by Lorie Lewis Ham
Recently I learned that something new and exciting was opening in Downtown Fresno called Aerial Space. What is Aerial Space you ask? We chatted with owner/instructor Kelly Brianne to learn more. 
KRL: First off, what is aerial?
Kelly: Aerial is an art form where one or more aerialist performs sequencing on an apparatus that is suspended from the air, such as a silk, sling, lyra, etc.
Kelly Brianne
KRL: How did Aerial Space come to be?
Kelly: We have had quite the evolution. Most of us started our aerial career with Fresno Dance Collective (NOCO) with just a few classes and one main instructor. As students we became passionate about the art and eventually went to teacher training courses! When Fresno Dance Collective dissolved California Arts Academy adopted the aerial training program and most of our instructors ran the program and taught classes there until the pandemic shut Cal Arts down. So now here we are. Aerial Space was created as a way to continue the work and education that we started with NOCO and Cal Arts, but in our own space and with our own agenda.
Ally Bynum
KRL: Who all is involved?
Kelly: We have a small team of 6 certified aerial instructors! All of our instructors have athletic backgrounds from dance, gymnastics and figure skating, and also have several aerial and fitness certifications! Kelly Brianne-Owner & Aerial Silk Instructor, Brittany Kitchen-Aerial Silk, Sling, Lyra & Yoga Instructor, Meaghan McCready-Aerial Silk & Sling instructor, Ally Bynum-Aerial Silk Instructor, Kylie Carrigan-Aerial Silk & Sling Instructor w/ a Masters in Fine Art, Marisa Sanchez-Aerial Sling Instructor. Most of our Instructors have been teaching for over 6 years and performing even longer.
Marisa Sanchez-Bennett
KRL: What exactly do you offer?
Kelly: We offer a wide variety of Silk and Sling classes for ages 8-Adult! We also offer yoga and fitness classes to support our aerial practice.
Meaghan McCready
KRL: What are your goals for the business?
Brittany Kitchen
KRL: Why did you feel there was a need for this type of business?
Kelly: We have an aerial community that has been deprived of a training facility and community connection during the pandemic. For us aerial arts it is not just about fancy tricks and amazing athletes. It’s about family and community. We have become an outlet and safe space for a lot of people, and it is out of a love and strong sense of obligation to our community that we bring Aerial Space to life!
KRL: Where are you located?
Kylie Carrigan
Kelly: We are located in the heart of Downtown Fresno on Fulton St! 736 Fulton St Fresno, CA 93721
KRL: Where can people find you online and social media?
Kelly: www.aerialspacefresno.com @aerial_space_dtf
KRL: Anything you would like to add?
Kelly: We opened on June 6, 2022 and are offering a “Founders Unlimited Membership” for $125/month (normally $160/month) through June 30, 2022.
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