Stilt Lessons
Here at Daring Arts Movement we believe learning to walk on stilts can be a transformative educational experience for all ages. Interacting with the world from an EnHeightened level offers a unique perspective on life, and the learning process builds trust, self confidence, discipline, teamwork skills, and body awareness.
Our curriculum is designed to help you succeed while feeling and looking comfortable on high. As you progress we build upon your basic skills to help you accomplish surreal movements and acrobatic feats. Most students can begin walking on their own within the first hour and many are able to take it much farther than that.
Contact us to book a lesson in Alameda, CA.
If you're interested in buying your own stilts visit our partners at Stilt Factory!
PRIVATE & SMALL GROUP LESSONS
Private lessons: $85/session + $15 stilt rental fee
At least 1 session required before small group lessons are possible.
40-60 minutes depending on your endurance.
Small group lessons (3-5 people): $50/hour + $15 stilt rental fee
We help you develop more advanced skills and take you through the levels of our extensive curriculum at your own pace.
*Stilt Rental Fee of $15/class waived if you have your own. You can learn to make them yourself or purchase them from our amazing friends at www.stiltfactory.com
Kids 8 and up are welcome.
You must be in good physical shape.
If you weigh over 200lbs we will need a second instructor to physically support you so your first lesson may carry an additional charge.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF STILTWALKING
Stilt walking is an ancient art form believed to go back thousands of years in many cultures around the world. Legends and ruins from China to Greece to Africa to Europe to Mexico tell the stories of EnHeightened and sometimes costumed characters of all sorts. Some civilizations used them for practical purposes (to walk through marshy or flooded areas, to extend their vision into the distance, or to harvest crops) while others incorporated them into rituals or celebrations. In Trinidad and Tobago, for instance, the tradition is still very much a part of carnival culture (the enslaved African people kept the tradition alive through the middle passage and integrated it into their celebrations). The stilt walkers there are still referred to by the traditional name of Moko Jumbies, meaning god-like creatures who watch over and protect their communities because they are believed to be able to foresee danger and evil due to their height. DAM is committed to uniting stilt walkers of all traditions to expanding and curating the global skill and knowledge base. We are working towards forming a more substantial alliance and cultural exchange with our tall friends in Trinidad and Tobago. Read about Polly and Claire's adventures with the Moko Jumbies here.