Dancing on air

But the more tumultuous her day, the higher her stock rises - at least in the eyes of her students.

Ms. Palumbo, 24, teaches aerial dance at a new studio in Annapolis. Studio 180 opened in September and offers aerial classes for all ages, as well as a whole range of other dance lessons ranging from ballet and tap to jazz and hip-hop.

While most other classes are taught strictly on the ground, the aerial moves, called tricks, are done on two stationary trapezes - one 9½ feet in the air and another about 4 feet off the ground - and two long, blue pieces of fabric also known as silks.

"It's so surprising to your eyes," said Katie Carpenter, who owns the studio. "It's also amazing how quickly you become strong."

The routines resemble a ballet mixed with a few circuslike contortions done entirely in the air. Some of the tricks have names like "Amazon," "gazelle" and "skin the cat," and dancers get so high they can almost touch the 19-foot ceiling.

"This isn't what you think of as your little sister's ballet class," quipped Ms. Palumbo as she completed a dance on the fabric that included a dive worthy of Olympic competitions, splits and athletic poses. "A lot of people look at it and think it's so pretty and nice, but it's a beast."

Her students said they feel like they're flying as they practice, and described the sensation of aerial dancing as unlike anything else they've experienced in dance.

"It feels very good," said Natalia Grajewski, 10, of Crofton. "I like being on the fabric. Your body feels really strong."

Her sister, Paula, 15, who is also in the class, said it'll take her years to master aerial dancing, but she won't mind putting in the work. The sisters signed up after watching a demonstration. Paula said once people get over their fear of heights, aerial dance is just pure enjoyment.

"People are scared of going to the top, but you don't fall," she said. "When you stand up on the high bar, you're a little scared, but you get over it."

Plus, there are heavy mats positioned under both trapezes and the fabric, so any fall would be highly cushioned.

Studio 180 currently has more than 50 people signed up for aerial dance. It offers 16 separate classes, starting with baby aerial (for ages 2 to 4 with parents), pre-aerial for ages 5 and 6, and aerial for ages 7 and up.

About 20 of the aerial students are adults, including Sam Paciello, a Pasadena father of three. "It's something I think a lot of guys would like if they can get past the fact that it's at a dance studio," he said. "I thought at most I'd be able to swing on (the trapeze), but I can't believe the stuff I've been able to do."

Mr. Paciello, a graphic designer, became intrigued with the art form after doing work for the studio at his advertising agency, and has been taking classes for about six weeks. "I took one class and I fell in love with it," he explained. "It's everything you did when you were a kid climbing ... with an added part."

In step with dreams

Before opening her studio, Ms. Carpenter was working in marketing after completing a master's degree in European policy and politics.

She always danced, too, and decided to open her own studio as a way of living out a dream and combining her skills. So far, she admits it's been a lot of hard work and long hours, but also extremely satisfying.

"If I have to work a 16-hour day, I'd rather be doing it this way," she said.

The 26-year-old came up with the name for the studio because she said she wants to change people's perceptions (make them do a 180) and offer different kinds of classes, a prime example being aerial dance.

"We're just really happy to offer something new," Ms. Carpenter said. She was first introduced to the art form when she visited her younger sister at the University of New Hampshire, which has an aerial dance program. That's also how she met Ms. Palumbo, who honed her skills at the school and also trained with two former Cirque du Soleil performers.

Ms. Carpenter also teaches dance at the studio - except aerial classes. In that circumstance, she's just another interested student. "I absolutely love it," she said. "As a dancer, you generally are constantly working your lower body. Aerial is all about your core and upper body."

Ms. Palumbo starts off aerial sessions with stretches and warm-ups, then moves students on to simple skills. She has them "do a little of everything," including getting on the high trapeze.

"It's easy after you do it once," 12-year-old Catie Moyer of Annapolis proclaimed after she got back on the ground. "It's really fun high up in the air."

For more information about aerial dance classes or other classes at Studio 180, call 410-268-5299 or visit the Web site at www.studio180dance.com. Next week is "Free Week" at the studio, which means people can attend any class at no charge.