The last time I had been here was 2010 and this place is just as awesome as I remember. I'm a bit (read:lot) more out if shape than I was back then when I went tonight, but I still felt totally comfortable. Of the class of 12, about 3 were more advanced and it was the first time for most of the other folks. The instructors didn't make me feel bad about my lack of flexibility and helped supported everyone equally. This is a good way to jump start your workout regime. It's fun, so it doesn't feel like you're working (though your muscles the next day will disagree) and time FLIES by....sorry about that trapeze pun. Anyway, this is a great place for a really unique workout. It wasn't 5 stars because parking is nonexistent (you have to street park on Hollywood Blvd) and its in a sketchy area of town. Also, registration cannot be done online for day of classes, so of you decide to register at the last minute, you have to wait until the office opens at 4pm. With that being said, I was pleasantly surprised to get confirmation of my registration before the 4:00 time the office was supposed to open. read more

Branden's Flexibility class is so fun! He is hilarious & has such a great personality he makes all the yummy flexy pain super fun. I've only tried this one class, but all the employees I spoke with were so nice & friendly. Go early to find parking. I found a street spot right away, but my friend had some difficulty finding a metered space that was long enough for the class. I'm not in Hwood often, but I will definitely come back to Cirque School for another class! Going to go work on my middle splits now so they'll let me join their contortion classes ; ) read more

Love love love this place! Every single class I've taken was s bliss and every instructor I've trained with amazing and knowledgeable! I am completely addicted and don't see myself stopping attending classes anytime soon. read more

Scot is a GREAT Juggling teacher. Saturdays from 11 am to noon. He showed me how to improve my 5 ball juggling pattern and also my Mills Mess. Worth the price and a great location too!!!! See you there!!! RogueClown read more

I used to go here for years. I took a contortion class and the instructor pushed me so far (despite me saying "yo this hurts") that I tore a muscle in my thigh. It's been 3 years and it has yet to heal and has severely affected my flexibility, weight training, and ability to continue aerial arts. read more

In short, I would recommend going elsewhere because the parking is awful, walking at night to the facility feels unsafe, the classes are overpriced, and the staff unfairly target customers. I had an absolutely horrible experience here due to a so called "policy" that they have about arriving late. My main issue is that this policy isn't enforced uniformly. In the past, they have let other class goers in late, and there was no issue. It makes me uncomfortable coming here and being targetted by this policy that they clearly do not enforce on everyone. They cite reasons such as upsetting teachers and causing injuries and the school "falling apart" for why they need this policy. When I witnessed other class goers coming late, the teacher was fine and nobody got injured. By no means was the school falling apart. They also mentioned that people were coming 15 minutes late and that caused the problems, which was not the case for me as I was only 5 minutes late. The policy is also draconian giving that they have no parking and only have 1 hr meters in front of the facility. I've arrived over an hour early before couldnt, find any parking nearby, and had to walk nearly half a mile previously just to get to the class on time. It also makes me feel unsafe given the area they are in when it's dark outside. This leads me to have to get a lyft there which makes the cost of class closer to $40, which honestly isn't worth it. Their classes are already on the more expensive end of the spectrum. What's making their school fall apart is not people arriving late. It's being located in a busy area with no parking and expecting a lot of class goers who tend to be women walk far distances potentially in the evening to go to their overpriced classes. It also comes from targetting paying customers and only reserving reasonable human decency and understanding for a few of them and not all of them, which leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It just astounds me that a facility with no parking in a congested area would create a policy to target and penalize their loyal customers if they are there 5 minutes late. It doesn't take a genius to recognize that this is what is making the school "fall apart." read more

I am a professional journalist and a coach- Fitness instructor in a great Private Club in Los Angeles. I feel the need to write this review to make a constructive observation and not to put down anybody. Ever since I was a kid, I've always imagined this kind of activity would be fun, but things happen to me that made me Fearful of heights. This year 2012 I decided to overcome my fear. I took 2 classes here on two Saturdays, I didn't really know what to expect as I have never taken any class like this. I took twice the aerial conditioning fitness which included the trapeze, Aeriel hoop and the Aeriel silk. One of my instructors was Ivan. He was very rude. He was very impatient and unsupportive. When I expressed my "fear of heights", He rolled his eyes. Obviously, this being new for me, I was not very good at the tricks, but he was really pushy and short temper, increasing his voice to me as I was not able to hold the Aerial silks correctly. This was an awful moment where Ivan the instructor made me feel dumb while I was trying to overcome my fear of highs. I have learned we clearly designed to help each other deal with stress: Great things happen in the brain when we reach out and help each other! Cirque School is such a hidden treasure in Hollywood. But I encourage Ivan to have a better attitude, great energy and provide an outlet to play! I am thinking to may be go back to train one by one with the instructors. read more

Cirque School LA has been such an amazing experience! I've had a few different instructors and all have been helpful and encouraging. The only downfall is the price, but I will say you definitely get what you pay for. It is a workout on an adult playground and the energy is always very positive and encouraging. This is the best place to get fit and hone a new craft!!! read more

Absolutely love this place! The only thing I don't like about this place is how addicting it is! I've been coming to Cirque School for the last 2 years and I can't get enough of it. The faculty is incredibly talented and highly skilled, and God.... so nice. They are very respectful of your body and will guide you to the best of their knowledge in order for you to get stronger and have a clear understanding of what's happening. The 101 classes are the best way to get started! It's a safe and fun "kick-off" to explore the different kinds of classes Cirque School has to offer. There's nothing more rewarding than when the teachers tell you that you've been cleared to go to the 102 and tricks classes. Give it a try if you haven't already! It's better than the gym, I promise. Also, Sarah is the best! read more

I purchased the 6 class package for the beginning Aerial Fitness & Conditioning . I always wanted to try doing something like this and thought that it would be really fun. The website said that it was for anybody with any body and that the beginning classes were a great way to start. I am 5'3, 120 pounds, average, 23 year old, in shape. The class starts with a basic warm up and then you get separated into small groups that rotate to 3 different stations throughout the class. It was me and 2 other girls standing each in front of a trapeze, and the instructor who was next to a trapeze in front of us. She told us to get on it and showed like 5 moves really fast and expected us to do them. Now, this is supposed to be beginner class. I had never even touched a trapeze before, and here I was expected to repeat all this moves that this woman is making and I am receiving no support. This basically happened all throughout the class in every station. The instructors would just stand there and tell you to do stuff after showing it to you in 2 seconds. On top of that, there was absolutely NO SENSE of safety. They would just expect you to know what you are doing...as if that was not enough, the guy who was teaching the silk stuff looked annoyed, impatient, and not interested at all... He constantly frowned and made you feel like you were stupid or lazy because you couldn't do what he was showing you.... To be quite honest, I think the place itself is great and the whole concept is good, but the instructors completely ruined my first experience. I still have the package of classes that I purchased but I can't seem to convince myself to go because I don't want to have to go through that again. read more

i haven't been here in a while, but here's my latest update: as usual, i was training on a regular tues eve w/ kujo for a chinese pole class. wow, i went from being his biggest fan to totally being turned off by the ish he said toward the end of class -_- i wanted to record a video of some of the combos he was doin so i can try to work on it on my own & his response was, "you gta earn it before i could let you video me..." cocky much? i mean, i know he's good @ what he does but pls stop w/ the attitude! it's very unbecoming of you! i mean, i'll keep it civil when i see him but i haven't been back since. we'll see how i feel later, but if i still can't find another instructor that specializes in chinese pole around the valley or this area, then i MIGHT come back to him. sidenote: this has been a long time comin & i was debating on whether or not i should even say this, but here it goes... most of the students/instructors who train/teach her AREN'T friendly or welcoming, unless you know someone who knows someone. read more

This gym has the potential to be really good. However coming from another studio, I already have the basic knowledge of terms and proper strength for the apparatus. I took the beginner class to show them hey guys I can do this, I am strong, I can climb the silks, and I know my way around a trapeze. But nope. They wouldn't let me move up. And it was the same thing week after week. I was SO bored. This gym really wants your money, and you to come back. But how does one get better if its the same thing over and over and over when I already mastered gazelle, and mermaid...CHALLENGE ME! Oh yeah did I mention....I perform on the silks, Lyra, and trapeze. I just wanted another gym to learn more from. My bad. This performer is not gonna be stuck in the beginner class ;) read more

Cirque school has changed my life. Unlike dance studios this is a training space that allows me to take classes almost everyday, which is essential in order to reach my cirque goals. Whether you just want a fun and effective way to stay in shape or pursue cirque professionally this is the place. All the coaches I have had are extremely professional and talented beyond belief. Shoutout to Lauren who teaches me so much, and Brandon who keeps me super-flexible. Thank you so much cirque school!!! read more

Cirque School - Trapeze - Fitness & Instruction Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I went to the Intro to Handstands class to learn handstands. WE spent about 5 minutes of the hour class on handstands. The rest was tumbling and stright up gymnastics. This is supposed to be a beginner class and everyone seemed like a former or current gymnast. They were doing handsprings, roundoffs, etc. I basically sat out most of the class because I have zero interest. It was pretty disappointing to say the least. Also it was about 90 degrees in the gym. That said, the instructors were SUPER NICE and helpful, which is why I gave it 2 stars. read more

Most of the instructors are great. They are all very helpful. But one of them, Aloiysha, likes to act like her caca don't stink. Sure, she did hoop for Cirque Du Soleil back in the days, but that's just it, back in the days. Because she lives in the past and is bitter about her present, she acts like she can treat her students like pieces of garbage. She gets jealous when her students excel, she makes sure to give them a back-handed compliment and throws false accusations at the like they are "training somewhere else". And on that note, this is America, its free-enterprise, students should be allowed to train in other places and not just at their gym without repercussion. Especially if the school doesn't offer them enough open gym time to train. Cique School LA wants to hold their students down by banning them from booking gigs until THEY deem them as professionals. They are only doing this because they don't want their students competing for the same gigs and if they find out you've been doing other gigs, they ban you from the school or shame you until you leave. You'll learn something here but you'll have to put up with a lot of BS circus politics also. read more

So much fun! I took acro fit & hand balancing! Can't wait to sign up for my next class. The instructor Marco was attentive, knowledgeable, & encouraging. This class was a good workout! read more

A friend and I just started going here and let me tell you - we are hooked! It's such a good full body workout and seeing everyone else do these incredible tricks pushes you to do your best too. I've taken the aerial 101 classes with Daniel, Rick, Rachel, and Sarah. All of them are encouraging and helpful in making sure you get the technique. It's for all levels and yes it is difficult but you get better in time! Rick is definitely my favorite teacher just because he's absolutely funny but all of them are fun to take. You definitely learn a lot and you see progress if you keep going and pushing yourself. read more

Ever since I was a kid, I've always imagined this kind of activity would be fun, and I was right. As it turns out, it was a lot of fun, and also a lot of hard work!! I was looking for a change of pace from my gym routine, and I got it. The place is easy to find, clean, and just cool. The only tricky thing might be parking. I found street parking on one of the side streets, but the meters are only good for an hour; Cirque should petition the city to increase those to 2-hour meters to accommodate their class schedules (just sayin'!) There's always METRO, RED LINE is nearby, and I might try that next time. The Cirque website was informative and at times overwhelming since they offer so many choices. I like that they had PDF versions of the two forms I needed to fill out, so I did that ahead of time and saved myself the hassle of filling them out at the school. I also like the online reservation system, i was a little confusing at first, but now I think I got the hang of it. I'm an adult educator by profession, and since it was my first time, I'd say I was in need of lots of instruction. Rick and Ericka were great, demonstrating and providing feedback and corrective technique as needed, which in my case was fairly often. For some reason I need to be sure I understand the steps COMPLETELY before I begin defying gravity [insert Wicked lyrics here]... I am also very glad I bought the 6 class, Cirque 101 package, so now I can enjoy five more trips and get in shape while I'm at it. Also, the package brings the class price down to about $20, which is reasonable for this kind of specialized training. No more blase trips to the gym for now! Yay me! read more

I decided to try Cirque school when on a whim there was a deal on living social. I am quite possibly the most uncoordinated person on the planet so why in the world did I think it was a good idea?! As it turns out. Not a big deal! I'm fairly flexible and we got to do these fun tricks on the swing, ropes, and cloth. It was great and I had so much fun! I would recommend to anyone who ever wanted to try. They really do work with every level -- speaking as the most uncoordinated person in the world! read more

I am completely addicted to cirque school, I go once a week, and am just waiting for the day I can start going twice a week. There is something so freeing about being on the trapeze. All the instructors are amazing aerialist with impressive backgrounds, and everyone is super friendly. I recommend this school to everyone. read more

This place is a fun alternative work out. I have experience with yoga and dance but the contortion classes are helping me take my flexibility to the next level. Kristina's dry sarcasm helps you laugh through the pain. My one complaint is it does get a bit pricey when you want to take a couple classes a week. read more

I took my first class here last Saturday and it was amazing. I took the aerial fitness class and although I come from a dance background, I have never done anything like this before. I have a slight fear of heights, normally, but the instructors definitely put me at ease. Because there were two instructors for the limited class size, I never felt in danger of injuring myself. The instructors break everything down and work one on one with each person. Right after the class I purchased a class package. Can't wait to make this a regular habit! read more

I was introduced to Cirque School by the Living Social coupon I purchased. I took the Aerial Fitness and Conditioning class. Luckily, having done cherry drops as a kid, hanging upside down was not foreign to me. After a pilates-type warmup, we did circuit training on 4 different stations. This included fabric, trapeze, fabric hammock, and a block with weights. If you try this, remember to go at your own pace. I was a newbie in the class, so its easy to feel intimidated. However, the instructors push you to your limits (in a good way). I would definitely try this again, but only with some pre-strengthening on my own! I encourage anyone who has always wanted to try this, to do so! read more

I took my first class here on Saturday, I didn't really know what to expect as I have never taken any class like this. I took the aerial fitness which included the trapeze, Aeriel hoop and the Aeriel silk. I'm not sure if those are the proper names. My instructor was Rob. He was fantastic. He was very patient and supportive. Obviously, this being my first time, I was not very good at the tricks, but he was really encouraging and the other students who had come before were also supportive. This is the kind of place where you don't feel dumb trying new things. My body is still sore two days later but it's a good kind of sore and totally worth it. I will definitely be back. And the price is totally worth it. read more

This place is AWESOME! I forgot how much we paid for a class because we had used a groupon coupon, but I think their normal price is $20 per class, and a class is about an hour long. But it's definitely worth a try! It's fantastic, and definitely a work out. You start off stretching with the exercise ball, and then you start the circuit training. There are 6 stations. 3 of the stations are circus related, then the other 3 are to help you continue working out. We got to practice on the high bars, fabric, and low bars. It was a lot of fun. read more

Cirque school is fantastic! I have done yoga for years and am very athletic. I found the aerial fitness class to be fun, challenging. They kicked my butt in such an amazing way - I am addicted! All the teachers are friendly and helpful. They work with different levels in each class, which was really great. It was a mix of beginners and intermediates. They have all sorts of classes, aerial tissue, trapeze, stretch, TRX. I also started taking Pilates there. I must say that finding Jen Berry & Pilates has changed my body! She has improved my flexibility and technique! She is so knowledgeable about the body. I got even my boyfriend to come start taking pilates with Jen. She rehabbed his bad back! No more back problems. Amazing! read more

This Saturday I took my second aerial fitness class and can't say enough about it! I bought the classes off of Living Social, and though I was only suppose to buy one (I must have been confused about the purchasing rules) I got two, but they still honored the second and were cool about it. The first class was fun but I had a hard time gripping the bar and some of the things are painful to do. So I left thinking "that was cool but I'm not sure if it's something I'll ever be able to do well." The second class was so much easier, it was still hard and a good work out, but my body new what to expect. I was in the group of beginners and first timers and one woman came up to me and was like "have you done this before? Cause you seem so much at ease." So my point is if you take one class and find it too hard or awkward don't give it up just yet. I loved it and would love to take it every week! read more

There's so much to say about Cirque School! What a wonderful, positive environment. Full of creative and supportive people. I'm studying under Scot Nery who has helped me better my unicycle skills in ways I never would have been able to do alone. He's done nothing but encourage and push me to better myself from the first day. If you're interested in learning to juggle or unicycle you should definitely ask for lessons from Scot. The owner, Rex, is also a great guy and should help you find the class that you're looking for. read more

Hallelujah, I've found a fit in Acro Fit! After how terrible I was at Aerial, I was getting a bit worried that my remaining classes would go to waste... Luckily, I found a newfound love for all things tumbling and twisting in the Acro Fit 101 class. When I was little, my parents took me to a gymnastics class to see if it might be a fit for me. I was immediately told I was too tall and to this day, it's something that saddens me. Well, screw you gymnastics teacher from my childhood! All of my hopes and dreams will come true at Acro Fit 101. Hopefully. One day. There's definitely a lot I need to learn when it comes to perfecting the fundamentals - my tumbles weren't super graceful and my handstand needs to tighten up. That said, I had a complete freaking blast spinning and turning onto the mats, looping in the air, all of the activities I last took part in in gym class during middle school. It was also a great workout and I was super winded after it all. Never has an hour flown by so quickly. I love you Acro Fit 101 and I will be back! read more

There are just so many better gyms in this city. Cirque School is not welcoming towards beginners (or those who are simply new to their studio...) The instructors are aloof and cold, and there's no room for creativity in class. You're made to feel like one who "can" or one who "cannot" -one who is a part of their crew or an outsider. That's it. Ick. No thank you. I've tried all of the aerial studios now and this is definitely the least friendly read more

I have to say this gym is amazing as far as the way it has been set up and the variety of classes. I loved the warm up workout and there was a good mix of things to do like exercise ball, trapeze, aerial silks, stretching, etc. I would like to give a shout out to Daniel who was amazing. He has such an amazing vibe and personality. He makes you feel comfortable. This is my first time at a class like this and I have taken a flying trapeze course before. This is definitely something I should have tried before I went flying. Daniel knew I was a beginner and would not let me do certain moves unless I was comfortable. He knew where my level of comfort was and he didn't push too hard and gave me options. He even spotted me to help me onto the stationary trapeze. If I was rating the gym and Daniel alone I would have given this place 5 stars. I would go for the classes Daniel teaches. He is so positive and I honestly would love it if Daniel had his own place. He is so genuine in the way he handles movements with you. Now, the downside and the reason I am and will hesitate to ever go back to this gym is James. I am sorry but it does not seem like this man likes his job or has the patience to deal with beginner students. When I called out his name to help me with certain moves he acted like he was so irritated and rolled his eyes. He purposely ignored me and paid attention to only the men in class and the women who have already had some type of background in doing these moves. Because of his attitude alone I am trying to find my way around classes he is not teaching and I should not have to feel like I have to avoid certain classes just to get away from him. I teach and coach many students and I do not focus on the good ones because they already know what they are doing. I focus on the ones who don't as they are the ones who need more guidance. Talk about a blow to your self esteem especially when this stuff is foreign to me. This is a class and gym I have never tried before and of course anxiety kicks in and mind you I went by myself and to be met with such a bad attitude is very discouraging. I would call out his name and he would literally react to it but then walk away and pretend he was helping the other person in class who already was able to perform the moves. I suggest staying away from classes with James in it. James really needs to get an attitude check. DO NOT OFFER BEGINNING CLASSES AND TREAT BEGINNERS LIKE THEY SHOULD KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING IF YOU HAVE NO PATIENCE TO TEACH. It shows through your act if you are not genuine. Again, like I would have given this place a 5 star rating. I have other classes that I paid for and now I am at a loss for the money I have spent and quite frustrated. I will definitely continue doing trapeze and aerial silks just not at this school and definitely not with that discouraging instructor. Parking was hard so get there early. Also, it was veryyyy hot so make sure you dress lightly and where tight clothes. Loose fit clothing will get you caught on the equipment. read more

This is such a good place. I took Acro Fit 101 with Marco when I was in LA for the weekend. I'm certainly not a gymnast or an acrobat so I was a little nervous but everyone was so welcoming and supportive. Marco is a great instructor and the class is very accommodating of different skill levels. The environment at Cirque School is just awesome in every way. I can't wait to come back and try more classes here. read more

I love this place! The teachers are down-to-earth and appear to be very knowledgeable. There are plenty of classes for people of all levels. I enjoy taking stretch classes with Brandon. It helps that he is a pretty funny guy. Hi! Brandon :) read more

I took Flexibility and Stretch with Brandon at 10:30am, I enjoyed the experience. The parking for the location is not the best. I happened upon parking right in front or I would have been circling around the block. I arrived on time. The receptionist was very warm and welcoming. Brandon was the flexibility teacher and he was funny. Some of his jokes require a thick skin or a sense of humor. I was a beginner in this class and he guided and helped me progress and pushed me when he thought I could do more. We started with a warm up, then progressed into stretching various body parts. Progressing up in difficulty until we reached splits and back bends. I would definitely attend this class again. read more

So happy I found this place!! I love everything about it. The space is amazing, huge, clean and everything you want a circus school to be. I've gone only twice so far but both teachers I had were absolutely wonderful. It's a tough class but doable and so much fun! Can't wait to see how strong and able I can become. Thank you!! read more

Just got back from my first Aerial Fitness workout at Cirque School and had such a good time. It is a pretty challenging workout and a word of advice, PACE YOURSELF! My friend and I gave it oue all the first time around the stations which include such things as using a rope to pull yourself off the ground, then back to the ground, jumping on to platforms, etc. By the time we finished all the stations we still had over twenty minutes to go around the stations again! We were completely spent and it was challenging to finish around again. Having said that, the teachers are very supportive, continuously motivating you to give it your all, and our good about walking you through the exercises. The girl that was teaching the trapeze was excellent and patient with the fact that most people are terrified hanging from their knees and letting go of their arms. I do wish that the teacher instructing us on the silk broke down the steps a little more. It was my first class however so part of it was just getting used to the mechanics of doing something your body is very unfamiliar with. By the end of the class I was able to do a couple tricks on the silk and hang from the trapeze. Yay! The teachers are very good about pushing you past the point you think you can go and challenge you continuously with more difficult poses/exercises. I can't wait until I can get more comfortable and can be more playful with the trapeze and silk. Cirque School is such a hidden treasure in Hollywood. They have great energy and provide an outlet to play! I will definitely be back! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! An absolute dream to be in...I have always been well rounded in my fitness, but about a year ago I got a groupon notification for this and I just had to try it. It was the most fun, yet challenging work out I have done in a while. The great part is though, you don't feel like you are "working out." But believe me, the next day, you will know you did! I haven't been able to go in a while due to schedule and $$$ - its always one or the other, but as soon as I can possibly go back for classes, you bet your cartwheels I will be in there! The staff is SUPER awesome, very friendly, knowledgeable, and fun! Classes are shaped to suit everyone's needs, so even if you are the most uncoordinated person ever you can get something out of it. However, if you are like me and have a background in dance or gymnastics you will find it to be right up your alley, yet totally different from anything you have ever done! read more

what's not to love, cool people and a killer workout when you don't even realize it because your having so much fun

Had my second juggling class this past Saturday with Scot Nery, and I'm totally hooked. I had never attempted to juggle before, and by the second class I'm juggling three balls. This only goes to show how Scot is a great teacher, patient, fun and excellent at explaining the process. Check it out, first class is free. read more

i was really excited to take my first class here with a few friends, but ended up having to work and had to cancel. i went online to cancel my appointment a few days before in order to get a refund (like they promised online), and have yet to get the refund. i called to see how long it would take or if i could just get it credited towards taking a class at a different time - have yet to hear back.... read more