequate rest and nutrition. Wear appropriate clothing (see dress code).
  • Educate yourself. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect judgment and coordination. Be familiar with any warnings provided with any medication you or your children are taking. Be alert to any side effects.
  • Suspected use of illegal drugs or alcohol while instructing will result in suspension of any Turners Circus activities for that day and possible future employment and a discipline report will be taken to the Board for review. Our Zero Tolerance for drug use is for the safety of all staff and students.

What to bring?

  • A water bottle, we have a water fountain for refills
    • No food or other drinks besides water are permitted on the blue mats
  • Adult classes may bring notebook to take notes during class and may use their phones to record themselves for future practice.
  • Yoga mat for classes in our side room

What class do you recommend for a beginner?

No experience is required to take a class. Many of our students have no aerial, dance, or fitness background. If you are new to aerials or our studio, we recommend starting with our Intro to Aerials class. We offer one for all ages. Your instructor will evaluate your progress and help you to become ready for the next level.

Should I sign up for classes in advance?

We recommend signing up for classes several days in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available, but classes tend to book fast. Depending on the class, we cap between 10 and 15 students. It is important to enroll ahead of time to secure your spot. If class is full, you will be pushed to the waitlist and the instructor may move you into class.  If you are on the waitlist, please do not show up for class without contacting your instructor first.

If you sign up and find out you are not about to come to the class, please unenroll from the class to open the spot up for others.

What should I do with my child while in class?

While we want to encourage parents to find time for themselves, we also understand this may include your children to accompany you to the gym or they may have class as well. Please bring something to occupy their time.

  • Please no balls, stickers or permanent markers.
  • Your children may sit on the concrete area (feel free to bring a yoga mat or blanket) or in the black chairs. 
  • They may also sit in the concessions area.
  • They are not allowed to run free or be on the blue mats or in the yoga room. 
  • Please pick up after your child prior to leaving the gym. Food is only permitted on the concrete and concessions area.

What if I’m only interested in learning one apparatus?

Foundational skills remain constant from one apparatus to another. Wraps, climbs, hangs and most baseline tricks can be learned and improved on any apparatus. Until students reach an advanced skill level with sufficient strength and knowledge, the benefits of specializing will be minimal.

When will my child move up to the next level?

Children under the age of 10 will continue in the Youth Intro to Mixed App class. Instructors will work each student at their level to build strength, endurance, and confidence on the apparatus. We do not work on foot locks with children under 10 to ensure we are not putting undue stress on their growth plate.

Do I need to buy my own equipment?

Turners provides you with all the equipment needed for your class. You may want to buy equipment for your home to hang in your house or from a tree, but we do not encourage rigging without an aerial rig or the help from a professional aerial arts rigger. It is never safe to train alone and/or without an instructor to help guide you through the skills. Remember, your life depends on it

What Aerial Apparatuses does Turners offer?

Lyra – Also known as lira, aerial hoop, aerial ring or cerceau is a circular steel apparatus (resembling a hula hoop) suspended from the ceiling, on which aerial artists perform acrobatics. The hoop sometimes has a hand loop and a bar across the top. It can be used static, spinning, or swinging.  Tabs are the connection points where the aerial hoop attaches to the rigging. Most aerial hoops connect at either one point (single tab configuration) or two points (double tab configuration).

Spanish Web – Also known as Corde lisse or Aerial Rope refers to both the apparatus and the performance.  The apparatus itself is a long braided rope which has been covered by a soft cotton sleeve and is suspended  from overhead rigging.  Towards the top of the apparatus, a small loop is attached to the main rope through which a performer will secure an ankle or wrist and be able to hang freely.   While in this position, a “web setter” spins the rope in a wide arc around the performer creating enough centrifugal force to push him or her into a near-horizontal position. The performer can hold onto the web in addition to hanging from the loop or can release the rope and spin separately.

Swinging Ladders – This is a custom built aerial apparatus resembling a double metal ladder that is hung from a double point and swung by a rope from the floor.   Performers will do acrobatics while hang from their wrist &/or ankle while the ladders is swinging.  This act requires two performers to work in synchronicity with each other and is great to develop teamwork.

Static Trapeze – Also known as a fixed trapeze, is a type of aerial art performed on the trapeze. In contrast to the other forms of trapeze, on a static trapeze the bars and ropes mainly stay in place as oppose to swinging. Most often, the static trapeze is about 1.5 feet wide. The ropes are at least two human lengths, as many figures are performed on the ropes above the bar. The ropes can be made of many materials, including cotton or hemp, and often have a wire woven inside. It can be performed by a single artist or a two partners working together. A single artist will do tricks above and below the bar, the ropes playing just as important a part as the bar. A partner act will involve the partners working together — supporting each other’s weight, throwing, lifting and catching each other.

Silks – Also known as Aerial Fabrics, Tissues, or Aerial Ribbons, is a type of performance in which one or more artists perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from a special fabric. Performers climb the suspended fabric & use it to wrap, suspend, fall, swing, and spiral their bodies into and out of various positions.  Aerial Silks require strength, flexibility and coordination, however it’s becoming widely popular as a form of exercise to gain these strength and flexibility.   We offer classes and workshops for all levels.

Aerial Yoga – Aerial Yoga blends elements of yoga, Pilates, and aerial dance to create a unique twist on the yogic flow. It is most commonly taught in a silk’s hammock or an adaptation thereof. The class will emphasize breath and relaxation, stretching, strengthening, and spinal decompression through static and swinging poses in the fabric. All movements are low to the ground. No prior aerial experience or yoga mat necessary. Open to all levels.

Aerial Pole – As we like to call it, Cirque Pole or Modified Chinese Pole. This apparatus attaches to a stage base which makes it transportable and can be moved around the gym unlike fixed poles. Our pole is covered with a silicone sleeve (helps with gripping) and can be in a fixed position or a spinning position.