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 )(If your shirt comes up when reaching over  your head, it is not appropriate for  class)

 ■  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 the earring drops below your  earlobe, it must be removed.

 ■  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 are not ideal for aerials, but if you have them, they should be round  without points (think almond-shaped)

 ■  Bare feet are best for all classes, but mandatory for ages 12 and under and all of our Intro  classes.  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. New skills should be brought to your instructor  to help you break down the safety of said skill.

 ■  You may NOT teach other participants. Please leave the instructing 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 the IOD 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 IOD 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 from participating 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 minimum so  everyone is able to learn and stay safe. If you are not enrolled in a class, please do not sit in on  a class.

 ■  Class time is for training.  This is not the time for homework or other distractions.

 ■  Please ensure phone use is strictly class-related.

 ■  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 or purple mats

 ■  Adult classes may bring a notebook to take notes during class and may use their phones to  record themselves for future practice. Please ask the instructor if they are ok with you filming  them while instructing.

 ■  Yoga mat for classes that take place 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.

 Why does my class card expire?

 We offer a discounted multi-class pass to help families with multiple participants and to encourage  multiple classes per week.  We  will not extend  the  class card if you are unable to use it because life  got “too busy”. Please consider purchasing individual class passes if you are unable to use your card  within the allotted time frame.  We  will extend  the  card if we need to cancel classes.  Please reach  out to Cindy at  louisvilleturnerscircus@gmail.com  before  your class card expires.

 Do I need to sign up for classes if I purchased a class pass?

 Yes, purchasing the pass does not enroll you in class.  You will need to enroll in your choice of  classes after you purchase the pass

 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 able 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 I am in class?

 While we want to encourage parents to find time for themselves, we also understand this may include  your children accompanying 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 before leaving the gym. Food is only permitted on the concrete  and in the concessions area.

 May I go out on the floor with my child for their class?

 We do not encourage parents to join their child in class. Children tend to do better when parents allow  their child to find their own instructor/student dynamics.  Every child is different and so is every  instructor. If the instructor needs your assistance with helping your child become more comfortable  in class, the instructor will reach out to you. This is for the safety of everyone in the gym.

 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 of 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.

 May I use Grip assistance (Sticky Spray)?

 While this is  not  encouraged for beginner students,  and never for our 13 and under classes, as this  can prolong building grip strength. We understand that there may be personal issues that may require  the use of grip assistance.  Sticky spray, rosin, or alcohol and water* may be used at a minimum.  Ideally, it should be used only when most needed, such as fatigue, or when safety is a concern. Please  take a moment to discuss the use of grip assistance and which may be best for your training with  your instructor.

 (* Our preferred grip assistance)

 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 statically, 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  hanging from their wrist &/or ankle while the ladder is swinging.  This act requires two performers to  work in synchronicity with each other and is great for developing 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  opposed 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 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 this 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.