Voler - Thieves of Flight

All I can say is: I've been to three classes and I'm ready to join the circus. Rachel is incredible. I had no idea what to expect but I've been looking to spice up my workout routine and Voler provides some of the most fun/challenging workouts I've ever had. Rachel creates a welcoming and safe environment to try new things and enjoy some sincere belly laughs. Going to Voler has taught me not only about acroyoga and aerial silks, but also about life. Rachel is an empowering role model for women and men alike. Is it a coincidence that Voler is in a church and it happens to be my new spiritual home?

My best friend and I love checking things off our mutual bucket list including going on a cruise together (done!), indulging our inner graffiti artists (legally, of course), and....taking aerial acrobatics classes?Thanks to Groupon, this was definitely the best $20 I've spent in a VERY long time. We signed up for two Saturday introductory classes and had no idea what to expect.NOTE: Voler is located on the fourth floor of The Loft, located in the West Bottoms of downtown KC. For those who have never been there, this building is possibly one of the sketchiest places I've ever seen in my life, but...just take a deep breath, call Voler for the entry code (eek), muster up the courage to make it through the dilapidated, drafty lobby through the rusty doors, and walk all the way to the back of the dark, dusty warehouse to the huge freight elevator that looks like it's out of a haunted house. You know, no big deal. But I promise (I promise!) it's delightful once you get inside, with lights strung from the ceiling and eccentric art (probably from Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School...but that's another story) everywhere!These lessons turned out to be a true testament to how little upper body strength I have, and it definitely gave my core muscles a run for my money. For both lessons, we had a fantastic instructor who made it all look effortless but unfortunately, I can't remember her name... :( We learned how to do foot locks and climb the ribbon, as well as do some beautiful/photo-worth/exhausting poses. In the second lesson, we even learned to do a fall, which is possibly one of the most exhilarating/frightening things I've ever done. Needless to say, I came out of each lesson completely exhausted (but the good kind of exhausted, of course.)If only I still lived in Kansas City...I know I'd be here every week!

Rachel's aerial classes have been more amazing than I even imagined. I've found more strength in myself than I knew I possessed, and after only a few weeks, I was building new muscle strength rapidly. My first free-fall was ridiculously exhilarating, and I just can't stop telling people that they HAVE to sign up for classes. I've even gotten coworkers to join me! This is better than any gym membership I've ever had; the strength and flexibility I get each week is more fun and more effective than any ground-based work I've done - and I just may be able to do the splits for the first time in my life before I'm done!!! You HAVE to sign up for classes. (see? I just can't stop)

I tried the beginner class with 2 girlfriends on a Saturday. We all bought Groupons, so it was a great deal for a new experience. We had a blast! The instructor was great and had amazing abilities with the silks. Beautiful to watch her and she made it appear effortless. In fact, though it requires quite a bit of effort. It was a great arm work out...we all felt it for the next few days. There were all ages at the beginners class. I think anyone could give it a try and be successful. Our class was all women and one guy, but I really think guys would enjoy it. Think of climbing the rope in PE class, but learning to do flips and other tricks.Located in Strawberry Hill in a old church. Cool way to reuse an old building!

I had been looking for something fun and challenging (read NOT BORING) to add to my workout practice and must say with a resounding YES that I have found it in the classes at Voler. The classes are well balanced giving you a full workout of stretching, strength training and a challenge that is both fun and exhilarating. Each class I leave with not only a sense of accomplishment but wanting more.Rachel is wonderful at assessing student's comfort level on the silks and everyone progresses at their own pace. In just the 12 weeks that I have been taking classes I have seen my skill level grow as well as my core strength! Anyone looking for a fun and "not your typical" get your heart pumping workout will not be disappointed in classes here.

I am so thankful for Groupon bringing this wonderful place to my attention!! I paid $35 for four classes, usually $80 (I believe). I took my beginner class last Saturday and instantly fell in love!First off, the venue is fabulous! It's an old church, located in a residential area. (They just recently moved here from the west bottoms). It sits up on a hill, you can't miss it. There are no flashy signs or any signs to be exact. Just the simple street number. It's street parking and their are a few stairs to get inside. The inside is charming and welcoming. The owner lives there and runs class there. She has it split up nicely. There is a super cute dog, who is comfortable lounging on the couch watching you practice. I instantly felt at home here.The instructor was wonderful, she explained everything thoroughly and answered any questions with patience. She showed us moves with pure grace and solid strength. You really didn't appreciate the move she showed until you had to try it yourself!! She was effortless and very controled. As we learned the move we were swinging and grunting to get into the simple position. *Warning* This is not a class for pansies! It requires some strength. Mostly core and arms. But with her guidance, you can build your strength and flexibility quickly. It's easy to get frustrated that you cannot execute a move as smoothly as the teacher, but you have to keep in mind how long they have been training their muscles.I highly recommend this class to everyone!! It was fun, you get to let loose, hang upside down, & swing off the floor all while working out!

This acrobatic school is amazing! They have everything here: silks, trapeze, lyra, ballet, acroyoga, flexibility classes and more throughout the week. Classes range from beginner to advanced, so there is no confusion on what level to sign up for. They also have workshops for the students on weekends taught by professional performers and trainers coming through town. The instructors are friendly, safety conscious, encouraging, and well educated. The atmosphere is really laid back, so there is no competition between students like the other aerial schools. The students are all positive and support one another including the new people, like me. What an amazing place to get a great work out. Thank you!

Go to Lucia or Quixotic instead. This place is run by sloppy un-professionals. #1 TIME- Decided to take a Ballet class with Kim. Called 2 of my friends and we decided to make it a girls night. They got babysitters, we cleared our schedules, signed up online and were super excited. We show up and are told at the door, "Oh, Kim doesn't do that class on the first Monday. Didn't anyone tell you that? *laugh*". (The website specifically stated the class was at that day at that time.) WOW, what a let down. I guess we all wasted that 40 minute round trip for nothing... #2 TIME- Got a Class Pass and with it came 3 free classes to Voler. Decided to give it another shot thinking the first time might have been a fluke. Took a Lyra class with Mariel (she is exempt from my judgement) and it was great! She showed up on time, was a great teacher and I really enjoyed the class. As soon as we finished I instantly signed up online for my remaining 2 classes. #3 TIME- Signed up for a pole dancing class at 6p with Stephanie. A day or two before the class I got an email saying the class was rescheduled to 5.30p-okay. The day of the class I find out my sister is off work (a very rare occasion) and ask if she wants to take the class with me. She said yes and we were both super excited when there was still room in the class available for her to sign up. I was so stoked because we both work a ton and hardly ever have a day off together and I'd always wanted to try pole dancing. The site said to arrive 5 minutes early so we arrive at 5.23p but the doors were locked. Ring the door bell twice, nothing. We wait about 15 minutes and still no one has shown up or come out. I call the Voler # inside and leave a message as well as text the person who emailed me saying the class was rescheduled. It is now 5.45p and there is still no one there. Since this is the second time this had happened I was getting more and more frustrated but thought maybe the instructor had gotten confused about the rescheduling and was actually coming at 6p so I rang the door bell one last time (still nothing) and we went back to my car to wait. We sat there until 5.55p at which point I just left because if the instructor asks her students to show up 5 minutes before but doesn't even return that same courtesy I AM DONE. That was yesterday and I still have not got an email from Voler or the instructor giving any kind of explanation or apology. Seriously, unless you want to play Russian roulette with your classes don't even waste your time showing up. My guess is this is why they run Groupons all the time...they can't get customers to come more than few times after stunts like this.

My daughter (13) had been interested in trying aerial silk lessons for a long time. When I finally found Voler she jumped in an intro class and loved it. Of course that got the interest of daughter number two (15) to give it a go. They enjoy the classes, have fun and work hard. As a parent I can see that these classes develop the upper body strength many young women lack. I would recommend this class to parents who are looking for a fun alternative activity for their children.