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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, Fire & Go-Go Dancing

  • 🎓 Highly Certified

    • Holds multiple certifications in aerial, pole, and group fitness

    • Skilled practitioner and teacher of aerial silks, hammock, hoop, and pole

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  • 🏆 Accomplished Performer

    • 1st place soloist in Montana’s first-ever pole competition

    • Finalist in Montana's Got Talent (duet with Instructor Mariah Gladstone)

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  • 🌱 Inspiring Journey

    • Started acrobatics at 33, with no prior dance or gymnastics experience

    • Passionate believer that aerial arts are movement medicine for all ages

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🔗Read Mindy's full bio here. 

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Lune Axelsen

Aerial Hoop, Lollipop, Fire Dancing, Yoga

 

  • 🌱 Early Foundations

    • Introduced to Hatha yoga by her father as a child

    • Learned to use movement to manage stress and life’s challenges

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  • 🧗‍♀️ Passion for Movement

    • Fell in love with rock climbing and became a climbing guide

    • Discovered the aerial hoop and instantly connected with its blend of art with strength

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  • 💫 Ongoing Growth

    • Expanding her skills in aerial silks, hammock, and the lollipop (pole + hoop)

    • Performs at festivals and events, sharing the beauty and power of aerial movement

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Catherine Murray

Aerial Hoop, Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks

  • 🎪 A Decade in Aerial Fitness

    • 10+ years of experience across multiple apparatuses

    • Strengths in aerial hoop, with skills in hammock, silks, and flying pole

    • Brings creativity, adaptability, and a well-rounded teaching style

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  • 💜 Resilience & Real-Life Perspective

    • Longtime Flathead Valley resident

    • Navigates life and fitness as a type 1 diabetic

    • Teaches with compassion, relatability, and an emphasis on meeting students where they’re at

    • Believes in progress through consistency, community, and celebrating small wins

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  • 🌲 Life Beyond the Studio

    • Works as a software engineer

    • Loves time outdoors with friends and family

    • Values the friendships built through aerial arts

    • Passionate about sharing her love of aerial with the Flathead Valley

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Chrystal Effertz

Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks, Fire Dancing Stiltwalking

 

  • Versatile & Accomplished Performer

    • Skilled in aerial hammock, silks, stiltwalking, and multiple flow arts

    • Has performed on major stages, including opening for New Kids on the Block

    • Regular performer at community events, inspiring audiences of all ages

  • 🏔️ Montana-Based & Community-Focused

    • Montana resident for 20+ years

    • A respected, long-standing figure in the local aerial arts scene

    • Known for her connection, encouragement, and ability to inspire students

  • 💜 Instructor With Heart

    • Devoted wife and proud mom who brings warmth and patience to every class

    • Creates safe, supportive, empowering learning environments

    • Gifted at breaking down complex skills into approachable steps

    • Beloved by students for being both technical and uplifting

  • 🌟 Teaching Philosophy

    • Encourages students to progress at their own pace

    • Helps them build confidence, trust themselves, and celebrate their unique strengths

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Alanna Glennon

Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Aerial Hoop, Fire, Stiltwalking, Contortion, Acro

  • 🎪 Early Inspiration & Circus Beginnings

    • Fell in love with circus arts at a young age during trips to Las Vegas with her dad

    • Started training in aerial silks early on

    • Known for exceptional flexibility, discipline, and natural stage presence

    • Accepted into the prestigious École Nationale de Cirque summer program in Montreal

  • 💔 Injury, Recovery & Return to Movement

    • Took time away from training due to cheerleading injury

    • Rebuilt trust in her body through Elevated Aerial Studio

    • Found healing in community support and a renewed connection to movement

  • 🔥 Performer Across Multiple Disciplines

    • Now performs aerial, fire, and stilt work at festivals and events

    • Embodies resilience and the transformational power of creative expression

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Mariah Gladstone

Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Flying Pole

  • 🎈 Aerial Journey

    • Began over a decade ago with a passion for creative movement

    • Trained extensively in pole, silks, and hoop

    • Self-taught in aerial straps and poi, showcasing versatility and innovation

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  • 🎭 Performance Highlights

    • Core member of the Elevated Aerial Performance Collective

    • Performs at music festivals, private events, and community fundraisers

    • Finalist in Montana’s Got Talent, performing a stunning duet with Elevated Aerial founder Mindy C.

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  • 💼 Accomplishments Beyond the Studio

    • Columbia University graduate in Environmental Engineering

    • Founder of Indigikitchen, a pre-colonial Indigenous cooking show

    • Named one of the Top 25 Under 25 leaders in Indian Country

    • Recognized as a Champion for Change by the Aspen Institute

    • TEDxBozeman speaker

    • Culinary features on HBO

    • Brings natural stage presence and audience connection to her aerial instruction and performances

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  • 💬 Message to Beginners

    • “Aerial is for everyone! We come because we love it, and we gain strength, flexibility, and creativity along the way. It’s such an exhilarating way to work out.”

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Bailey Plympton

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

  • 🌟 Strength Through Adversity

    • Cancer survivor, Epilepsy warrior, and proud mom of twins

    • Brings grit, grace, empathy, and resilience to every aspect of her practice

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  • 🏆 Accomplished Performer

    • 1st place in the duet category at Montana’s first pole competition

    • Top three in the solo category

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  • 💜 Heart for Community

    • Dedicated to uplifting and empowering others

    • Shares: “If I can do aerials, anyone can… I will continuously strive to empower and support others, as Mindy empowered me.”

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  • Teaching With Purpose

    • Leads with authenticity, encouragement, and a belief in every person’s potential

    • Inspires others to find strength, confidence, and joy through movement

🔗 Read more about Bailey's inspiring journey here. 

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Molly Cummings

Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Stiltwalking

  • 🌟 Artist in Air & On Stage

    • Aerialist known for grace, strength, and intentional movement

    • Years of training and performance across multiple artistic disciplines

    • First place winner of the 406 Voice contest, showcasing her vocal power and stage presence

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  • 📸 Aerial Features & Community Roots

    • Featured in Montana Woman Magazine (2019) modeling on aerial silks alongside instructors Bailey and Mindy

    • Elevated Aerialists performed at her wedding, celebrating her deep connection to the community she uplifts

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  • 💜 Instructor With Heart

    • Known for a thoughtful, encouraging teaching style

    • Helps students build confidence, creativity, and joy in their movement

    • Blends her aerial and vocal performance background to connect and energize every space she enters

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Tala Mulder

Flow Arts, Fire & Go-Go Dancing

  • 🌟 A Lifetime of Dance & Expression

    • Began dancing and performing in theaters as a young girl

    • Developed a deep passion for movement and self-expression early on

    • Discovered Flow Arts in her twenties, instantly captivated and creatively inspired

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  • 🎨 Flow Arts Expertise

    • 7+ years of experience with flow props: hula hoops, silk fans, and fire

    • Sponsored artist with LiviJoyHoops

    • Has performed at numerous venues and events, including dancing on the main stage at Montana’s largest EDM festival alongside DJ Borgore

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  • 💜 Teacher at Heart

    • Inspired by childhood instructors and fulfilled her dream of teaching

    • Brings dedication, artistry, and community connection to every class

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  • 🌈 At Elevated Fitness

    • Creates a welcoming space for self-expression, exploration, and self-love

    • Encourages students to find their flow, build confidence, and embrace creative movement together

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Chrystal
Molly
Tala
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