Winter 2023 Class Descriptions

BABY CIRCUS

Explore creative movement, trapeze, acrobatics, and more with your little one! Learn fabulous tricks on the mats and in the air, and most importantly, PLAY together! Ages 1.5 – 4, with adult participation required.

COVID Notes: All adults must wear a mask and follow Covid-19 protocols, including proof of vaccination. Masks are recommended but not required for students aged 2-4 years.

Echo Theater:

Sat 9 – 9:45am

Wed 10 – 10:45am

TRAP & ACRO 

Swing, tumble, and create in this playful trapeze, acrobatics, and physical theater class for levels 1 and 2. Young acrobats build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air! Students collaborate with peers as they play contact-free physical theater exercises! Ages 4 – 6 or Ages 6 – 8.

 Echo Theater :

Tue 3:15 – 4:00 ages 4 – 6

Wed 9 – 9:45am ages 4 – 6

Wed 3:30 – 4:25 ages 6 – 8

Fri 3:30 – 4:25 ages 6 – 8

Sat 10 – 10:45 ages 4 – 6

Sat 11 – 12 ages 6 – 8

Sun 10:15 – 11am ages 4 – 6

Sun 11:15 – 12:15 ages 6 – 8

INTO THE AIR

Learn to fly in this mixed aerial class for youth! Explore single-point trapeze and aerial fabric (silks), building strength, endurance, and grace in the air. This class is perfect for students who just can’t spend enough time in the air!  Instructor approval is required for Level 2 and up. Ages 8 – 11 recommended.

Level 1 & 2: (no prerequisites; focuses on foundational trapeze and fabric skills)

Level 2 & 3 (students must be assessed at level 2 or higher; offers engaging challenges in each discipline)

Level 3 & 4: Must be assessed as level 3 or above. Level 3 students must be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks in the air, inversions from a climb, hip key from standing, and climb to the top of the silks with controlled descent.

Echo Theater

Mon 3:30 – 4:25 Lvl 1 & 2

Mon 4:40 – 5:55 Lvl 2 & 3

Mon 6:15 – 7:30 Lvl 3 & 4 (ages 8 – 15)

Sat 1:45 – 3:00 Lvl 1 & 2

AERIAL & ACRO

Swing, tumble, and create…and more! This 75 minute class includes all of the fun of our Trapeze & Acrobatics class, plus Aerial Fabric (Silks). Young acrobats build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air. Students collaborate with peers as they play contact-free physical theater exercises. Aerial & Acro is an excellent choice for young acrobats who want it all! Ages 8 – 11 recommended.

Level 1 & 2: (no prerequisites; focuses on foundational trapeze, silks, and acrobatics skills)

Level 3 & 4: (students must be assessed at level 3 or higher; offers engaging challenges in each discipline)

Echo Theater

Sat 12:15 – 12:30 Lvl 1 & 2

Mon 4:40 – 5:55 Lvl 3 & 4

Wed 4:40 – 5:55 Lvl 1 & 2

HOMESCHOOL AERIAL & ACRO

Swing, tumble, and create in this playful circus class for homeschool students. Young acrobats build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air! Students collaborate with peers as they play contact-free physical theater exercises! Our experienced instructors will adapt curriculum to engage students of all skill levels, ages 5 – 12. Curriculum includes trapeze, aerial fabric (silks), acrobatics, juggling, stilt-walking, creative movement and physical theater. Levels 3 & 4: (Must be assessed as level 3 or above.)

Echo Theater

Thur 2:40 – 3:55  All Levels

AERIAL FABRIC (SILKS)

Learn climbs, wraps, sequences, and drops on aerial fabric (silks) in this class for ages 8-15. Meet new friends and build strength, endurance and grace as you learn to dance in the air. Ages 8 – 15

Level 2 & 3: Must be assessed as level 2 or above. Students should be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks from the group, inversions from the ground, gazelle in the knot, and climb half way up the silks with controlled descent.

Level 4: Must be assessed as level 4 or above. Students should be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks in the air. Inversions from a climb, hip key from standing, and climb to the top of the silks with controlled descent.

Echo Theater

Sat 3:15 – 4:30 Lvl 2 & 3

Sat 3:15 – 4:30 Lvl 4

*Note: These classes take place side-by-side. Students will warm-up as one larger group and split into two smaller groups when working on the Silks.

TEEN MIXED AERIAL, Level 1 & 2

A body positive, playful overview of aerial dance for Teens who are new or returning to aerial. Learn (or review) fundamental vocabulary on a variety of aerial apparatus, including single-point trapeze and silks. Develop your own unique movement style through improvisation exercises and exchange. All students will be supported and challenged as we build strength, confidence, and community together. Apparatus will vary from week to week depending on the interests and skill levels of the students. All levels welcome. Ages 11 – 15 recommended.

Echo Theater

Wed 6:05 – 7:20 Lvl 1 & 2

TEEN AERIAL FABRIC (SILKS)

Learn climbs, wraps, sequences, and drops on aerial fabric (silks). Meet new friends and build strength, endurance and grace as you learn to dance in the air.  Ages 11 – 15 recommended.

Level 2 & 3: Must be assessed as level 2 or above.Must be assessed as level 2 or above. Students should be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks from the group, inversions from the ground, gazelle in the knot, and climb half way up the silks with controlled descent.

Level 3 & 4: Must be assessed as level 4 or above. Level 3 & 4 students must be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks in the air, inversions from a climb,  hip key from standing, and climb to the top of the silks with controlled descent.

Echo Theater

Fri 6:15 – 7:30 Lvl 2 & 3

Fri 6:15 – 7:3 Lvl 3 & 4

*Note: These classes take place side-by-side. Students will warm-up as one larger group and split into two smaller groups when working on the Silks.

Looking for introductory silks? Try our Teen Mixed Aerial or Into the Air class!

HOMESCHOOL CIRCUS FUNDAMENTALS

Swing, tumble, and create in this playful circus class for homeschool students. Young acrobats build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air! Students collaborate with peers as they play contact-free physical theater exercises! Our experienced instructors will adapt curriculum to engage students of all skill levels, ages 5 – 12. Curriculum includes trapeze, aerial fabric (silks), acrobatics, juggling, stilt-walking, creative movement and physical theater. Levels 3 & 4: (Must be assessed as level 3 or above.)

Echo West

Mon 10:00 – 11:15  All Levels

BALANCE SAMPLER Ages 11 to Adult

Ever wanted to walk the tight wire or balance on a globe? This is your chance! Join Meghan as we dip our toes into the balance side of Circus arts.

Echo West

Sun 5 – 6pm All Levels

Instructor: Meghan

AERIAL & ACRO

Swing, tumble, and create…and more! This 75 minute class includes all of the fun of our Trapeze & Acrobatics class, plus Aerial Fabric (Silks). Young acrobats build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air. Students collaborate with peers as they play contact-free physical theater exercises. Aerial & Acro is an excellent choice for young acrobats who want it all! Ages 8 – 11 recommended.

Level 1 & 2: (no prerequisites; focuses on foundational trapeze, silks, and acrobatics skills)

Echo West

Sat 11:00 – 12:15 Lvl 1 (ages 6-11)

YOUTH CIRCUS FUNDAMENTALS (Ages 4-6, 6-8, and 8-11)

Swing, tumble, and create in this playful circus class for kids ages 4 – 11. Young acrobats build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their unique potential on the mats and in the air! Curriculum will follow the interests of the group, including trapeze, aerial fabric (silks), tumbling, partner acrobatics, juggling, physical theater and collaborative play. No experience is necessary, and all bodies and abilities are welcome.

Echo West

Wed 4:00 – 4:45 (ages 4-6)

Wed 5:00 – 6:00 (ages 6-11)

TEEN CIRCUS FUNDAMENTALS

A body positive, playful overview of circus skills for Teens who are new or returning to aerial. Explore foundational acrobatics and fundamental vocabulary on a variety of aerial apparatus, including single-point trapeze and silks. Develop your own unique movement style through improvisation exercises and exchange. All students will be supported and challenged as we build strength, confidence, and community together. Curriculum will vary depending on the interests and skill levels of the students. No experience is necessary, and all bodies and abilities are welcome. Ages 11 – 15 recommended. 

Echo West

Fri 6:00 – 7:15 Lvl 1 & 2

TRAPEZE, Levels 2 & 3

Dance Trapeze for int/adv aerialists. This class gives experienced students the opportunity to explore more advanced vocabulary, choreography, and improvisation in a playful and supportive environment. Build strength, grace and your own unique movement style as you dance in the air! Instructor approval required for this Level 2 & 3 class. Ages 11 – 15 recommended.

Levels 2 & 3: (Must be assessed as level 3 or above.)

Echo West

Mon 5:00 – 6:00

YOUTH AERIAL SLING

Sling is a versatile and accessible aerial apparatus; movements on sling range from elegant to powerful. This level 2 & 3 class for ages 8-15 is intended for youth with some aerial experience, but sling experience is not necessary. Learn sling basics, and build overall aerial strength and confidence!

Echo West

Fri 4:30 – 5:45 Lvl 2 & 3

YOUTH CONTORTION

Learn proper technique and build the strength necessary to pursue contortion safely. With a strong emphasis on injury prevention and conditioning, students will learn to stabilize and support their bodies while learning how to improve their active flexibility and range of motion. In Contortion 2, students will continue to work on their technique, strength, and flexibility while exploring shapes, balances and dynamic moves that utilize extreme flexibility. Prerequisites: 30″ Bridge w/ shoulders to the wall. 30″ handstand @ wall (face in), 2/3 splits at or close to 180°, 10 elbows-in push ups (cliffhanger style ok). 30″ “butt to wall” forward fold, chest to legs

Echo West

Thur 7 – 8:15pm

YOUTH TUMBLING

Level 2: Build basic tumbling skills in this skills-focused class for aspiring acrobats aged 8-15. This class will include forward/backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, and round offs. We will also introduce drills and progressions to learn front/back walk-overs and handsprings. Ages 8 – 15 recommended. 

Level 2 & 3 (ages 11 to adult): Take your tumbling to the next level as we build on fundamentals with a focus on technique, conditioning, and drills. Depending on experience, students can expect to work on handsprings, aerials and beyond…as well perfecting the basics!

Echo West

Mon 6:30 – 7:30 Lvl 2

Sat 3:15 – 4:30 Lvl 2 & 3 (note: this class is ages 11 – adult)

YOUTH HANDBALANCING 

Level 1 & 2: Students develop the body awareness and endurance necessary to balance in a handstand in this supportive and challenging class. Work towards press handstands, various body shapes and 1-arm handstand drills.

Echo West

Wed 6:30 – 7:30 Lvl 1 & 2

CIRCUS FITNESS

Build strength & flexibility for acrobatics, aerial work & life! This energetic and supportive class emphasizes whole body integration, range of motion, & alignment. All levels and bodies welcome. Ages 15+ recommended.

Echo Theater

Sun 8:30 – 10:00 All Levels

TAP DANCE

Tap Dance Level 1: Explore rhythm through your feet! We will explore fundamentals/vocabulary, timesteps, choreography and improvisation. Tap shoes and a surface you can tap on are recommended but not required.  Ages 16+ recommended.

Tap Dance Level 2: Level 2 rhythm tap is designed for students with knowledge of basic tap steps (Shuffles, Flaps, Cramp Rolls, etc.) This class will continue growing our vocabulary, learning sequences, warm ups, and structures for exploring improvisation as well as dynamics, syncopation and musicality. Ages 15+ recommended. 

Echo Theater

Fri 11:00 – 11:50 Lvl 1

Wed 11:00 – 11:50 Lvl 2

MINDFUL MOVEMENT

Follow your body’s lead, and meet yourself with compassion and curiosity. Focus on sensation rather than aesthetics, on breath rather than technique. Class begins with guided relaxation and flows into improvised movement and options for relating to other students. This class is accessible to all bodies and founded on the DanceAbility method of inclusive practices. If you have questions about access, please email us at hello@echotheaterpdx.org. Ages 15+ recommended.

Echo Theater

Fri 12:30 – 1:20 All Levels

AERIAL HARNESS

Explore a new relationship to gravity in this playful and challenging class. Fly with double-point harness, bounce on aerial bungee and dance on the walls. Class will include tecnique and choreography as well as time to explore your own interests and projects. Harness work is more challenging than it appears, so strong core and upper body strength is recommended. No previous Harness experience is necessary. All levels welcome. Ages 15+ recommended.

Echo Theater

Mon 10:30 – 11:45am All Levels

Mon 7:45 – 9:15pm All Levels

MIXED AERIAL

A body-positive, playful overview of aerial dance for all levels. Learn (or review) fundamental vocabulary on a variety of aerial apparatus, including single-point trapeze, hoop, and silks. Develop your own unique movement style through improvisation exercises and exchange. All students will be supported and challenged as we build strength, confidence, and community together. Apparatus will vary from week to week depending on the interests and skill levels of the students. Ages 15+ recommended

Level 1: (open to all students; ideal for beginning aerialists or those returning to the air)

Level 2+: (requires instructor approval; take your aerial explorations to the next level!)

Echo Theater

Thur 7:45 – 9:15 Lvl 2+

Fri 7:45 – 9:00 Lvl 1

AERIAL DANCE, Level 1 & 2

Build core strength, flexibility, grace, and confidence as you learn to dance in the air! Develop aerial vocabulary, alignment, musicality, and improvisational skills on the trapeze, on the floor, and in the spaces between. There are no prerequisites for this class.

All bodies welcome. Ages 15+ recommended.

*Note: These classes are co-sponsored by PCC and will run 10 weeks: Tue Jan 11 – Mon Mar 20

Echo Theater

Mon 12:00 – 1:20

Wed 12:15 – 1:35

Wed 7:40 – 9:00

LYRA (AERIAL HOOP), Levels 2

Learn – and build – basic lyra vocabulary and sequences. More advanced options will be provided for students with previous experience. This is a body-positive and challenging small group class. Ages 16+ recommended.

Level 2+: In this class, students will deepen their experience with the aerial hoop (lyra). Students will expand their vocabulary, working on skills based in flexibility, strength, and dynamics. We will also explore sequencing, with a specific attention to the opportunities the hoop opens up for twisting, rolling and spinning! This class is for students who already have solid aerial fundamentals and some experience on aerial hoop.

Echo Theater

Tues 7:45 – 9:15 Lvl 2+

AERIAL FABRIC (SILKS), Levels 2 & 3

This level 2+ class is perfect for experienced aerialists returning to the air or continuing an ongoing practice. Students will learn int/adv skills from foundations such as footlocks, inversions, and hip-keys. This class will introduce drops and more difficult climbs and sequences. Build stamina, grace, and flow as you build your aerial silks vocabulary. Students must be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks in the air, inversions from a climb, crossback (invert not necessary), straddle back, hip key from standing, and French and Russian climb to the top of the silks. Ages 15+ recommended.

Instructor approval is required for this class. Interested in beginner aerial fabric? Try our Mixed Aerial class!

Echo Theater

Tues 7:45 – 9:15 Lvl 2+

TERA’S STRETCH & SWEAT PARTY

The Party kicks off with high-energy drills specifically crafted to develop athletic adaptations for conquering the challenges of circus (and life). Multiple options and variations will be offered. You choose which feels right for you. Exercise science meets music. Fun meets sweat!

Then we target the warm muscles in our legs, hips, shoulders, and back with pro-athlete stretching techniques. Expect active flexibility exercises and PNF (utilizing activation as a tool to increase mobility) interspersed with poses of deepening elasticity. Leave in bliss. Welcome to the party!

Echo West

Sat 10:00 – 12:00 All Levels

ACROBATIC FLEXIBILITY AND CONDITIONING

Adult Acrobatic Flex and Conditioning: in this ground-based class, we’ll work on the strength and flexibility needed to safely learn and improve a variety of acrobatics skills. Each class will include a full-body warm-up, active flexibility elements, body weight drills, theraband exercises, and at least a little bit of geeking out about the body! You’ll notice that when you improve your  flexibility and strength, your acrobatic skills in the air and on the ground will also improve! This is a great class for those who currently practice any variety of acrobatics, or for those who just want to improve their fitness and body awareness.

Echo West

Sat 3:15  – 4:30 All Levels

CHINESE POLE

Come learn the fundamentals of Chinese pole! Learn to climb, slide, and hold key shapes. If you are familiar with Chinese pole and want a challenge, you are welcome too! Please bring Chinese pole shoes (wrestling shoes or thin soled/flexible shoes are great!) and layers that you don’t mind ripping (leggings, jeans, long sleeves, and a sweatshirt). 

Echo West

Wed 6:15 – 7:30 All Levels

LYRA (AERIAL HOOP), Levels 1 & 2

Learn – and build – basic lyra vocabulary and sequences. More advanced options will be provided for students with previous experience. This is a body-positive and challenging small group class. Ages 16+ recommended.

Level 1: Explore basic lyra vocabulary and sequences in this body-positive small group class for adults. Build strength, confidence, and community as you get acquainted with this versatile apparatus. There are no prerequisites for this class. All bodies welcome.

Level 2+: In this class, students will deepen their experience with the aerial hoop (lyra). Students will expand their vocabulary, working on skills based in flexibility, strength, and dynamics. We will also explore sequencing, with a specific attention to the opportunities the hoop opens up for twisting, rolling and spinning! This class is for students who already have solid aerial fundamentals and some experience on aerial hoop.

Echo West

Thur 5:45 – 7:00 Lvl 2+

Fri 6:00 – 7:15 Lvl 1

AERIAL FABRIC (SILKS), Levels 2 & 3

This level 2+ class is perfect for experienced aerialists returning to the air or continuing an ongoing practice. Students will learn int/adv skills from foundations such as footlocks, inversions, and hip-keys. This class will introduce drops and more difficult climbs and sequences. Build stamina, grace, and flow as you build your aerial silks vocabulary. Students must be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks in the air, inversions from a climb, crossback (invert not necessary), straddle back, hip key from standing, and French and Russian climb to the top of the silks. Ages 16+ recommended.

Interested in level 1 or 2 trapeze? Try a mixed aerial class or Yes You Can class!

Echo West

Tues 4:00 – 5:30 Lvl 3+

Tues 7:30 – 8:45 Lvl 2+

TRAPEZE: Level 2 & 3

Level 3+: Focus your aerial skills with this trapeze specific class! Students will dive into skills done on a horizontal bar, such as front and back balances, toe hangs, heel hangs, neck hangs, etc. There will also be dynamic sequences, combinations, and technical drills. Grow your endurance, strength, and aerial prowess!

Interested in level 1 or 2 trapeze? Try a mixed aerial class or Yes You Can!

Echo West

Mon 6:30 – 8:00

AERIAL STRAPS

Learn the fundamentals and further progressions of aerial straps in this physically challenging class. Previous aerial experience necessary.

Echo West

Tues 5:45 – 7:15 All Levels

AERIAL SLING: Levels 1 & 2

Level 1: Sling is a versatile and accessible aerial apparatus; movements on sling range from elegant to powerful. This intro class for adults will acquaint you with all the basics, and help you build overall aerial strength and confidence!

Level 2: Sling 2 will broaden your vocabulary to include dynamic skills, more complex sequences, and breathtaking drops! Be prepared to boost your aerial grace, power, and knowledge in this intermediate class.

Echo West

TBA

YES YOU CAN! Acro & Aerial for all

This class is perfect for students who are interested in exploring acrobatics, aerial dance and physical theater, but have barriers or hesitations around taking our beginning trapeze and acrobatics class. Using modifications and adaptations liberally, this class will give adult students of all ages, body types, and abilities an opportunity to learn to fly in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Echo West

Wed 6:15 – 7:30pm

TUMBLING: Levels 1 – 3

Level 1 & 2: Build basic tumbling skills in this energetic mixed-level adult class. This class will include forward/backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, and round offs, and offer progressions to turn your forward rolls into dive rolls, make your cartwheels into aerials and add a back handspring to your round off!

Level 2 & 3: Take your tumbling to the next level as we build on fundamentals with a focus on technique, conditioning, and drills. Depending on experience, students can expect to work on handsprings, aerials and beyond…as well perfecting the basics!

Echo West

Mon 7:45 – 9:00 Lvl 1& 2

Sat 3:15 – 4:30 Lvl 2 & 3

HANDBALANCING Levels 1 & 2

Level 1: Ever wanted to stand on your hands but didn’t know where to begin? This class introduces adult beginner students to the art of the handstand. Students will learn proper body alignment, key strength and flexibility elements, balance drills, and how to dismount or exit a handstand in all directions safely. Curriculum also includes injury prevention, shoulder and wrist conditioning, and core stability.

Levels 1 & 2: This mixed-level handbalancing class is great for adult students who are beginning their handstand journey, as well as those who are comfortable in a handstand in free space. Students will work on drills for body alignment, various body shapes, strength, flexibility, endurance. Curriculum also includes injury prevention, shoulder and wrist conditioning, and core stability.

Echo West

Weds 7:45 – 9:00 Lvl 1 & 2

Instructor Autumn

CONTEMPORARY MODERN DANCE

This course focuses on the fundamentals of the Lester Horton Technique with an added fusion of ballet. Students will build strength, agility, and flexibility with proper technique and an eye for safety. This class is perfect for circus arts students looking for tools to improve technique, performance skills, and grace. We’ll keep it fun, exploring musicality, freedom of movement, and self-expression while dancing together.

Echo West

Tues 6:00 – 7:00 All Levels

Instructor: Noelle Simone

PERFORMANCE LAB

OPEN GYM — No unannounced drop-ins. Please register in advance.

Come train with amazing people in this supervised open gym. Acro and aerial training welcome. Students must have completed a full term of Level 1 or pass an assessment test. Limit 10 students.

THURSDAYS 2:30 – 4:00pm (Echo West)

Youth/adult open gym. Ages 6 – Adult (students ages 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult)

SUNDAYS 12:30 – 2:00pm (Echo Theater)

Youth/adult open gym. Ages 6 – Adult (students ages 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult)

Price per session: $20

Please pre-register. Please arrive on time for check in and warm up. Students are welcome to leave early. Drop-ins are not currently permitted. Thank you!

Private Lessons and Small Group Classes: Echo is excited to welcome our students back for limited in-person private lessons and small group classes for up to 5 students in up to 2 households. Please click here for details, and email us to schedule your private lesson or small group class.