Young Flyers - FAQs

     What is Youth Circus?

Youth Circus offers fun, safe aerial circus training for children and young people across our two London venues. While it might look like play, aerial circus also helps improve strength, coordination, balance, stamina, flexibility and confidence. Your Young and Teen Flyers will get to try out static trapeze, aerial slings, aerial hoop or aerial sling in weekly classes. 
     What age can my child start?

We offer classes and workshops for a range of ages:
  • Little Flyers Classes are for ages 5-6
  • Young Flyers Classes are for ages 7-11 or 7-16
  • Teen Flyer Classes are for ages 11-16
  • Summer camps are suitable for ages 7–16
  • Family workshops welcome ages 4–104!
  • Birthday parties have a minimum age of 7
     Do children need previous experience?

Not at all! All of our sessions are beginner-friendly and designed for children with little or no aerial experience, unless stated otherwise in the class title and description, don't worry, we'll make it obvious!
     Where do your youth circus sessions run?

We have two Fantastic locations in Bankside / Union Street (SE1 0LR) and Peckham (SE15 5BA, in the back of the Lidl Car park)
     Can my child try a class before committing to the term?

For the first half of term, we do trials for all of the classes that have spaces in them for £23. We turn off trial classes after half term so that existing students can work on progressions! To book your trial, go to our PEBBLE BOOKING PAGE
     What happens after the trial? How do we book the full term?

You're receive an invitation directly from class for kids to book for the rest of the term! Your space in the class will be saved for at least three days after the session to allow you time to book in!
     Is there an assessment or audition?

No! All of our classes and workshops are suitable for all levels, no experience necessary. We have created a space where children can move and explore aerial without the pressure of assessments or grading. Children will be divided within the class by ability, so everyone will have a challenge suitable for their level!
     What should my child wear?

  • Leggings or fitted sportswear
  • A top that covers the shoulders
  • No zips, sequins, studs or baggy clothing
  • No jewellery, especially rings - so please leave them at home so you don’t lose them!
  • No shoes are needed for aerial 
     Does my child need special footwear?

No! Bare feet are best for aerial.
     Should long hair be tied back?

Yes please! Long hair can get caught while doing aerial so it's best to keep it up and out of the way so your flyers have less to distract them in the air!
     What should I bring?

A bottle of water and a snack for after the session is always a good idea! If the weather is warm, consider bringing some layers so your flyers can add or remove layers for comfort.
     What equipment is used in class?

We usually focus on the core 4, aerial hoop, silks, trapeze and sling in our Young and Teen Flyer classes, but we like to throw in the occasional treat of trying something new, like cloud swing or loops!
     How are classes grouped?

Classes are overall grouped by age, Little Flyers Classes are for ages 5-6, Young Flyers Classes are for ages 7-11 or 7-16 and
Teen Flyer Classes are for ages 11-16. Within these groups, classes will be split by ability to ensure that everyone gets a challenge suitable for their level!
     What if my child is on the edge of an age bracket?

Our younger age limits are quite strict to ensure everyone in the class is a suitable age for the class, but if your child wants to carry on in their current class for a while after they are old enough to progress, for instance to stay in the same group as a friend or sibling, then that's fine by us! 
     How long is each class?

All of our term time classes for young and teen flyers are 75 minute long sessions. Young Flyers term time classes are 45 minutes long. 
     What is the ratio of students-to-teachers in classes?

The ratio of students to teachers will usually be 6:1, but there are a couple of classes that will be up to 7:1. 
     Will my child progress to harder moves, or stay at the same level?

Your children will progress into harder moves as the term goes on, we close off new bookings after the half term so the whole group can work on progressions without newer students needing recaps on the basics!
     What happens if my child outgrows the age group they are in mid-term?

Your child will still be able to finish the term in the class they are signed up for. If they wish to continue in that class for another term or two so that they can stay with a friend or sibling, they will be welcome to do so!
     Do you do any performances or showcases?

At the end of terms and our week long summer camps, parents are invited back in the last half hour of the session to watch what their flyers have been up to with us with plenty of photo and video oppurtunities to remember their fantastic experience by!
     How do I book children's classes and camps?

You can book all children's sessions through our booking site HERE!

If you want to book a private session for your children, please email Molly@flyingfantastic.co.uk as this is done through our adults booking site, Mindbody.

 
     How much do classes cost?

Class prices vary according to the length of the class, but all prices are shown on our booking site. Our young and teen flyer termly classes are £23 for 75 minutes and little flyers are £15 for 45 minutes. 
     What are your term dates?

Our classes typically follow Southwark's term dates but to be sure you can check HERE
     Do classes run during half term and school holidays?

There are no classes at half term or during school holidays, but we will have camps and other fun activities which you can view HERE!

Classes will run as usual on bank holiday Mondays unless it is during school holidays or half terms, so please check your session dates carefully!
     Can I pay monthly instead of the full term upfront?

We do require full payment at the time of booking. If you need financial help with paying for sessions, please reach out to Molly@flyingfantastic.co.uk to ask about subsidies and we will see what we can do with our charity Open Aerial!
     Can I transfer or refund term-time classes?

Unfortunately, term-time classes are non-refundable and non-transferable except where sessions cannot run due to Government restrictions. You can always book a trial class before booking the whole term so your flyers can try taking flight before commiting to a full term! 
     What if we can't make the term time classes?

We have plenty of aerial fun for you in the holidays, including day long camps, family workshops and week long summer camps so your young circus stars have plenty to try out!
     Do my children need to be strong to start?

No! Join us and your flyers will gain strength without even realising through all the fun! Flying Fantastic's classes and camps are suitable for absolute beginners, we love getting people active for the first time!
     What is watching week?

Watching week is the second to last class in term, where grown ups will be invited to the last half hour of class to watch what their flyers have been up to all term! It's nothing serious, just a fun oppurtunity to show off their new skills!
     What holiday sessions do you run?

We have week-long summer camps during the summer break, one-day camps on half terms, sometimes with a festive theme to fit the season! We run family workshops during the holidays too, fun for the whole family age 4-104!

We also put on special workshops occassionally such as sessions on specific equipment or jam-packed full of games!
     What happens in a summer camp?

SO MUCH UPSIDE DOWN FUN!

On our week long summer camps, flyers age 7-16yo get to do the core four: aerial hoop, silks, trapeze and sling as well as try out some of our more niche aerial equipment and do complimentary circus skills too! To see a sample timetable CLICK HERE!

To finish the week, on the Friday there will be a short show for your flyers to showcase their favourite apparatus and what they're learnt with us!
     Is lunch provided for Summer Camps?

No, please send your flyer to us with a bottle of water, a packed lunch and some snacks for the breaks during the day!
     What are camp hours, and do you provide early drop off/late pick up?

Our day-long and summer camps run from 10am-4pm. We don't offer early drop-off or late pick up, sorry!
     Where do I drop off/pick up my child?

Union Street:
Arch 27, Old union yard arches, 229 Union St, London SE1 0LR. We are slightly hidden away in the railway arches behind the Africa centre. If you are coming to us from Southwark Tube Station or Waterloo, turn right throught the gate just after the sign for the Old Union Yard Arches. You can drop your flyers off with us at reception!

Peckham:
Unit 1B BELLENDEN ROAD (In Lidl car park), 1 Bellenden Rd, London SE15 5BA. As stated, we are actually at the back of the Lidl Car Park in Peckham, so come and find us and say hi!

 
     Can parents watch the class/camp?

We usually suggest parents leave during the class so that the flyers can fully focus on aerial and get lost in the magic of being upside down. Parents are not allowed in the studio during classes, but for summer camps and term time classes, there will be a watching week on the last day of camp, or the second to last week of term so your flyers can show you what they've been up to with us!
     Can I cancel my summer camp booking?

Our summer camps are non-refundable and non-transferable except where sessions cannot run due to Government restrictions. The camp is structured so that your flyers will work on progressions through the week so we cannot offer individual days either, sorry!
     What happens at an aerial party?

Our Fantastic parties are an hour and a half of aerial fun and games! You'll get to choose two pieces of equipment to explore, we usually suggest sling and hoop but silks and trapeze are also available. There will be plenty of games, learning some fun shapes and snazzy moves on the equipment and of course the oppurtunity for some awesome photos!
View more information about parties HERE!
     How do I book a children's party?

You can book your party via email, phone or online. To book online click HERE!
     How many children can attend a party?

Each party includes up to 12 participants. If you have a larger group, you can add extra participants at £35pp but this will need to be confirmed at least 2 weeks before the party date so we can make sure we have enough of our wonderful instructors to make your flyer’s birthday party the best it can be!
     Do kids need previous aerial experience to come to a party?

Absolutely! Our parties are designed for complete beginners and no prior experience is needed as we’ll structure your party to the level of the participants!
     Can we bring food or a birthday cake to our party?

We don’t have the facilities to cater for food after your party but we will happily recommend some local places for after the party, just pop us an email!
     Where and when do parties take place?

We usually run parties on Saturdays at 3:30-5pm in both our Union Street and Peckham Studios although we may have availability at another time, depending on our timetable. 
     How much does a party cost?

A 90-minute aerial party costs £390 for up to 12 participants. We require full payment at time of booking. 
     Can I cancel my party?

We cannot offer refunds on group or party bookings with less than 3 weeks notice, but will give a 50% refund if cancelled with more than 3 weeks notice. Rescheduling is subject to Flying Fantastic’s availability and discretion.
     What if I'm late for pick up?

Please call the studio to let us know on 020 7928 2093. 
     Are there changing rooms?

We have changing rooms at both our Union Street and Peckham studios
     What are the benefits of aerial for my child?

It is well known how good aerial training is for children. Aerial classes develop children’s creativity, social skills and enhance their motor dexterity. Whilst also improving their strength, stamina, balance, coordination and confidence in a safe and fun environment.
     Is aerial safe for my child?

With proper equipment, training and supervision, Aerial Arts are as safe as any other recreational sport or rigorous physical activity you may engage in. (Needless to say, we have crash mats beneath all apparatus just in case!)
     Is there parking available?

Union Street: As you might imagine, parking around central London is limited. Our central London studio is right next to Southwark tube station, and a short walk to Waterloo so we would suggest using public transport to get here. Or you could hop on a bike!

Peckham: You can use the Lidl car park, but please be aware there is a strict 90 minute time limit which is enforced by Lidl's cameras of which we have no control, so be sure to set an alarm to avoid paying any pesky fines!
     How easy is it to use public transport to get to your studios?

Union Street: We are a short walk from Southwark tube station, or about 15/20 minutes from Waterloo, Waterloo East, London Bridge or Blackfriars railway stations. Local buses include: 40, 63, 344, 381, 468,1, 68, 172, 176, 188, C10, 35, 133, 343. 

Peckham: We are about a 10 minute walk from Peckham Rye train station (no step free access). Peckham High Street is served by buses: 12, 36, 136, 171, 343, 345, 436, N89, N136, N171, N343. With 37, 63, 78, 177, 197, 363, 381, N63, N381, P12, P13 buses running very close by (no more than 2 minutes walk).
     Do you need to know about allergies and medical information in advance?

It will always help to know your child's needs beforehand so we can ensure we can plan the best possible session for your flyers and support them in their aerial exploration journey! 
     Is the equipment regularly checked and safe?

We are constantly reviewing the condition of our equipment everytime an instructor sets up for class, as well as biannual rigging checks done by qualified professionals. 
     I want to have a go! Do you offer adult classes?

Of course! You can check out our adult classes HERE!
 

Still not found the info you're after?

We're sure there are lots of things you might need to know before you book your flyers in. Above is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If the answer to your question isn't here, please feel free to drop us a line and we'll do all we can. You can call usin the studio on 020 7928 2093 or Drop us a line on: molly@flyingfantastic.co.uk