Sky Candy

So much fun! I went to the Intro to Aerials class using classpass, and the instructor was friendly, knowledgeable, & encouraging. This was my first time going to Sky Candy, and I had a great time! They can make modifications for any fitness level, so don’t be intimidated. I used to cheer and tumble, so this was right up my alley, and I can’t wait to go back!

It was a cool place. But my cousin signed up for a 10 – 12 youth class, and she got put in a class with two 6 – 7 year olds. Needless to say, she was not happy.

Sky Candy is like a second family to me. I’ve been training here over a year, and I love this quirky circus gym. They are extremely safety conscious and keep class sizes small to ensure the instructors can spot students. The have professional rigging and safety mats. Aerials can be dangerous, but they do everything they can to make it accessible to all.
Favorite teachers: Caroline Poe is one of the best pole dancers in Austin. She is so fluid and graceful, and she’s given me lots of great tips when choreographing routines.
Ginger Snaps taught me to twerk when no one else could. Lots of teachers say «just copy me,» but few can actually explain which muscles to isolate. I would also recommend her stage makeup classes if you’re a performer.
So far all the teachers I’ve worked with are fantastic, because they all build material incrementally, focus on proper technique to avoid injury, and explain the material clearly. Also, it’s accessible to everyone. I was not in great shape when I started aerials, but now I can climb and invert, and I keep learning new skills as I go. Another great thing is there are regular opportunities for amateurs to perform in their Student Showcases.

Came in during the East Austin Art Tour and had a fun time with the photo booth and watching the demonstrations…
The staff was courteous and friendly while explaining the things they teach and perform. They have kids sessions and adults sessions… it was pleasing to watch people who had never done this before, learn it with such ease because of their instruction.

I’ve been taking classes at the Calles location. The space is great! In the summer it’s a bit on the hot side (hence the 4 stars), especially once you get moving. The staff is impressively knowledgeable and friendly. I’m typically only one of a few guys in the space and I’ve never had an issue feeling uncomfortable nor unwelcome.
I like it so much that I’m actively working out scheduling for my next classes (yes plural) here, and I’m just over halfway through my previous class period.
If you’re interested in silks, lira, pole, trapeze, or anything related, you should check out Sky Candy! You’ll be glad you did.

I am not from Austin and have never taken a class here, I just came for the open studio a couple times when I was in town. Everyone was super nice and accommodating, and unlike other aerial studios they didn’t make me jump through a billion hoops or charge me an arm and a leg to participate in their open studio as a non-​student (THANK YOU!!)
I fell in love with Austin as a whole, but quite honestly, I would think of moving here just for Sky Candy… I really appreciate that they have open studio EVERY. SINGLE. DAY and sometimes multiple times a day! Here at home there’s usually 1 a week and all the studios have it at the same time. It was busy and there were more people than apparatuses but everyone was super awesome about switching off. It also encouraged me to branch out, as when the silks were full I would go and try trapeze and lyra.
Each time I was there one of the instructors had a private lesson. After Facebook stalking I think it was Andy. Each time he was instructing someone who was a beginner, and overhearing his interactions with them made me smile. He is obviously an amazing instructor, super supportive and super passionate. I overheard him encourage when the student was unsure and celebrate when they made effort. It made ME feel good and he wasn’t even cheering me on! If I come back to Austin I want to book an private lesson with him.
Thank you: D

I train in San Diego and Sky Candy was recommended to me from some fellow aerialists who knew I’d be in Austin on business a few times this year. I went to an open gym and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The space is clean, the apparatus I used and rigging were in good condition and safe, and I was happy to be able to have an aerial home away from home for an afternoon! I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m in town.

I live in San Antonio, so I have never attended regular series classes with Sky Candy. I have, however, attended several workshops. Their space is great, easy to get to from 35, and a clean, safe environment. They bring in great guest artists for workshops — I’ve taken a lyra workshop and several silks workshops, including my favorite with Destiny Vinley! They don’t just care about teaching «tricks» they care about technique and safety. I feel confident in their rigging practices. I was able to take a «Shoulder for Aerialists» workshop and got lots of important information for how to take care of my shoulders/​prevent injuries. The teachers I have gone to were okay with us taking videos of their sequences — I am so grateful for teachers like that. It’s hard to take in all of the information when you’re working hard and trying to cram everything in in one workshop, the videos definitely help. They are great at explaining their per-​requisites for workshops online so you know whether it will be a good fit or not — very important for someone who is traveling 1.5 hours for a workshop! Keep it up Sky Candy.

I have found a second (or perhaps third) home at Sky Candy. I came on a whim with a friend to check it out nearly a year ago. Now I am studying and PERFORMING on trapeze, taking a wonderful Circus Circuit class (boot camp with an aerial flair!), taking a multitude of fun classes (burlesque! shimmies! conditioning!), and have made a ton of wonderful new friends. I am here upwards of 5 days a week, and it has become a major source of workouts for me.
Before you say «oh, no, I could never do that» — let me tell you, I’m not a 100-​lb. gymnast. I’m nearly 200 pounds (having lost over 170 lbs. in the last couple years, however), and have almost no flexibility. But the wonderful, patient teachers work with you to build what you need, whether it be flexibility, strength, or performance skill.
I can’t say enough good things about Sky Candy. It has helped transform me into the confident budding aerialist I am today. I have more fun, and find more happiness in this studio than just about anywhere else. You owe it to yourself to check it out.
I suggest starting with an Intro to Aerial class where you can try out all the equipment and find out what’s for you. That was my gateway class, and I definitely found my muse on trapeze. But you might find yours on silks or lyra or hammock! You never know.
So much fun. Do it. You know you want to! Oh, and they have kids and youth classes too! Make it a family affair!

I started taking classes at Sky Candy exactly two years ago, and it has changed my life and body in so many positive ways! I’ve taken classes from everyone on staff and can say with confidence that all of them are committed to creating a positive and encouraging environment for diverse aspiring aerialists. It takes a while to build up the necessary strength to build solid routines and climb the apparatus, but Sky Candy teachers have years of experience, as well as teaching certifications from NECCA and other circus schools, under the belt and will help you where you’re at. Learning aerials was great for me as someone who uses movement to explore life and creativity and who deeply missed her gymnastics and dance roots.
To differentiate SC from other aerial studios in the area, SC has the reputation in the Austin aerial community for being more «circus-​y» and quirky.

I would love to attend classes at Sky Candy but NO ONE EVER CALLS ME BACK! I have tried twice leaving messages through the online system to call or email me back about private and the series classes. I have yet to receive any follow up. Bad customer service people! You are losing money that I will now spend at a studio that will get back to me.

What an AMAZING studio space. Nestled in an industrial building with Mettle, East Side Glass Studio and Hops and Grain amongst others, this studio provides a multitude of aerial art classes for all levels.
The staff is super approachable and the instruction is very accommodating!

These performers are amazing! Watching them always make me happy — AND make me want to DANCE IN THE SKY!!! Oooo — la-​la!!!
I can NOT WAIT to take a class!!!

This is an AMAZING place! If you are looking for a MAJOR full body workout or interested in a new art form for yourself, Sky Candy is the place to be.
The teachers here are top notch and really make this place a fun and safe environment to explore new things.
All levels are welcome and my husband is even considering giving it a try :)
This is the best thing I could have ever done for my body. The core and upper body strength i have gained since starting sky candy has really improved my posture and improved the way i move doing other physical activities. Don’t be fooled by the attractive instructors that make it look very easy, it is not.
Give Sky Candy a try. You’ll be glad you did.

Having been a student here for over a year now, I can’t imagine my life without Sky Candy. The teachers (all of them) are so helpful and supportive that you feel like you’re a total rock star, even if you’re only 6 inches off the ground. These teachers and the community that they have built have made a huge difference in my life. Thank you Sky Candy!

I am crazy in love with aerials. As I spun around, bent backwards on a large metal cube during my second class at Sky Candy, I wondered aloud why anyone would choose to exercise in a normal gym. Unless maybe they’re scared of heights.
It’s only fair to admit that, as the reigning duchess of Brass Ovaries (still waiting on my crown), I am not altogether new to this form of fitness. I’ve hung on a few hoops in my time. But I still have a long, long ways to go in flexibility and coordination, so this shouldn’t discourage any aerial virgins from trying it out.
So far, I’ve taken an Intro to Aerials class and a Mixed Aerials 1 class. Both my instructors (Winnie and Joanna) were incredibly patient and sweet. Joanna was downright goofy at times, which gave the class a certain gaiety that is unusual when you’re doing things that can be, well, painful. So far, I’ve tried out their static trapeze, lyra, rope (ouch), and aerial cube. My entire body is sore, but I barely notice in my sheer joy to be upside down, spinning, or otherwise having fun (what?) while exercising. I also love that the classes are 90 minutes long, which gives six people plenty of time on the apparatuses.
I do have a few suggestions for improvement, but I can’t complain much because both experiences have been such a joy. Still, there are no mirrors in the studio, and this would be a huge help for perfecting my body alignment. There are generally about three classes going on at the same time, which can make it a bit difficult to hear in a place that already has super high ceilings, but I really love watching the pole dancers and other crazy awesome bendy people do their thing while I’m stretching.
If you’re curious about circus arts, go to Sky Candy right now and try it out. Just don’t take my spot in the Mixed Silks class.

Can I just say how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place? It’s amazing! I’ve worked with many different instructors here and found that I really enjoy learning different styles and tricks from each of them. I’ve taken the intro class a few times, and then decided to focus on Hammock and taken both group classes and a private lesson through them.
I will start by saying that I am by no means naturally prepared to dangle in the air. I’m afraid of heights, shaped like a rubenesque lima bean with boobs, and good at falling over. Regardless, I was in the air and having a blast in my first class! They’re really great at adjusting to your body type and skill level as well as listening to your concerns and focusing on what you want to improve while still running you through some sneaky conditioning exercises :) I have a blast every time I’m there and find myself always looking forward to my next class no matter how sore I am from the one before!
I also need to add that I think the new facility is great! Walking in there it’s just a big kids playground full of all the monkey bars you wish you had! There’s a great variety of apparati to try out and piles of colorful crash mats to catch my good-​at-​throwing-​myself-​around booty!
Come find me in 6 months; I’ll be the slightly smaller lima bean dangling over your head (using my newly acquired arm muscles!) pretending I’m spiderman!

This is a good facility with a lot of highly talented performers. That being said, not every performer is meant to teach. Most of the instructors were good, encouraging and patient. Unfortunately, the silks instructor who is also a founding member of the organization is not one of the favorable type of teachers I just described. I’ve been able to experience a lot of great classes here like lyra, trapeze, and pole, but the silks instructor has made me pursue another facility as is true with many people I know personally. If your thing is anything but silks, you’ll have a great time here.

Great staff! great instructing.
I like how there is sooo much room for people.
The classes are pretty challenging. Well, the beginner silks class is, hahaha. That is okay though, I love challenges!
I take a class every other week, but I wish to do more when school isnt extremely stressful.
Thank you, Skycandy!

Did you know that you can fly? Seriously, you can! You only need to know two magic words… Sky Candy! These lovely ladies and gents will help you unlock your inner acrobat and have you flying high in no time. I was recently lucky enough to perform in a show with some of these lovely people, and they are simply the coolest (and hottest, for that matter!) folks you can hope to meet. Andy is a darling and a great teacher, I’d definitely recommend his lyra classes if you’ve always wanted to play in a spinning hoop. And for my favorite apparatus, silks, Chelsea’s classes are fabulous whether you’re a beginner or have been doing it for years. They also have trapeze, rope, yoga, flexibility, and a beginners’ class that will give you a taste of all these aerial flavors and let you find your niche. I guarantee that once you give it a try you’ll be hooked, so come book a flight with Sky Candy!