Contortion Classes in Kansas City
Train strength-based flexibility, balance, and control through structured progressions inspired by Pilates, yoga, and Mongolian contortion technique. This is intentional, coach-led training focused on alignment, joint safety, and long-term progress.
Instructor approval required. Get cleared via evaluation, private lesson, or instructor invitation.
View Schedule & Book NowWhat You’ll Learn in Contortion Class
Contortion training builds strength and control to support deeper flexibility in a safe, structured way. Instruction emphasizes alignment, active engagement, and long-term joint health rather than passive stretching or extreme positions.
In class, students will work on:
- Strength-based flexibility and controlled end-range engagement
- Balance poses such as elbow stands, handstands, and lever variations
- Backbending technique with an emphasis on spinal control and support
- Hip and shoulder mobility reinforced by active strength
- Injury-aware progressions adapted to individual bodies
Instruction prioritizes clear technique, safe progressions, and steady skill-building over time.
Who Contortion Classes Are For
Contortion training is best suited for:
- Current Kansas City Aerial Arts students with consistent training habits who are looking to expand their practice
- Students with long-term contortion or advanced flexibility goals
- Athletes from cheer, gymnastics, or dance seeking to expand strength, flexibility, and balance within their primary discipline
This class is not designed as a casual drop-in. Placement and instructor approval help ensure a supportive, safe training environment for all students.
Your Path to Intro to Contortion, Step-by-Step
🟪 I Have Relevant Experience
Request an Intro to Contortion Class Evaluation- For dancers, gymnasts, cheer athletes, and experienced movers
- Current aerialists or circus artists with relevant training
- Helps determine readiness and appropriate placement
🟪 I Want a Guided Entry Point
Start with Private Lessons- Open to all experience levels
- Build strength, flexibility, and control at your own pace
- Work directly with an instructor on contortion foundations
- Private lessons can be used to gain approval
🟪 I’m Already Training or Have Trained with the Instructor
Register for Intro to Contortion- For students currently taking private lessons or classes with the instructor
- Also applies to students with prior training history with the instructor
- Instructor invitation or confirmation indicates approval
Class Schedule & Registration
Intro to Contortion is offered as a 90-minute, 6-week session class. With just 10 spots per session, registration fills quickly.
Classes meet on Tuesdays from 6 PM – 7:30 PM.
Our Intro to Contortion class is small by design. That means you get more direct feedback from your coach, and a stronger foundation in every session.
- Small group size (max 10 students)
- 6-week session, 90 minutes per class
- Prior aerial experience required
- Evaluation or instructor approval needed
What to Expect
- Warm-up and conditioning to prepare the body
- Strength-based flexibility inspired by Pilates, yoga, and Mongolian contortion
- Balance shapes including elbow stands, handstands, and lever variations
- Supported back bending with an emphasis on alignment and control
Fall Session 1: 8/10-9/20
Fall Session 2: 9/21-11/1
Contortion classes are $178 for a 6-week session
Multi-class discount for signing up for more than one class per session.
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Perfect for refining Flying Pole skills, cross-training, or preparing for evaluations.
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Ready to train more this session?
Use our multi-class discounts to add that extra skills class—try a new apparatus or spend more time on your favorite.
Second class: 15% off — applied automatically at checkout.
Third class: 40% off — $99 — available through our desk staff or by emailing contact@kansascityaerialarts.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Intro to Contortion is designed for students who already have consistent training habits and are ready for structured flexibility work. Approval is required before enrolling. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready, an evaluation or private lesson is the best next step.
Students may be approved through one of three paths:
- Evaluation (recommended for students with relevant background or current aerial students)
- Private lessons (a guided entry point for any student)
- Instructor invitation (for students currently training with, or who have previously trained with, the instructor)
Classes focus on strength-based flexibility and control through structured progressions. Students work on warm-up and conditioning, mobility and flexibility development, balance shapes like elbow stands, handstands, and lever variations, and supported back bending with an emphasis on alignment and long-term progress.
When taught with proper progressions, strength, and instructor guidance, contortion training can be safe and sustainable. This class emphasizes alignment, active engagement, and joint safety rather than forcing extreme ranges of motion.
Wear fitted athletic clothing that allows full range of motion, such as leggings and a fitted top. Bringing water is recommended.
Yes. Many students use contortion training to support aerial work by improving flexibility, strength, and body awareness. If you’re enrolling in more than one class during the same session, a multi-class discount may apply at checkout.
General flexibility training often focuses on stretching and mobility. Contortion training focuses on strength and control at end ranges, balance, and technique-based progressions. Flexibility work can support contortion goals, but it’s not a replacement for contortion-specific instruction.
📍 Kansas City Aerial Arts
Town Center Plaza
5001 W 117th St
Leawood, KS 66211
🗺️ View on Google Maps
You’ll find us in Town Center Plaza, just off the alley between Sundance, North Face and Whole Harvest.
