
Meet Our Instructors

Mindy Cochran, Founder
Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Aerial Hoop, Flying Pole, Stiltwalking, Interval Training Instructor, Fire & Go-Go Dancing
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🎓 Highly Certified
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Holds multiple certifications in aerial, pole, and group fitness
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Skilled practitioner and teacher of aerial silks, hammock, hoop, and pole
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🏆 Accomplished Performer
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1st place soloist in Montana’s first-ever pole competition
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Finalist in Montana's Got Talent (duet with Instructor Mariah Gladstone)
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🌱 Inspiring Journey
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Started acrobatics at 33, with no prior dance or gymnastics experience
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Passionate believer that aerial arts are movement medicine for all ages
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🔗Read Mindy's full bio here.

Lune Axelsen
Aerial Hoop, Lollipop, Fire Dancing, Yoga
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🌱 Early Foundations
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Introduced to Hatha yoga by her father as a child
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Learned to use movement to manage stress and life’s challenges
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🧗♀️ Passion for Movement
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Fell in love with rock climbing and became a climbing guide
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Discovered the aerial hoop and instantly connected with its blend of art with strength
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🎓 Expertise & Credentials
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Longtime certified yoga instructor
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Featured on the Healthy Wealthy People Podcast, discussing injury recovery, mindfulness, and determination
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💫 Ongoing Growth
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Expanding her skills in aerial silks, hammock, and the lollipop (pole + hoop)
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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
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🎪 A Decade in Aerial Fitness
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10+ years of experience across multiple apparatuses
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Strengths in aerial hoop, with skills in hammock, silks, and flying pole
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Brings creativity, adaptability, and a well-rounded teaching style
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💜 Resilience & Real-Life Perspective
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Longtime Flathead Valley resident
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Navigates life and fitness as a type 1 diabetic
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Teaches with compassion, relatability, and an emphasis on meeting students where they’re at
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Believes in progress through consistency, community, and celebrating small wins
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🌲 Life Beyond the Studio
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Works as a software engineer
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Loves time outdoors with friends and family
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Values the friendships built through aerial arts
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Passionate about sharing her love of aerial with the Flathead Valley
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Chrystal Effertz
Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks, Fire Dancing Stiltwalking
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Versatile & Accomplished Performer
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Skilled in aerial hammock, silks, stiltwalking, and multiple flow arts
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Has performed on major stages, including opening for New Kids on the Block
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Regular performer at community events, inspiring audiences of all ages
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🏔️ Montana-Based & Community-Focused
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Montana resident for 20+ years
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A respected, long-standing figure in the local aerial arts scene
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Known for her connection, encouragement, and ability to inspire students
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💜 Instructor With Heart
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Devoted wife and proud mom who brings warmth and patience to every class
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Creates safe, supportive, empowering learning environments
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Gifted at breaking down complex skills into approachable steps
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Beloved by students for being both technical and uplifting
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🌟 Teaching Philosophy
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Encourages students to progress at their own pace
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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
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🎪 Early Inspiration & Circus Beginnings
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Fell in love with circus arts at a young age during trips to Las Vegas with her dad
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Started training in aerial silks early on
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Known for exceptional flexibility, discipline, and natural stage presence
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Accepted into the prestigious École Nationale de Cirque summer program in Montreal
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💔 Injury, Recovery & Return to Movement
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Took time away from training due to cheerleading injury
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Rebuilt trust in her body through Elevated Aerial Studio
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Found healing in community support and a renewed connection to movement
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🔥 Performer Across Multiple Disciplines
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Now performs aerial, fire, and stilt work at festivals and events
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Embodies resilience and the transformational power of creative expression
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📖 Read Her Full Comeback Story: A Testament to the Healing Potential of Movement

Mariah Gladstone
Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Flying Pole
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🎈 Aerial Journey
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Began over a decade ago with a passion for creative movement
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Trained extensively in pole, silks, and hoop
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Self-taught in aerial straps and poi, showcasing versatility and innovation
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🎭 Performance Highlights
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Core member of the Elevated Aerial Performance Collective
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Performs at music festivals, private events, and community fundraisers
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Finalist in Montana’s Got Talent, performing a stunning duet with Elevated Aerial founder Mindy C.
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💼 Accomplishments Beyond the Studio
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Columbia University graduate in Environmental Engineering
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Founder of Indigikitchen, a pre-colonial Indigenous cooking show
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Named one of the Top 25 Under 25 leaders in Indian Country
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Recognized as a Champion for Change by the Aspen Institute
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TEDxBozeman speaker
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Culinary features on HBO
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Brings natural stage presence and audience connection to her aerial instruction and performances
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💬 Message to Beginners
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“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
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🌟 Strength Through Adversity
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Cancer survivor, Epilepsy warrior, and proud mom of twins
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Brings grit, grace, empathy, and resilience to every aspect of her practice
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🏆 Accomplished Performer
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1st place in the duet category at Montana’s first pole competition
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Top three in the solo category
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💜 Heart for Community
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Dedicated to uplifting and empowering others
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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
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Leads with authenticity, encouragement, and a belief in every person’s potential
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Inspires others to find strength, confidence, and joy through movement
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Molly Cummings
Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Stiltwalking
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🌟 Artist in Air & On Stage
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Aerialist known for grace, strength, and intentional movement
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Years of training and performance across multiple artistic disciplines
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First place winner of the 406 Voice contest, showcasing her vocal power and stage presence
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📸 Aerial Features & Community Roots
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Featured in Montana Woman Magazine (2019) modeling on aerial silks alongside instructors Bailey and Mindy
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Elevated Aerialists performed at her wedding, celebrating her deep connection to the community she uplifts
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💜 Instructor With Heart
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Known for a thoughtful, encouraging teaching style
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Helps students build confidence, creativity, and joy in their movement
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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
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🌟 A Lifetime of Dance & Expression
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Began dancing and performing in theaters as a young girl
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Developed a deep passion for movement and self-expression early on
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Discovered Flow Arts in her twenties, instantly captivated and creatively inspired
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🎨 Flow Arts Expertise
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7+ years of experience with flow props: hula hoops, silk fans, and fire
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Sponsored artist with LiviJoyHoops
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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
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Inspired by childhood instructors and fulfilled her dream of teaching
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Brings dedication, artistry, and community connection to every class
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🌈 At Elevated Fitness
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Creates a welcoming space for self-expression, exploration, and self-love
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Encourages students to find their flow, build confidence, and embrace creative movement together
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