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A woman at sunset on aerial silks

Meet Our Instructors

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Mindy Cochran, Founder

Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Aerial Hoop, Flying Pole, Stiltwalking, Interval Training Instructor, Go-Go Dancing

Mindy holds numerous certifications in aerial and group fitness. She is a dedicated practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, aerial hoop, and flying pole. Mindy earned first place as a soloist in Montana’s first-ever pole competition and was a finalist in Montana's Got Talent (performing a duet with Instructor Mariah Gladstone). She began her acrobatics journey at 33 years young, with no prior experience in dance or gymnastics, and passionately believes that aerial arts are movement medicine for all ages!

Read Mindy's full bio here. 

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Lune Axelsen

Aerial Hoop, Lollipop, Yoga

 

A lover of movement and art, Lune found aerial arts to be a fulfilling way to blend her passions. As a child, her father introduced her to Hatha yoga, which provided an outlet for physical movement while helping her manage stress and face the trials of life. Along her journey, Lune developed a devotion to rock climbing and became a climbing guide. Soon after, she was introduced to the aerial hoop and immediately fell in love. Here was an apparatus that combined movement and art with the strength, flexibility, and focus she’d learned from yoga and climbing, and provided an outlet for self-expression. 

Carrying certifications in XPERT aerial hoop instruction in addition to many years as a certified yoga instructor, Lune brings a unique level of expertise and dedication that you won't find elsewhere in the Flathead Valley. As a lifelong learner, Lune continues to expand her aerial practice - deepening her skills on aerial silks and hammock; and she has fallen in love with a new apparatus - the lollipop (a vertical pole with a hoop attached at the top). Lune also enjoys performing at festivals and events, where she shares the beauty and power of aerial movement with others.

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Catherine Murray

Aerial Hoop, Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks

 

Catherine has been immersed in the world of aerial fitness for over a decade, building a deep foundation across multiple apparatuses. While her artistry and precision shine brightest on the aerial hoop, her curiosity has led her to expand her skills into aerial hammock, silks, and most recently, flying pole. This breadth of experience allows her to bring creativity, adaptability, and a well-rounded perspective into every class she teaches.

As a longtime Flathead Valley resident and type 1 diabetic, Catherine knows firsthand what it means to face and overcome obstacles in fitness and life. Her journey through health challenges has shaped her into a compassionate, resilient, and relatable instructor who meets students where they are. She believes progress comes from consistent effort, supportive community, and celebrating small victories along the way.

Outside the studio, Catherine works as a software engineer and loves spending time outdoors with friends and family. She cherishes the friendships she’s built through her aerial journey and is passionate about sharing her love of aerial with the Flathead Valley

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Chrystal Effertz

Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks, Stiltwalking

 

Chrystal is an accomplished aerialist and performer with an impressive repertoire spanning aerial hammock, aerial silks, stiltwalking, and a wide range of flow arts. Her career has taken her to big stages—including opening for New Kids on the Block—as well as countless community events where she brings awe and inspiration to audiences of all ages.

Having called Montana home for over 20 years, Chrystal has become a cornerstone of the local aerial arts community. She is deeply respected not only for her artistry, but also for her ability to connect, encourage, and inspire her students. As a devoted wife and proud mom, she brings warmth, patience, and perspective into every class.

Chrystal carefully cultivates her classes to be safe, supportive, and empowering spaces where every student can progress at their own pace. She has a gift for breaking down complex movements into approachable steps while simultaneously nurturing confidence and creativity. Her students describe her as both technical and uplifting. In her classes, students learn how to trust themselves and embrace their unique strengths.

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Mariah Gladstone

Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Flying Pole

Mariah’s aerial journey began over a decade ago, sparked by a passion for creative movement and a deep curiosity for the possibilities of the human body. Over the years, she has trained extensively in pole, aerial silks, and hoop, while also branching into self-taught disciplines such as aerial straps and poi—showcasing her dedication, versatility, and innovative spirit.

 

As a core member of the Elevated Aerial Performance Collective, Mariah has captivated audiences at music festivals, private events, and community fundraisers across the region. Mariah's talent was spotlighted as a finalist in Montana’s Got Talent, where she performed a breathtaking duet with Elevated Aerial founder Mindy C., a testament to their artistic excellence and connection to the local community.

Like our other instructors, Mariah is a flourishing woman slaying goals outside of the studio. Mariah is a graduate from Columbia University with a degree in Environmental Engineering. She is the founder of Indigikitchen (a cooking show on pre-colonial cooking). Mariah has been recognized as one of the top 25 under 25 leaders in Indian County and also as a Champion for Change by the Aspen Institute. Her culinary talents have been showcased on HBO—an experience which highlights her natural stage presence, creativity, and ability to connect with audiences, qualities she also brings to her aerial performances and instruction.

When asked what she wants beginners to know about the aerial arts, she says “Aerial is for everyone! Sure, we come for classes because we love them, but we also gain strength, flexibility, and creativity through our practice! It is such an exhilarating way to workout.” 

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Bailey Plympton

Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Go-Go Dancing, Stiltwalking, Flying Pole

Bailey is a passionate instructor, a powerful performer, and a true embodiment of strength and resilience. As a cancer survivor, Epilepsy warrior, and proud mother of twins, she brings an unmatched level of grit, grace, and empathy to everything she does—both on and off the aerial apparatus. Her talent has been recognized on stage as well, earning her first place in the duet category at Montana’s very first pole competition.

Beyond her achievements, Bailey is known for her deep commitment to uplifting others. When asked what she’d like people to know about aerial fitness, she shared: “I fully believe that if I can do aerials, anyone can. I will be forever grateful for the incredible aerial community Mindy founded; and I will continuously strive to empower and support others in the community, as Mindy empowered me.”

Whether she’s performing or teaching, Bailey leads with authenticity, encouragement, and the belief that every person has the potential to discover strength and joy through movement.

Read more about Bailey's inspiring journey here. 

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Molly Cummings

Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Stiltwalking

Molly is a multi-talented artist whose passion for creative expression spans both the air and the stage. As an aerialist, she brings grace, strength, and intention to her movement—skills honed through years of dedicated training and performance. She is also a gifted vocalist, earning first place at the 406 Voice contest, a testament to her dynamic stage presence and emotional depth as a performer. Molly's aerial artistry was captured in 2019 when she modeled on aerial silks for Montana Woman Magazine, appearing alongside instructors Bailey and Mindy, showcasing their collective elegance in the air. In a full-circle moment, Elevated Aerialists even performed at Molly's wedding; celebrating her deep connection to the community she both inspires and uplifts.

 

As an instructor, Molly is known for her thoughtful, encouraging approach, helping others find confidence and joy in their own movement journeys. Her background in both aerial and vocal performance gives her a unique ability to connect, communicate, and elevate the energy of every space she’s in.

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Tala Mulder

Flow Arts, Go-Go Dancing

From an early age, Tala has been guided by her love of dance. Starting classes and performing in theaters as a young girl, she developed a deep passion for movement and self-expression that only grew stronger over time. In her twenties, she discovered the world of Flow Arts, and it immediately ignited a new kind of creative fire. Since that first moment, she hasn’t put her props down—transforming tools like hula hoops, silk fans, and even fire into graceful extensions of herself through years of dedicated practice.

With over seven years of experience in Flow Arts and as an artist sponsored by LiviJoyHoops, Tala has built lasting connections within the flow community and has performed at numerous events and venues, including dancing on the main stage at Montana's biggest EDM Festival alongside one of her favorite DJ's, Borgore. Her dedication and artistry naturally evolved into a love for teaching—a lifelong dream inspired by the instructors she admired as a child.

Now, as part of Elevated Fitness, Tala is thrilled to share her passion and help others discover their own flow. Her classes offer a welcoming space for self-expression, exploration, and self-love, where students are encouraged to move freely, build confidence, and embrace the joy of creative movement together.

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Chrystal
Molly
Tala
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