Performance Classes & Companies

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*New to aerial? We recommend starting with our Groupon Air Essentials, Air FIT, or Air Essentials Beginner class!

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Performance Classes

  • Young girl performing aerial acrobatics on silks, hanging upside down with arms extended.

    Little Stars Performance Class (5-7yrs)

    Little Stars is a performance based class geared towards kids 5-8 years of age. This hour and 15 minute long aerial class will give students a taste of both aerial technique and performance. Students will work together over the session to build a show that will be performed at The Apollo Center’s studio. This beginning level performance class will rotate through the same 4 disciplines, including silks, trapeze, lyra and sling. Students will start to develop a movement vocabulary on each apparatus as well as some basic dance and acrobatics to perform aerial.

    Prerequisite: Students must have completed one full 12 week session of Air Essentials Beginner or instructor approval .

    Cost: $32.50/class

    *1 Hour 15 Min Weekly Class

    Billed Monthly (autopay)

  • Two female acrobats performing an aerial act on a trapeze with ropes, wearing black outfits, against a solid dark gray background.

    Shooting Stars Performance Class (8-17yrs)

    Shooting Stars is an excitement-filled class geared towards kids and teens 8-17 years of age.  This two hour aerial class will take students to the next level of aerial technique and choreography. Students will work together over a 3 month session to build a show that will be performed at Iluminar Aerial’s studio under the stage lights. This intermediate level performance class will rotate through the same 4 disciplines, including silks, trapeze, lyra and sling. Students will start to develop a broader movement vocabulary on each apparatus and advance to learning more skills, transitions, inversions as well as stamina in the air to be able to perform aerial.

    Prerequisite: Students must have completed one full 12 week session of Air Essentials Beginner or prior aerial experience plus Apollo approval .

    Cost: $50/class

    *2 Hour Weekly Class

    Billed Monthly (autopay)

Youth Performance Companies

  • Three aerial performers practicing at a circus or acrobatics center with a purple and pink lit background and hanging straps or ribbons.

    Stars Youth Company

    Join our 4 hour a week beginner youth performance company for kids ages 7-17 years. No audition required! This youth company will concentrate on one performance each season over a 5 month commitment period. This company will meet for 2 hours on Wednesdays & Fridays, learning aerial and dance technique, as well as ground and partner-based acrobatics.  The students will work together over a 5 month season to build a routine that will be performed at an Iluminar show under the stage lights. Students must have completed two full sessions of classes, Beginner and Intermediate levels, with The Apollo Center to be eligible to sign-up for this company.

    Fall/Winter Season 2026-2027

    Contracted Dates: August 5th-December 18th, 2026

    Season Performance: Polar Express

    Winter/Spring Season 2026-2027

    Contracted Dates: January 6th- May 28th, 2027

    Season Performance: Pinocchio

  • Person dressed in pajamas sitting in a red fabric boat with colorful pennant banners, holding a hand to their forehead, with stage props and drapes around.

    Flyers Performance Company

    The Flyers performance company, is our intermediate level company for ages 10-17 years, focuses on the creation of aerial acts in a fun and experimental environment while learning the importance of teamwork. This company meets for 6 hours a week over a 9 month contracted period, working on choreography for two shows throughout the season from August to May. The program also includes aerial, acrobatic and ground dance classes throughout the week. Prerequisite: Company members must have at least one year of aerial experience prior to auditioning.

    2026-2027 Season Information

    Contract Dates: August 5th, 2026-May 28th, 2027

    Weekly Rehearsals: Wednesdays: 4:30-8:30pm & Fridays: 4:30-6:30pm

    Performances

    Holiday Show: Polar Express

    Spring Production: Pinocchio

    AUDITIONS: Upcoming 15th Performance Season- 2026-2027

    Flyers Audition Prep Camp: 2026-2027 Season

    Monday, July 27th - Thursday, July 30th, 2026: 12:00-4:00pm

    Audition Day for Flyers 2026/2027 Season: Friday, July 31st

  • Circus performers practicing in a colorful, well-lit studio with aerial silks, trapeze, and gymnastic equipment, colorful costumes, and a painted backdrop with a wolf design.

    TOO Company

    TOO is Iluminar’s advanced youth performance company, for ages 12-17 years, that focuses on the creation of full length, theatrical productions in a team based atmosphere. Company members focus their hard work on creating a full length, theatrical production which is performed at a professional theater at the end of their season. TOO members participate in their own full length production as well as being guest performers in Iluminar’s Professional Company production.  TOO members also perform in events around the Boulder/Denver area and in Iluminar’s studio shows. TOO is an audition based, contract program with the requirement of at least 10 hours of training a week. Prerequisite: Company members must have at least 2 years of aerial experience prior to auditioning.

    2026-2027 Season Information

    Contract Dates: August 4th, 2026-May 28th, 2027

    Weekly Rehearsals: Tuesdays & Thursdays- 4:30-8:30pm

    Performances:

    Halloween Production: Coraline

    Holiday Production: Holiday Showcase

    Spring Production: Snow White

    AUDITIONS: Upcoming 15th Performance Season- 2026-2027

    TOO Audition Prep Camp: 2026-2027 Season

    Monday, July 27th - Thursday, July 30th, 2026: 9:00am-1:00pm

    Auditions for TOO 2026/2027 Season: Friday, July 31st

Adult Residency Program

  • A group of dancers in colorful costumes and masks performing on stage with their arms outstretched, illuminated by blue and purple stage lighting.

    Adult Residency Program

    Our Residency Program offers adult aerialists and performers the opportunity to continue their training, deepen their technical skills, and pursue individual artistic growth in a supportive and challenging environment. This program is designed for adults seeking a more rigorous weekly training schedule and a structured pathway for continued development beyond recreational classes.

    Whether your goals include improving technique, creating original work, preparing for auditions, developing performance pieces, or simply advancing your aerial practice, the Residency Program provides dedicated training time and individualized support to help you reach the next level.

    Program Includes

    • Two Aerial Technique Classes per week

    • One Circus Acrobatics Class per week

    • Two Hours of Open Training per week

    Residents may train across a variety of aerial disciplines based on class offerings and individual goals. Open training provides dedicated time to practice skills, refine choreography, condition, and work toward personal artistic projects.

    The Residency Program emphasizes technical excellence, creativity, and independent growth. While the program does not include participation in group productions, residents will have the opportunity to develop and present their work in studio showcase performances throughout the year, including a Holiday Showcase in December and a Spring Student Showcase.

    These showcase opportunities provide residents with performance experience while encouraging artistic exploration, choreography, and personal expression in a supportive environment.

    This program is ideal for adults who are passionate about aerial arts and are looking for a consistent, high-level training environment that supports both personal and artistic development.

  • Emerging Artist Company

    The Emerging Artists Company is an advanced training and performance program designed for dedicated aerialists and dancers who have graduated from our youth company programs or are seeking to continue their artistic development beyond the recreational level. This company serves as a bridge between our youth companies and the Iluminar Professional Company, providing focused training, mentorship, and performance opportunities in a supportive and challenging environment.

    Company members train weekly in aerial technique, dance, acrobatics, performance skills, and independent artistry while developing the discipline, professionalism, and creative voice necessary for future professional work. Members will participate in seasonal productions alongside members of the Iluminar TOO and Professional Company.

    Weekly Training Includes:

    • Company Rehearsal & Performance Development
    Thursdays | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Company Dance Technique

    Fridays | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Open Training
    Saturdays | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

    The Emerging Artists Company is ideal for performers who are committed to continued growth, artistic exploration, and preparing for future opportunities within the professional performing arts industry. Placement is by audition and is based on technical proficiency, artistic maturity, commitment, and program availability.

    The Emerging Artists Company is a training company and participation does not guarantee placement into the Iluminar Professional Company. Professional Company membership is by separate audition and invitation.