From the Stage to the Air
Dancing with "Silks", Hoops, and Hammocks
Using full body power and strength, the aerial dancer launches against traditional forces and experiences the creative possibilities of the vertical realm. Combining a variety of apparatus, such as suspended fabrics, hoops, rings, swings, and ropes, the dancer learns to climb, roll, extend and, contract while developing courage, expression, lightning reflexes, and unparalleled strength.
Mission Statement
Florida Aerial Dance & Circus Arts LLC provides the highest standard of instruction to engage and motivate toward strength, stability and co-ordination. Through a technical syllabus, students develop discipline, respect, confidence, self-esteem and a standard of excellence that will carry over into other aspects of their lives.
Our Instructors
MARIA-ELENA MARSO: started dancing in September 1974 and has never stopped. Her performance career, spanning four decades and six continents, includes Regional Ballet Companies, Dinner Theater, Summer Stock, Repertory Theater, European Tours, Cunard Cruise Lines, and Walt Disney World Productions: Tokyo, Japan. Her unique perspective of dance instruction blends sound biomechanical principles with traditional dance progressions - this safeguards the individual’s joint ranges, enabling them to develop muscular integrity, while ensuring longevity. Maria-Elena has taught classes in Performing Arts for over 30 years. She has taught Circus Arts, Musical Theater, Acting, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Modern, Swing, Salsa, and Tango to hundreds of students in Florida, New York, Delaware, and California. She holds certifications in Pilates and Yoga and continues to update her education in Bio-Mechanics and Anatomy. She is a member of AYCO/ACE and has been accepted into the prestigious Nimble Arts Teacher Certification Program at New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA).
BRENT DURHAM: has been teaching Gymnastics, Martial Arts and Circus Arts for over 13 years. Brent was head coach of the Boundless Gymnastics Competitive boys team in Palm City and Stuart from 2018 - 2023. An accomplished gymnast and martial artist, Brent continues to perform his Aerial Strap act for corporate events, theatrical productions and at the South Florida Fairgrounds Fright Nights!
SOLEIL CHANG: has been a proud and dedicated member of FADCA since 2019. She loves the excitement of combining strength, flexibility and grace to please the audience. Her passion for the art is matched my a string of victories at the state and international level along with performances at popular venues. As a coach, Soleil love to bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm , inspiring students to reach their full potential and continue the tradition of excellent in Circus Arts.
ALYSON OATES: started her Circus journey in 2017 and began performing at the Cirque Pret level in 2020. Alyson recently began attending Indian River State College, heading towards a degree in Psychology. She loves everything to do with circus and will take up any opportunity to perform. Alyson started assistant teaching in 2023 and is extremely excited to continue teaching throughout her college years.
ELLA OSTER: Circus Arts is Ella's passion! She has been performing for the past eight years and assistant teaching for two years. She feels truly blessed to work with such amazing people.
JOE MARSO: A native of Santa Barbara California, Joe worked for years as test technician for Delco diagnosing and repairing Carousel 4 Inertial Navigation Systems and F-16 Fire Control Computers. He trained gymnastics at University of California, Santa Barbara under Mircea Badulescu and later coached for USCB's Spirals Gymnastics Level 1 - 6. Joe now is a Muscle Activation Techniques RX Certified Specialist restoring strength and flexibility to professional golfers, tennis players and the NY Mets during Spring Training.
Take Dancing to New Heights
Aerial dance arts are not a one-size fits all. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s a whole new way of thinking about building elasticity and strength through different forces and types of movement. Class levels include Beginner & Intermediate. Advanced level classes require audition or invitation for enrollment. Call Florida Aerial Dance & Circus Arts.
