Our Story
Discovery
After a devastating snowboarding injury, Ashley, one of the founders of Vertical Elements, decided it was time to try a new hobby and found her way into the world of circus. She joined a studio and started training with sling, silks, and lyra with a new lit fire of excitement. There she met several of her now life long friends including the other founder Nicole. The friends soon realized they wanted more. To perform, to create, to learn, so they started a troupe and decided to call it Veritcal Elements. (Ashley left, Nicole right)
Creation
What started as an outside training group dreaming of gigs, turned into the largest performing aerial group in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. Performing for fairs, music events, weddings, and even funerals! The friends then decided to get a space to train and meet and rented from a small dance studio in northern Spokane. As time passed having a place to call home that was the right space, the right size, and right height was present in all their minds. But especailly Ashley.
Growing Pains
One day, a friend reached out to Ashley and told her that her family was going to sell an old church, the Greetna Green Chapel. Ashley, after some divine intervention, was inspired to buy the old church and make it into her dream space. When she got it, it had a good foundation, but she knew she wanted more. After going over many hurdles and makeovers to make the church ready and able to be a great studio, Ashley reached out to her friend Nicole.
Today
Nicole and Ashley partnered to open Vertical Elements Academy, which brings us here today. The academy comes from a spirit of resiliency, connection, and hope. All things you will find are very present with the vertical family. Thanks to Ashley and Nicole, a little secret programmer friend like me ;) can make lifelong friends and have a space to grow and develop. I know you will do the same if you so choose. Whether by coming to our events, taking our classes, or even just stopping in, I am sure you will feel the same :)
