Railroad Aerial Arts
Aerial arts for all bodies and levels in Norfolk, Virginia
Railroad Aerial Arts is an inclusive aerial gym in Norfolk founded by Ashley in 2018, after she discovered aerial arts and fell in love with the strength, confidence, and creativity it builds.
Photo: Naomi G via Google
Before your first class
No experience, strength, or flexibility required; instructors modify for all body types and abilities.
Tight pants and form-fitting shirt covering midsection; hair tied back if possible; remove jewelry and zippers to avoid equipment damage or replacement fees ($100 for sling, $150 for silks).
Water bottle and phone.
Drop-in: $20 (open studio), $35–$45 per 60-minute class.
About this studio
Railroad Aerial Arts is an inclusive aerial gym in Norfolk founded by Ashley in 2018, after she discovered aerial arts and fell in love with the strength, confidence, and creativity it builds. The studio's mission is to create a welcoming space where people of all experience levels discover that aerial is for them, whether you're a complete beginner or returning aerialist.
The studio teaches five main apparatuses: Hoop (also called Lyra), Silks, Sling (also called Hammock), Trapeze, and Pole. Each apparatus has intro classes plus progressive levels (1, 2, and 3). The Hoop is horizontal and great for beginners; Silks are vertical and among the most popular aerial apparatus; the Sling is accessible and beginner-friendly; the Trapeze mixes horizontal and vertical work; and Pole can be used for static and spinning. The studio also offers Intro to Aerial (a sampler of all apparatuses), Air Pilates, special apparatus classes like Tippy Hoop, Lollipop, and Cube, as well as Aerial Conditioning. All standard classes run 60 minutes and include warm-up, light conditioning, skill work, playtime, and cool-down.
You don't need strength, flexibility, or prior experience to start. The studio is committed to working with all body types and abilities, with modifications available for different bodies and disabilities. Equipment is professionally designed and rigged, weighted for over 2,500 pounds. All instructors are trained, insured, and CPR certified, with training in permission spotting—meaning all physical touch comes with communication and consent.
Classes operate at five levels: Intro (expect 3–5 intro classes before advancing), Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Open Studio (instructor-approved practice for current students only). The studio also offers Private Lessons, youth programmes for ages 8 and up (8-week sessions), Open Studio sessions, and Parties. Class registration closes 2 hours before evening classes and the night before morning classes. You must book in advance; walk-ins cannot be guaranteed space.
What to expect
Your first visit
Arrive early, remove lotion from your hands, and wear tight pants and a form-fitting shirt that covers your midsection (no shorts). Bring a water bottle and phone; the studio provides water and grip aid. In your first class, the instructor will meet you where you are, warm you up, guide you through basic skills at your own pace, and give you plenty of time on the equipment. Everyone starts close to the ground, and you control how high you go.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Ashley, the studio founder, is the primary instructor mentioned by name. Reviews consistently praise her teaching approach and the entire instructor team for being patient, encouraging, attentive to different skill levels, and skilled at spotting students of varying body types.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
No experience, strength, or flexibility required; instructors modify for all body types and abilities.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Tight pants and form-fitting shirt covering midsection; hair tied back if possible; remove jewelry and zippers to avoid equipment damage or replacement fees ($100 for sling, $150 for silks).
What to bring
Water bottle and phone. Wear tight pants (like leggings) and a form-fitting shirt covering your midsection; avoid shorts, zippers, and jewelry that could damage equipment. No shoes on equipment, though socks are optional (barefoot recommended for silks and slings).
Studio history
Ashley founded Railroad Aerial Arts in 2018 after discovering aerial arts and falling in love with the strength, creativity, and confidence it builds. She created the studio to establish a welcoming space where people of all experience levels can discover that aerial is for them.
Styles offered
16 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Railroad Aerial Artshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Railroad Aerial Arts, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Railroad Aerial Arts
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Railroad Aerial Arts teach?
Railroad Aerial Arts teaches General, Hoop (Lyra), Aerial Silks, Sling (Hammock), Trapeze, Pole and 10 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Railroad Aerial Arts located?
Railroad Aerial Arts is located in Norfolk, VA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Railroad Aerial Arts offer private lessons?
Contact Railroad Aerial Arts directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Railroad Aerial Arts teach kids and adults?
Railroad Aerial Arts welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Railroad Aerial Arts?
The fastest path is to visit Railroad Aerial Arts via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.