Sisters woman teaches aerial dance

Aerial dance incorporates the use of hanging equipment or aerial apparatus. It is similar to high-flying acrobatic feats seen in the circus combined with theatrical expression popularized by performance artists in Cirque du Soleil. Aerial silk artists climb, twist, spin, drop and contort themselves on aerial ribbons that hang from the ceiling.

Kendall Knowles, owner of Central Oregon Aerial Arts in Bend, is now offering classes at Sisters Athletic Club. This artistic dance form is an enchanting display of strength and agility that builds muscles and co-ordination. The suspense builds as the artist wraps complex, multidimensional sequences, then drops into a death-defying free-fall, catching herself at the last second mere feet from the ground.

Knowles says, "It's a great form of exercise and a confidence-builder."

The former rock climber traveled all over the world during her career, but was always training, which left her little time for fun. She started going to Burning Man events where, after participating in various circus-type events, she realized she loved performance arts. Then a friend introduced her to aerial silks and she was hooked. She has performed in Reno with Dragonfly Aerials and in Bend with the Aura troupe. Her good friend Tate Metcalf suggested she offer her classes at Sisters Athletic Club.

Men and women of all ages are welcome; classes are on a drop-in basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. (all ages, but geared towards kids), and 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for teens and adults. Wear leggings or tights and tank top, nothing baggy. Realize that your feet will hurt until they toughen up, and there are risks. Common injuries are overuse injuries of shoulders and back, pulled muscles, sprains, bruises, fabric burns, dizziness and injuries from falling.

Knowles is a certified trainer and takes all precautions to prevent injuries.

There is drop-in pricing to see if you like it, and punch cards are available should you decide to continue. For more information contact Sisters Athletic Club front desk at 541-549-6878 or Kendall Knowles at [email protected]