Canopy Outreach Program
Regardless of physical ability, age, ability to pay, background, or numerous other barriers, we deeply believe that the aerial arts are for everyone. We use aerial arts as a way to build confidence, self-esteem, happiness, and creativity…and much more! Canopy is a place to be a part of a community, to learn to work in a group and be supportive of those around you – and that support is reciprocated. Using aerial arts isn’t a typical way to grow these things. When we swing and spin, joy is instantaneous. When we do hard and scary things, we boost confidence and trust – trust in ourselves and trust in others. When we fail but continue to try, we strengthen self-determination and resilience.
Canopy has worked tirelessly since 2009 to ensure access to the aerial arts is barrier-free to anyone who wishes to participate, creating a path for individuals who may need additional instruction, one-on-one attention, or financial assistance.
Canopy’s Outreach Program is multifaceted and includes scholarships & financial aid, low-cost/free field trips, community performances, free tickets to in-studio performances, and free in-studio community workshops.
At a Glance
Scholarships & Financial Aid
In 2024 more than $69,000 in scholarships & financial aid was awarded to our students. This equates to 500 private lessons for students with disabilities, finanicial aid to 175 students, and scholarships to classes for students with IEPs or other medical issues for 55 students. 334 students benefited directly from our scholarship and financial aid program.
For our students, partial or full aid make it possible to attend classes. Our goal is to continue to identify barriers to entry and make it easier for students to apply for help and afford to take classes at Canopy.
Adapted PE Field Trips and low-cost/free aerial dance field trips
In 2023 & 2024, Canopy received a grant from AthFest educates that funded all adapted PE field trips for self-contained classrooms in the Clarke County School District (CCSD). Across two years of this program, 660 CCSD students in grades K-12th grade will have been served.
Canopy also provides low-cost field trips for schools in Barrow, Madison, and Greene counties, as well as general education classes in CCSD. During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 16 field trips that are either free or discounted are scheduled.
Community events
From performance to instruction, Canopy consistently takes the outdoor rig to more than 10 community events, from an elementary school’s fine arts night to a community fall festival that exposed 2500 people to aerial arts and everything in between. This is an important tool for breaking down access to aerial arts and educating the community on our programs, including scholarships.
Throughout the year, Canopy also hosts a series of free community workshops where people can try out the various apparatus we offer at Canopy. More than 60 students were able to attend these classes free of charge!
Performing Arts
Canopy offers both ticketed and donation-based performances throughout the year, giving opportunities to children, teens, and adults to perform. In 2023, Canopy’s DEI committee launched Open Mic Nights in August. Open Mic Night allows for more opportunities to perform in a less stressful environment while also providing a donation-based opportunity for people to view the performing arts. Complimentary tickets to the two Repertory Company shows and Advanced student shows are also extended to scholarship and financial aid students, as well.