Back-to-Aerial School - Let's Fly Into Fall!🍂

Confession: I'm that person who loves back-to-school season. There’s something magical about the return of structure—the slower pace, fresh goals, crisp notebooks, and the comforting rhythm of routine.

If your aerial practice took a summer vacation, don’t sweat it. Our certified and professional instructors have the tools to help you get back on track. If you haven’t stepped into the classroom yet, now’s the perfect time to start your Aerial-School journey and see what it’s like to train in a growth-oriented, health-minded community.

This season is all about fresh starts—and Elevated Aerial is the perfect place to begin. Our community is rooted in courage, curiosity, and a commitment to growth. Here, we’re all students—setting meaningful intentions, embracing new challenges, and learning to fly higher, together.

September's Mantra:

"I welcome the fresh start September brings."

Recapping Our Final Summer Gig

We performed at Picnic in the Park on August 13th, 2025. Just before the event, one of our performers fell ill and had to bow out. With that change—and a few other factors in play—I decided to dust off an old silks routine so that I could do two acts at the event. But that decision came with a nagging worry—both of my silks choreographies had the same move, a split penché. I’d never performed the routines together before, and I kept wondering if the audience would notice the duplication. I hadn’t performed the old routine in months and had no time to rehearse it let alone change the choreography before the event, so the worry lingered.

On the day of the show, the wind was fierce—definitely strong enough to whip the silks around (and later around town, I noticed large tree branches downed). Last minute, I switched one number to an improvised aerial hoop performance because hoop is easier than fabric to manage in the wind. And when it came time for my silks act, the wind blew me out of my climb and made it impossible to set the wraps I’d planned. I ended up improvising that routine, too.

All that stress about the choreography being “too similar”—and in the end, I completely improvised both acts and did none of my choreography. And the audience still loved the performances, so much that at the end of the hoop act, you can hear the kids in the video debating if I am magic or a legend; finally agreeing that I am magic.

And that’s when it hit me: all the hours in the studio aren’t just about perfecting choreography—they’re about building the skills and confidence to handle the unexpected. Training is what lets you trust yourself, stay flexible, and shine no matter what happens. Preparation matters, and adaptability makes the epic performances possible in any condition. The morale? Come train in the studio. We can help you build skills you can rely on and turn challenges into opportunities to shine.

My completely unchoregraphed, fully improvised aerial hoop act. Thanks, wind!

Things We Are Excited About

🍂Bailey's Try-it-All Aerial 101:

With so many incredible classes on the agenda, choosing just one apparatus can feel impossible! That's where Bailey’s Try-It-All Aerial 101 comes in. Each week, you’ll get to try a different apparatus—exploring Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, and Flying Pole—so you can discover your favorite before committing to your fall aerial fitness major. We’ve lowered the price to just $50 for this four-week series to make it easier than ever for total beginners to jump in and start flying! The September series is sold out, but we are considering running it again in October. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in October - please drop us an email if so!

🍂Flying Pole Fundamentals:

Instructor / Performer Mariah G. on Flying Pole

This is a month-long series Wednesdays in September at 8 pm with Bailey. At Elevated Fitness, our unique flying pole program curriculum is developed by our founder, Mindy, who holds multiple certifications including Pole Moves (©), aligned with Pole Sport Organization and Pole Fitness Alliance standards. Mindy, in collaboration with seasoned instructors / performers Mariah and Bailey (whose talent has been recognized on stage with a first-place win in the duet category at Montana’s very first pole competition), has created a program that will fast-track your progress from day one. We are ready to quickly empower you to feel unstoppable both on the pole and in everyday life. Get booked for this today - this class has a very limited capacity!

🍂A Performance Pause. I bet you are surprised to see this listed under "Things We are Excited About." But the truth is, as much as I love the energy and creativity of show season, it's also nice to have a little break. This gives us time to pour our energy into refining our curriculum and elevating the classroom experience for everyone. However, our next show is around the corner - stay tuned in for information about our fall student showcase!

🍂Bridge Photos: Had to share a few of these 📸shots from Jacq Guertin; I always prefer getting my workouts in when photographers are nearby😄! This day was extra special because it was Catherine’s first bridge photoshoot! These photos capture what we love most about our aerial: strength and movement (of course), but also friendships forged in unforgettable experiences.

Mariah Gladstone on Aerial Silks

🍂One Final Month with Mariah G.:

There is one last chance to get to train with Mariah in her Intro to Aerial Silks Series (Thursdays in September at 6:45 pm) before a winter sabbatical, when Molly will take over. Mariah has been training aerial for over a decade, sparked by a passion for creative movement and a deep curiosity for the possibilities of the human body.

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 aerial silks duet.

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). Her culinary talents have been showcased nationally, even on the TV network 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.” 

September is our reminder that fresh starts aren’t just for kids with new backpacks—they’re for all of us. At Elevated Aerial, we’ve created a space where health, skill, and personal growth intertwine. Our team of certified and professional instructors is ready to fast-track your progress and keep you motivated every step of the way. This is your season to set bold goals, push past limits, and step fully into the strong, confident, and elevated version of you. Let’s make it happen—starting now:

👉 www.elevatedfitnessmt.com/book

XOXO, ~Mindy

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Me, Mindy, in a pose called "Gargoyle" on the flying pole. Photo Cred: Mariah Gladstone

Mindy Cochran is a dedicated practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, and aerial hoop. With certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and life coach, she combines her passion for aerial arts with holistic health expertise to help others elevate their wellness. Mindy is also a former health columnist for Montana Woman Magazine, where she shared insights on healthy living and balanced lifestyles. To connect with Mindy on Instagram, please visit: www.instagram.com/aerial.mindy; or visit her Linktree here.