Business Details
17 Years
experience
Aerial Dance & Circus Arts Education in Athens, Georgia
Canopy Studio is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community arts center dedicated to enriching lives through aerial dance, movement education, and performance arts. Founded in 2009, we provide accessible instruction for all ages and abilities, offering over 90 weekly classes in trapeze, fabrics, acrobatics, and conditioning. Our mission extends beyond the studio through outreach programs that eliminate financial barriers, including scholarships, free community workshops, and adapted field trips for underserved populations.The Repertory Company, our core performing ensemble, presents two major productions annually while mentoring students through workshops and student showcases. We maintain rigorous safety standards as members of the Circus Arts Safety Network, ensuring our facilities and teaching practices meet American Circus Educators' benchmarks. By fostering collaboration between local artists and global creators, we serve as a vital performance venue and creative hub in Northeast Georgia.
Services
Trapeze
Fabrics
Acrobatics
Conditioning
Flexibility
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 weekly aerial dance classes for all skill levels
- Our Repertory Company performs twice annually with student showcases
- We awarded $69,000+ in scholarships and financial aid in 2024
- We partner with schools for adapted PE field trips and community events
- Our facility meets Circus Arts Safety Network standards for instruction
Associations and certifications
- Circus Arts Safety Network
- American Circus Educators
Services
Trapeze Classes
Our trapeze classes teach fundamental skills through progressive instruction. Students learn hanging positions, balancing techniques, and trick sequences while building upper body strength. Classes are available for beginners through advanced levels, with specialized options for older adults and dance-focused choreography.
Fabrics Training
Fabrics classes focus on climbing techniques, footlock positions, and aerial sequencing. Students progress from basic vocabulary to complex wraps and transitions at increasing heights. Introductory classes require completion of a trapeze session, with advanced options emphasizing individual choreography and creative expression.
Conditioning Programs
Our conditioning classes develop core strength and flexibility essential for aerial arts. Using free weights, yoga poses, and equipment-specific drills, these sessions improve range of motion and build muscle endurance. Programs include aerial yoga, pole conditioning, and apparatus-specific training for trapeze and fabrics practitioners.
Community Outreach
Canopy's outreach initiatives provide barrier-free access to aerial arts through multiple programs. We offer scholarships, free field trips for underserved schools, complimentary performance tickets, and community workshops. Our adapted PE field trips serve students with special needs across multiple Georgia counties.
Performance Opportunities
The Repertory Company presents two major productions annually while hosting student showcases and open mic nights. Performers receive professional mentorship in choreography and stagecraft. Scholarship students receive complimentary tickets to all mainstage productions, ensuring inclusive access to live performances.
People
Shannah Montgomery
President
Shannah leads Canopy's board with extensive nonprofit management experience. She oversees strategic planning and community partnerships while ensuring financial sustainability. Her leadership maintains the organization's commitment to accessible arts education.
Julie Powell Caldwell
Vice President
Julie manages operational logistics and program development. With a background in arts administration, she coordinates instructor training and facility safety compliance. She plays key role in expanding community outreach initiatives.
Joe Wyrick
Treasurer
Joe handles financial stewardship for Canopy Studio. He manages budget planning, grant applications, and donor relations. His expertise ensures continued funding for scholarship programs and facility maintenance.
Mazie Bowen
Secretary
Mazie coordinates administrative operations and policy documentation. She maintains records for instructor certifications and safety compliance. Her work ensures smooth communication between board members and teaching staff.
Kay Stanton
Staff Representative
Kay serves as the staff liaison to the board. With hands-on teaching experience, she provides practical insights about program implementation. She helps bridge strategic decisions with classroom realities.
Questions
What aerial equipment do you teach?
We offer trapeze, fabrics (silks), rope, bungee, and vertical pole classes. Each apparatus has progressive levels from beginner to advanced instruction.
Are there age requirements for classes?
Students as young as kindergarten age can participate in adapted programs. Teen silks classes require age 14 with trapeze experience, while private lessons are available for ages 11-14.
What safety measures are in place?
All classes have safety mats and instructor spotting. We follow Circus Arts Safety Network standards with annual facility reviews and certified instructors.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide scholarships, payment plans, and free community workshops. In 2024, we awarded over $69,000 in financial aid to 334 students.
Can I start classes mid-session?
While we recommend starting at session beginnings, exceptions can be made with instructor approval. Private lessons help students catch up if joining mid-session.
What should I wear to class?
Wear form-fitting workout clothes without excessive loose fabric. For most classes, avoid bare knees and bring a water bottle. Pole classes require tight shorts for grip.