When Luna Aerial Dance & Performing Arts first opened, we had already established a serious reputation as a pole dance studio—that was our foundation. From day one, we set a standard: one student, one pole, every class, every time. No doubling, no shortcuts. That has not changed, and it never will Expanding into aerial arts was the logical next step, but the landscape and best practices were very different from pole. There also wasn’t an existing aerial community in Frederick to join. So we had to pave the way. Our space wasn’t designed to be a warehouse filled with dozens of rigs, and trying to copy that format never felt right. If aerial was going to flourish in Frederick, it had to be built differently. And we want to tell you why. We Made a Choice Rather than chasing numbers or equipment for show, we committed to an intentional structure based on professionally recognized aerial practices. Though aerial apparatuses like lyra and fabrics are shared in aerial training, every aerial program at Luna is capped at six students per instructor. That ratio is required by our insurance for safety and, more importantly, ensures instructors can provide focused attention to every artist. But it is important to not confuse sharing with crowding. With three rig points, our structure is modeled after circus schools and well-respected aerial training institutions. Each participant has dedicated time in the air, as well as space to observe, reflect, and prepare for their next turn. In aerial arts, this rhythm is not a shortcut or lost time—it is part of the learning process and a proven way to build artistry with safety at the center. This is especially true for our Youth Aerial program, where individual attention and rest time are crucial to safe progress. Two Programs, Two Structures, One Philosophy It is important to continue to distinguish our pole and aerial programs as completely separate disciplines, each with its own structure that honors its respective art form. While the student-to-apparatus ratio differs, both programs reflect the same philosophy: we do not cut corners. When it comes to aerial practice, sharing does not mean less—it actually means more. Here is why this structure works in a unique way: Safety first. With six students and three apparatuses, an instructor can genuinely watch each progression and step in before unsafe habits form. That oversight is not possible in overfilled rooms. Necessary pauses. Aerial requires grip strength and control. Breaks built into rotations protect the body and allow artists to maintain clarity throughout class. Learning through watching. Observing peers attempt the same sequence and hearing corrections applied to others reinforces understanding. This method is recognized across both dance and aerial pedagogy. Community. Small groups build strong support systems. Artists encourage one another, exchange feedback, and grow together. This spirit of collaboration is part of what makes Luna unique. So yes, pole students train one-to-one, and aerial students train six-to-three. These structures were designed based on the needs of each discipline and the best rate of student success. At Luna, it has never been about the number of apparatuses in the room. It is about creating an environment where artistry thrives, where students advance, and where community can last.
Love it or hate it, our method works. Feel free to come try it yourself by signing up for our Program Instruction Workshop or Series.
