Aerial Arts of Rochester

What Aerial Arts of Rochester does

Aerial Arts of Rochester is a privately held circus arts training and wellness center headquartered at the University Business Center, 1046 University Ave, Rochester, NY. Founded in 2010 by Jennifer D'Ovidio and co-owned with William D'Ovidio, the business operates from an approximately 13,000 square foot facility featuring The Arena (7,500 sq ft that doubles as a 225-seat theater), a 900 sq ft Pole Studio, a 950 sq ft Fitness Studio, a 600 sq ft gym space, observation deck, and kitchen. Core programming spans aerial silks, aerial hoop/lyra, dance trapeze, aerial yoga/hammock, bungee dance fitness, pole dance, and ground fitness classes offered at progressive levels (1–5) to youth, teens, and adults.

The company operates a multi-revenue model combining recurring class memberships (5/10/15 classes per month with auto-renewal and rollover), one-off party bookings (youth, adult, bachelorette starting at $295), youth and adult summer camps, private lessons, studio space rentals ($20–$250/hour), Cirque Performance Troupe entertainment hire, interactive education workshops, and paid studio consultation services for new aerial/circus facility operators. Customers access services via a Rochester studio location, on-site visits to corporate and school clients, and external venue performances. Underlying technology is limited to the Wellness Living third-party booking/CRM platform and a proprietary branded mobile app (iOS/Android) for reservations, cancellations, and membership management; the business also uses a proprietary skill-chart progress tracking system to standardize curriculum.

The go-to-market motion is community-led, anchored by partnerships with colleges (RIT, St. John Fisher, Nazareth), K-12 schools, Girl Scouts of WNY, corporate clients (Target, Lululemon, Yelp Events), and regional entertainment/healthcare/nonprofit venues. The company is independently owned with no disclosed external funding, no parent company, and historical satellite operations in Buffalo (UP! Aerial Fitness) and Greece, NY that have since consolidated into the Rochester flagship.

Name

Aerial Arts of Rochester

Legal name

Aerial Arts of Rochester

Website

https://aerialartsrochester.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aerial Arts of Rochester is a privately held circus arts training and wellness center in Rochester, NY, offering aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, pole, bungee, and fitness classes, plus parties, camps, performances, and studio consultation for youth, adults, schools, and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Circus Arts Training and Wellness

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAAACAC

Aerial Adventure Parks (Multi-Element Courses)

Travel & Hospitality/Adventure, Amusement Parks & Ecotourism/Adventure Parks & Aerial Courses (Zipline, Ropes, Canopy)

SECONDARYTHAAAKAN

Adventure Equipment Rental, Retail & Service Centers (Gear Hire, Repairs)

Travel & Hospitality/Adventure, Amusement Parks & Ecotourism/Adventure Sports & Activity Centers (Paragliding, Skydiving, Surf Schools)

SECONDARYTHAJAEAI

Adventure & Aerial Parks (Ropes Courses, Zipline Parks, Climbing Parks)

Travel & Hospitality/Tours, Attractions & Experiences/Theme Parks, Water Parks & Family Entertainment Centers

Keywords

• Circus arts training
• Aerial fitness classes
• Performing arts education
• Circus entertainment booking
• Alternative fitness programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Class Fees and Memberships: Revenue from single class visits, multi-class passes (introductory 3-class pass), and monthly memberships offering 5, 10, or 15 classes per month. Memberships include free gym access, no joining fees for teens/adults, auto-renewal, and rollover visits.
2. Party Bookings: Birthday parties for youth, tween/teen, and adults including aerial adventures, superhero training, pole parties, and bungee blast. Minimum $295 event fee with $25 per additional participant.
3. Summer Camps: Youth Cirque Stars Summer Camp for ages 5-7 and 8-11, running specific weeks in July with multiple session options.
4. Studio Rental (Rent-A-Room): Rental of facility spaces including Arena ($250+ for 2 hours), Skyview Fitness ($25/hour), Classroom/Fitness Studio ($35/hour), Skyview Kitchen ($20/hour). Requires proof of insurance naming Aerial Arts as additional insured.
5. Cirque Performance Troupe Hire: Professional entertainment booking for events, fundraisers, fairs, and private parties. Offers customized formal performances (15-60 minutes), ambiance performances (up to 2 hours), and aerial bartending.
6. Studio Consultation Services: Business, marketing and strategy consultations for organizations looking to open or enhance pole dance, circus arts, or aerial fitness facilities. Includes 15-minute free discovery call, $100/hour consultations, $275/3-hour package, and $60/hour and up for new program training.
7. Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction available for most apparatuses in 30-minute (youth only), 45-minute, and 60-minute sessions. Rates vary by discipline and instructor level. Group private lessons for 2-3 participants available.
8. Interactive Education: Educational workshops for schools, community centers, colleges, and festivals including Cirque Kids Show, Circus Skillz Workshop, and public speaking engagements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Aerial Arts of Rochester operates a 13,000-square-foot circus arts training and wellness center offering year-round aerial and alternative fitness classes (aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, pole, bungee, aerial yoga/hammock, and ground-based fitness) for youth, teens, and adults. The business also functions as an events and performance venue providing birthday parties, field trips and team building, summer camps, studio rentals, and a hireable professional Cirque Performance Troupe, and offers business consultation services to organizations opening similar facilities.

Product overview

Aerial Arts of Rochester is a Circus Arts Training and Wellness Center offering a comprehensive suite of aerial and fitness classes and event services. The core educational products include Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop/Lyra, Dance Trapeze, Aerial Yoga & Hammock, Bungee Fitness, and Pole Dance classes offered at progressive skill levels (Levels 1-5). Supporting programs include Youth & Tween Classes, Private Lessons, and Cirque Star Summer Camp. The company also operates as an events venue offering Birthday Parties (youth and adult), Field Trips & Team Building experiences, Studio Rental, and Cirque Performance Troupe entertainment for hire. Additional services include Interactive Education workshops and Studio Consultation for those looking to open similar facilities. Membership plans provide recurring access to classes with gym benefits.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aerial Silks Classes Fabric apparatus classes where students learn to wrap, pose, climb, and perform drops on suspended silks, offered at progressive levels from beginner through advanced (Levels 1–5) for students seeking aerial arts training.
• Aerial Hoop (Lyra) Classes Classes on a circular steel apparatus where students learn mounts, dismounts, poses, transitions, and spins, offered at Levels 1–3.
• Dance Trapeze Classes Single-point dance trapeze classes combining artistic choreography with trapeze fundamentals, offered at Levels 1–3 for students interested in performance-style aerial work.
• Aerial Yoga & Hammock Classes Classes utilizing suspended fabric sling/hammock for yoga-inspired movements, stretches, and aerial conditioning, including Aerial Yoga, Aerial Hammock/Sling, Core Aerial, and Hammock Flow offerings.
• Bungee Dance Fitness Cardio-based fitness class using harnesses with bungee cords for resistance training and bouncing exercises, offered for general fitness consumers and available as a party option.
• Pole Dance Classes Vertical apparatus pole dancing and fitness classes including Level 1–3 Pole Dance, Exotic Chair Dance, Lollipop (Pole & Hoop), Swinging Pole, and Open Pole Practice.
• Fitness & Ground Classes Ground-based fitness classes including Stretching for Flexibility, PiYo, Vinyasa Yoga, Belly Dance, AcroYoga, Barre, Pole Conditioning, Cirque Fit, Trampoline Fitness, and Open Practice sessions.
• Youth & Tween Classes Age-specific circus arts programming for children ages 5–11 including introductory classes, youth aerial, and tween aerial with separate fabric and metals tracks.
• Private Lessons One-on-one instruction available for most apparatuses, offered in 30-minute (youth only), 45-minute, and 60-minute sessions for students seeking personalized progression.
• Cirque Star Summer Camp Annual summer camp programs for children ages 5–11 featuring aerial hammock, hoop, trapeze, hula hoops, stilt walking, and circus activities.
• Children's Birthday Parties Party packages for children ages 4+ including Greatest Show Stoppers, Superhero Training, and Aerial Adventures themes, lasting 90 minutes with a $295 event minimum for up to 8 participants.
• Adult Parties Adult party options including Aerial Adventure, Pole Dancing, Combination Pole & Aerial, and Bungee Blast packages for events like bachelorette parties, with $295 minimum for up to 8 participants.
• Field Trips & Team Building Group event packages for team building, scout outings, summer camp trips, college orientations, and corporate groups up to 40 participants at the studio location.
• Studio Rental (Rent-A-Room) Rental of studio spaces including The Arena (7,000+ sq ft), Skyview Fitness, Classroom/Fitness Studio, Skyview Kitchen, and outdoor areas at rates from $20/hour, requiring proof of insurance.
• Cirque Performance Troupe Professional circus entertainment troupe available for hire featuring aerial silks, hoop, corde lisse, acroyoga, juggling, fire performances, pole acrobatics, Cyr wheel, and more for events, fundraisers, and private parties across Upstate NY and WNY.
• Interactive Education Educational circus programs for schools and community groups including 45-minute Cirque Kids Show (up to 12 volunteers), 60-minute Circus Skillz Workshop (groups of 25 or less), and public speaking presentations.
• Studio Consultation Business consulting services for individuals and organizations looking to open pole dance, circus arts, or aerial fitness facilities, including business, marketing, strategy, and new program training delivered via Zoom or in-person.
• Student Showcases & Themed Productions Twice-yearly student showcases (winter and summer) and themed productions where students perform in a 225-seat theater at the studio.
• Monthly Memberships Monthly membership plans for teens and adults offering 5, 10, or 15 classes per month with benefits including gym access, free guest passes, auto-renewal, no joining fees, and rollover visits.

Quantifiable outcome

• 225-seat theater capacity for student showcases
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• EboniFit and Wellness InstituteminorOthersCo-located wellness businesses sharing the Aerial Arts of Rochester facility at University Business Center location. EboniFit operates as a separate wellness brand utilizing the shared studio space.
• Olean Family YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization that Aerial Arts of Rochester has helped through studio consultation and support, part of their mission to assist other organizations in adding unique fitness programming.
• Tough LotusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization that Aerial Arts of Rochester has helped through studio consultation and business support in the circus arts/fitness space.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Pure Barre: National boutique barre fitness franchise with subscription-based memberships and leveled class structure. Comparable in membership model, class-based revenue, and target demographic of women seeking alternative fitness.
• Cirque du Soleil: Global entertainment powerhouse producing live circus and aerial performances. Comparable in performance troupe and event entertainment offerings, though at a vastly larger scale; sets the cultural ceiling for the aerial arts category.
• Club Pilates: National boutique fitness franchise offering reformer-based group Pilates classes. Comparable in subscription-membership model, leveled curriculum, and franchise-friendly operational structure that has scaled across the U.S.

Direct peers

• Bklyn Beast: Aerial arts and circus school in Brooklyn offering classes, performances, and youth programming across silks, hoop, trapeze, and acrobatics. Comparable niche circus arts training operator with a community-driven model and event-based revenue.
• AntiGravity: NYC-based aerial arts, circus, and fitness studio offering aerial hammock, silks, hoop, and acrobatic conditioning. Direct peer in multi-discipline aerial training and consumer fitness, with similar revenue model built around classes, memberships, and events.
• Body & Pole: Brooklyn-based pole dance, aerial, and movement studio offering classes, private lessons, performances, and parties. Direct peer in pole and aerial fitness with a comparable adult-leaning customer base and party/event business model.
• Trapeze School New York: Founded in 2002, TSNY is the original and largest indoor flying trapeze and aerial arts school in NYC with multiple locations. Directly comparable as a multi-discipline aerial arts training facility offering classes, parties, performances, and team-building for similar customer segments.
• The Muse Brooklyn: Brooklyn circus arts and fitness studio offering aerial, pole, acrobatics, and conditioning for adults and youth. Direct peer in multi-discipline circus training, memberships, and showcase-driven community engagement.
• SAY Studio: Brooklyn-based pole dance and aerial studio with a curriculum-based progression system across pole, silks, hoop, and conditioning. Comparable in skill-charter progression, party offerings, and instructor-led aerial disciplines.

Regional players

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park: National franchise of indoor trampoline and active entertainment parks offering parties, group events, and youth programming. Comparable in party/event business model (birthday parties, team-building, youth camps) serving similar local-market consumer segments.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/AerialArtsRoc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZX0M--DaDk1h2n1fW2fAtg
• Facebookfacebook.com/aerialartsrochester
• Instagraminstagram.com/aerialartsrochester
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aerial-arts-of-rochester

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aerial Arts of Rochester