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Great Lakes Circus Center

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Pole studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Aerial arts too Beginner-friendly

Plan your first class

Hours

Monday 5–9 pm
Tuesday 5–9 pm
Wednesday 5–9 pm
Thursday 5–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–12 pm
Sunday 1–3 pm

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and class schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they teach

Pole and aerial classes on the schedule at Great Lakes Circus Center, confirmed in students' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💪 Pole Fitness 2 mentions

“Katherine, Jenn and Sabrina are such amazing instructors that they have given me the confidence not only to try new things but also to build my strength.”

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🌱 Beginner Pole 3 mentions

“Youth and adult classes in several disciplines, many of which are beginner friendly (as in, “I can’t even do a pull up” friendly).”

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🌀 Spin Pole 2 mentions

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🎀 Aerial Silks 7 mentions

“I was always drawn to aerial silks but wasn’t sure if it was something I could do personally.”

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Aerial Hoop (Lyra) 4 mentions

“They have classes in silks, trapeze, Lyra, flow arts/juggling, rope, flexibility, etc.”

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🤸 Flexibility & Stretch 5 mentions

“They have classes in silks, trapeze, Lyra, flow arts/juggling, rope, flexibility, etc.”

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What's on offer

Amenities students name in their reviews of Great Lakes Circus Center — the fastest way to tell what to expect before you book your first class.

🎀 Aerial Apparatus 7 mentions

“I was always drawn to aerial silks but wasn’t sure if it was something I could do personally.”

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🤸 Flexibility Training 2 mentions

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🤝 Community Events 7 mentions

“The instructors are knowledgeable and safety focused, and there's a great community of regular and drop-in students.”

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Amenities are mined from reviews and the studio's own info — they tell you what students have experienced, not a formal guarantee. If something is a dealbreaker (grip aids, showers, private parties), confirm it with the studio before you go.

What students say again and again

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 18 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Youth and adult classes in several disciplines, many of which are beginner friendly (as in, “I can’t even do a pull up” friendly).”

🧑‍🏫 amazing instructors 3 mentions

“Katherine, Jenn and Sabrina are such amazing instructors that they have given me the confidence not only to try new things but also to build my strength.”

strong community vibe 10 mentions

“The instructors are very knowledgeable and friendly, the variety of classes available is exciting, and the other students are so welcoming.”

From the reviews

I was always drawn to aerial silks but wasn’t sure if it was something I could do personally. Katherine, Jenn and Sabrina are such amazing instructors that they have given me the confidence not only to try new things but also to build my strength. I have become completely hooked now and love the friends I have made.

★★★★★ — Anne, May 2023

Best circus gym in Grand Rapids! Youth and adult classes in several disciplines, many of which are beginner friendly (as in, “I can’t even do a pull up” friendly). Also has the tallest ceilings of any of the local circus gyms for those of us more along in our practice.

★★★★★ — Sierra, Apr 2026

I have known these excellent instructors for many years now. They have great depth of knowledge and an ability to communicate with different kinds of learners. Safety is very important and they know how to spot properly as well as make sure students are safe as they execute skills in the air.

★★★★★ — Amelia, Jan 2023

Staff was awesome! Felt very welcomed and encouraged throughout my class! Would be fun for people to try with a group of friends!

★★★★★ — Ashley, Jan 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

Your first pole class at Great Lakes Circus Center

Nervous about your first pole class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects total beginners to walk in the door. Here's what to know. You don't need to be strong, flexible, or thin to start — pole builds all of that, and your first class is about learning to spin, walk the pole, and hold on, not inverting on day one. What to expect: a warm-up, some conditioning, and a few basic spins or a short combo — it's a real full-body workout, so expect to sweat and to feel it in your arms and core the next day. Rest whenever you need to; no one is watching or judging. What to wear: shorts and a tank or sports bra — bare skin on your arms, legs, and stomach is what grips the pole, so save the leggings for aerial or floorwork. Skip the lotion the day of class; it makes the pole slippery. Grip aids: most studios keep grip liquid (Dry Hands / iTac) on hand, and knee pads make floorwork comfy — ask at the front desk. What to bring: water and a small towel. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet your instructor. It clicks fast — most people leave their first class already planning the next one.

Pole is for every body, and it's about strength, artistry, and confidence — not performing for anyone else. If you're pregnant or working around an injury, check with a doctor and let your instructor know so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Great Lakes Circus Center

3516 Roger B Chaffee Memorial Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI49548

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.