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Why I Love Aerial
Why I Love Aerial
Aerial is more than movement—it’s a space where people discover strength, courage, and confidence in ways they never expected. It’s creative, empowering, and deeply rewarding. Every climb, challenge, and breakthrough builds resilience, presence, and trust both in the air and beyond it.
Why I Teach Aerial
Why I Teach Aerial
I teach aerial because I get to witness transformation every day. I see students overcome fear, support one another, and accomplish things they once thought were impossible. Creating a space where people feel safe to try, grow, and be seen is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.
I also love the artistry of aerial—the choreography, the musicality, the storytelling, and the way each student develops their own style in the air.
But most of all, I teach for the moments in between: the deep breath before trying something new, the smile after finally getting it, and the quiet confidence that builds over time. Those small moments often become the biggest transformations.
The Cloud 9 experience
The Cloud 9 experience
At Cloud 9, aerial is built on more than technique—it’s built on encouragement, creativity, and community. We value strong foundations, thoughtful progressions, and artistry in movement, giving students the space to grow at their own pace while feeling supported through the process.
The studio is designed to be consistent and grounded—a place families can trust, students can return to, and progress can unfold steadily over time.
Whether training for strength, exploring performance, or simply trying something new, my goal is to create an environment where students feel welcomed, capable, and connected.
Cloud 9 was built with that vision in mind—a place for steady growth, meaningful support, and lasting confidence.
Miss Carissa
Miss Carissa
Carissa Thornall is the founder of Cloud 9 Aerial Dance. With a lifelong background in movement, fitness, and health, she brings both technical experience and a deep passion for helping others feel strong and confident in their bodies.
Carissa earned her degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 2008 and began her career as a personal trainer, working one-on-one with clients to help them reach their health and fitness goals. In 2011, she founded her own fitness business, Raising the Bar, and collaborated with organizations such as CrossFit Waikiki and Corporate Fitness Hawai‘i, providing training and wellness support for employees at companies including American Savings Bank and UHA Health Insurance.
Her dance journey began at Mid-Pacific Institute, where she started training at age 13. In 2010, she discovered aerial dance at Samadhi Hawai‘i in Honolulu and began dedicated training in aerial silks, hammock, trapeze, lyra, spansets, and other apparatus. By 2013, she became an aerial instructor and Samadhi company member, teaching students ages 4 through adult.
As a performer and creative contributor, Carissa has choreographed and appeared in productions such as Samadhi LIVE and The Tale of the Circle Keys, as well as community events including Art After Dark at the Honolulu Museum of Art and Hallowbaloo at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum. She also has extensive behind-the-scenes production experience, including stage management, rigging, and lighting and sound assistance for aerial performances.
After a five-year break to welcome two children, Carissa returned to aerial dance with renewed passion and founded Cloud 9 Aerial Dance in 2022. She continues to grow as an instructor and artist, sharing her knowledge through structured, supportive, and creative aerial training in her community.
TEaching Assistants (TA)
TEaching Assistants (TA)
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