September 19, 2026 / by Aerial Edge / In classes
3 flavours of hoop at Aerial Edge
Aerial hoop is becoming a much more popular circus art, and Aerial Edge has three specialist instructors, each with their own distinct style.
Here’s how they describe their classes, so you can decide which one feels right for you.
Beginners with Clara Collins: Mondays 7pm
The Beginners Aerial Hoop class focuses on building strong foundations in the hoop through conditioning, fundamental skills and shapes, and learning how to link movements together into flowing sequences.
It’s designed for anyone looking to start focusing more on hoop – whether you’re moving on from the Absolute Beginners Aerial class, or you already have some experience and want to refine your technique at a beginner to improver level.
In class we work on strength, control and coordination while keeping the atmosphere upbeat, playful and open to learning. I encourage students to support each other and work as a team, while making sure everyone has the tools they need to focus on their own individual progress.
We also often explore creative sessions, where students are guided through improvisation and creative exercises in the hoop. For some, this has led to performing in our student and teacher showcases, while for others the class is a fun way to stay fit, be sociable, and explore an artistic hobby.
Open Level with Kerri Bellingham: Tuesdays 7pm
People are often intimidated by the word ‘intermediate’ so this class is billed as Open Level. Intermediate really just means that you have the chance to nurture your growing skills, explore your favourite shapes and transitions and start honing your technique while discovering your personal aerial style. It’s where things begin to feel more fluid, more expressive, and more ‘you’.
The only prerequisites are experience with aerial hoop or a similar discipline like trapeze, and being comfortable getting to and being on the top bar.
Every sequence comes with progressions and regressions, so you’ll always have options that support your strength, confidence and individual pace.
So, if you’ve got aerial hoop basics down, maybe still refining those mounts and smoothing out your spins, this might be the moment to step into a class that can deepen your aerial practice.
In this class, you can definitely work through all the levels of your capability.
Each week features a fresh set of moves, including dynamics, spins and a flowing combo, followed by a chance to freestyle with the skills you’ve just learned. Whether you prefer dynamic, spinny or beautifully controlled static work, this is your space to expand your aerial vocabulary and make the hoop your own.
I share each week’s combo on my Instagram story a day or two before each class, so you can get a cheeky preview @kbelle_aerial
Not sure? Drop me a DM, I’m always happy to chat and help you figure out your next step 💗
Open Level Hoop with Freya Pellie: Thursdays 7pm
This is an Open Level Aerial Hoop class catering for beginners through to advanced students working towards professional development.
Each week we work through a ground-based warm-up, aerial conditioning, dynamics (e.g., beats, hand switches, drops, and spin technique such as flare variations), and a choreographic sequence incorporating new elements or progressing towards more technical skills.
Whilst choreographic sequencing and flow do feature each week, this class is primarily aimed at building and developing core technical skills across a range of different aerial hoop elements, helping you progress towards more advanced tricks (regardless of where you start from!).
This class adapts to the students but is usually split into two groups, with beginners/improvers and intermediate/advanced students working towards different objectives and choreographies, with various modifications and extensions offered within each track.
Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge, a fun way to spend your evening, or are looking to expand your professional repertoire, this class will have something for you!
I have performed and taught internationally, working within the realms of both traditional and contemporary circus. I teach on Aerial Edge’s daytime Professional Development and Foundation courses, run workshops and mini intensives in the UK and abroad, and have taught at multiple circus conventions and festivals including London Aerial Arts Festival (LAAF), Aerial Sicilian Convention (ASC), and the British Juggling Convention (BJC).
Unsure about the physical requirements for this class or want to chat about your needs ahead of time? Feel free to drop me a message on Instagram (@pelliefey) and we’ll work out how to help you get the most out of your training.
Times, prices and booking for all three classes are on our aerial hoop page.