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The Ann Arbor Aviary

4.8 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Pole studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Aerial arts too Beginner-friendly

Aerial fitness center featuring skills instruction and circus arts.

Plan your first class

  • Website & schedule a2aviary.com — book classes and see the live schedule

The classes they teach

Pole and aerial classes on the schedule at The Ann Arbor Aviary, confirmed in students' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💪 Pole Fitness 3 mentions

“The Aviary has helped me not only helped me build my physical strength, but also my confidence and social group.”

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🌱 Beginner Pole 10 mentions

“i’ve been enjoying the aerial silks beginners class for a couple months now and plan to continue going.”

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🌀 Spin Pole

“It's so warm and welcoming, yet it's staffed by experts in their art form who will take the time to teach you everything you need to know to swing, climb, spin, and soar.”

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🎀 Aerial Silks 3 mentions

“i’ve been enjoying the aerial silks beginners class for a couple months now and plan to continue going.”

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🤸 Flexibility & Stretch 2 mentions

“Every instructor is amazingly supportive, works with where you are in terms of strength and flexibility.”

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What's on offer

Amenities students name in their reviews of The Ann Arbor Aviary — the fastest way to tell what to expect before you book your first class.

🎀 Aerial Apparatus

“i’ve been enjoying the aerial silks beginners class for a couple months now and plan to continue going.”

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🤝 Community Events 8 mentions

“Classes are taught by the best instructors from Ann Arbor/Ypsi, Metro Detroit, Toledo, and Lansing, and amazing talent comes from far and wide to host workshops.”

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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 64 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“i’ve been enjoying the aerial silks beginners class for a couple months now and plan to continue going.”

🧑‍🏫 amazing instructors 4 mentions

“Every instructor is amazingly supportive, works with where you are in terms of strength and flexibility.”

💜 body-positive & judgment-free 5 mentions

“I have finally found a place to have fun and get some physical activity in a positive, healthy way in a body positive, welcoming environment.”

strong community vibe 14 mentions

“The instructors are encouraging and supportive, whether your goals are to perform, move up into more advanced classes, or just have fun and move your body.”

🎉 fun & non-intimidating 3 mentions

“You learn, you laugh, you get stronger, more bendy, you make friends, and it's so much fun!”

From the reviews

2023 update: Its been about 2 years since I started taking classes at the Aviary. I just performed in my first public show alongside my classmates, who I now consider my friends. The Aviary has helped me not only helped me build my physical strength, but also my confidence and social group.

★★★★★ — Rebecca, Oct 2023

This studio is hands down the best place to train in the Ann Arbor area! The teachers are excellent - they really know how to safely teach students at all levels. The Aviary community is friendly and supportive making it a lot of fun to take classes! Gorgeous new space (high ceilings!

★★★★★ — Mollie, Feb 2017

Without a doubt, the best circus school in the Ann Arbor area (and one of the best anyplace). It’s been a privilege to have gotten to know the folks at the Aviary.

★★★★★ — Corey, Apr 2017

I have been beyond thrilled with every class I've taken here over the past three years. Every instructor is amazingly supportive, works with where you are in terms of strength and flexibility.

★★★★★ — Stephanie, Apr 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 64 reviews →

Your first pole class at The Ann Arbor Aviary

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 The Ann Arbor Aviary

2875 Boardwalk Dr A, Ann Arbor, MI48105

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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.