Ascend Flow Arts has introduced hundreds of Delawareans to the world of aerial arts, acrobatics, and creative movement.

By John Riddle, Contributing Journalist, Delaware LIVE News

For anyone who has ever watched an aerial performance and wondered what it would be like to soar through the air, a Wilmington studio is making that dream far more accessible than many people realize.

Since opening its doors in the spring of 2014, Ascend Flow Arts has introduced hundreds of Delawareans to the world of aerial arts, acrobatics, and creative movement. Located in Wilmington, the studio welcomes students of all ages and experience levels, proving that aerial fitness is not reserved for professional performers or former gymnasts.

Instead, it is a place where beginners, families, and experienced movers alike can build strength, confidence, and artistic expression in a supportive environment.

According to information on the Ascend Flow Arts website, the studio’s mission is to “create a second home for students where they are free to embrace their love of movement and artistic expression through high quality instruction in a welcoming community.”

That philosophy is reflected in a wide variety of classes designed for children, teens, and adults.

For adults, the journey often begins with an introductory aerial workshop where participants can experience aerial silks, sling, static trapeze, and aerial hoop without making a long-term commitment. From there, students can continue with structured classes that gradually develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence.

The studio emphasizes that no previous dance, gymnastics, or fitness experience is required to get started.

For those who may be intimidated by the thought of leaving the ground, Ascend works to make the experience approachable. Beginner classes are conducted close to the floor using padded gymnastics flooring, crash mats, and carefully supervised instruction designed to help students progress safely.

The studio also offers ground-based movement programs that include Acro Dance and partner acrobatics. These classes blend dance, flexibility, tumbling, balance, and strength while helping students develop body awareness that can complement aerial training or stand on its own as a rewarding fitness activity.

Young students have their own pathways as well.

Children as young as four can begin with Pre-Acrodance classes that introduce ballet and acrobatic fundamentals through games and age-appropriate instruction. As students grow, they can advance into youth aerial and acrobatics programs that focus on developing both technical skills and personal growth.

According to the website, the studio believes it teaches much more than circus arts.

“We don’t just teach circus, we teach life skills through circus,” the website states. “Kids classes have an emphasis on socialization, teamwork, confidence building, discipline, and strength, all while having a great time and learning new skills.”

Those life lessons continue throughout the youth curriculum, where instructors emphasize patience, kindness, focus, emotional regulation, and teamwork alongside physical development.

Class sizes are intentionally kept small, typically between six and eight students, allowing instructors to provide individualized coaching and adapt lessons to each student’s experience level.

Safety remains a central focus throughout every program. Equipment is routinely inspected, students follow a structured curriculum, and instructors carefully guide participants through each stage of progression before introducing more advanced skills.

Ascend also offers supervised open practice sessions for enrolled students, giving them additional opportunities to refine techniques outside of regular classes while remaining in a safe training environment.

Beyond fitness, many participants discover something unexpected.

The combination of movement, creativity, problem-solving, and personal achievement creates an experience that is as mentally rewarding as it is physically challenging. Whether mastering a first climb on aerial silks, balancing in a handstand, or completing a new sequence on the trapeze, students often celebrate accomplishments they never imagined possible.

More than a decade after opening, Ascend Flow Arts continues introducing Delaware residents to a unique form of exercise that combines athleticism with artistry, creating a welcoming community where students of every age can literally and figuratively reach new heights.

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