Instructors

OWNER
HOOP & AERIAL HAMMOCK INSTRUCTOR

Caroline is the founder and owner of Luna Ascend. Her lifestyle revolves around movement! She started her movement journey through pole dancing in 2016. She then began her aerial journey with lyra in 2017. Shortly after in 2019, she began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where she currently holds a purple belt under Humberto Perea (her husband) and Jaime Perea (her brother in law) at Chop and Chops MMA. She trains in lyra, hammock, straps, pole, and silks.

When she is not teaching at Luna Ascend, you can catch her teaching and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, weight lifting, running with her twin sister, and running after her 2 year old. She recently completed her first full marathon in November.

HOOP INSTRUCTOR

Stephanie has been dancing in the air for almost a decade. Based in NYC, she’s trained in Lyra for ten years and has performed duo and trio pieces at The Slipper Room and other local venues. She’s traveled around the world to learn from some of the best in the aerial arts, and she loves bringing that knowledge back to her students. Expect classes that focus on strength, flow, and confidence, with plenty of room for creativity and play.

AERIAL HAMMOCK & AERIAL YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Ahana discovered the world of circus through aerial yoga in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. When she’s not flying through the air exploring new shapes, she’s grounding herself on the mat. Passionate about sharing the joy of connecting with movement, Ahana invites her students to discover their own aerial journey through playful, centered flows that both challenge and inspire.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Denia Tavarez is a RYT 500–hour yoga instructor who completed her Power Yoga training at Lyons Den Power Yoga. Her teaching is rooted in Baron Baptiste’s Power to Journey methodology and informed by breath-centered practices, Ashtanga-inspired movement, and Yin yoga principles, creating classes that balance strength, mobility, and recovery.

A native New Yorker, Denia’s path to teaching grew from her own experience navigating the demands of daily life and prioritizing personal health. She believes wellness should be accessible to all and offers classes that are thoughtfully structured, engaging, and adaptable, with clear options to support a wide range of bodies, experience levels, and cross-training practices.

FLEXIBILITY INSTRUCTOR

Sonali is a lifelong mover who found flexibility and aerial nearly a decade ago through pole dancing. She took her first pole class in 2017, and has been training, dancing, and performing ever since. She teaches pole dancing to all levels and body types at various studios around NYC, and has performed at venues like House of Yes, The Slipper Room, and Knockdown Center.

Sonali is a technical instructor who’s passionate about helping students build strong foundations and body awareness, while also creating a fun and safe environment for them to explore and find their own style. 

SILKS INSTRUCTOR

*Bio Coming Soon!

HOOP INSTRUCTOR

Alexus brings a background in weight training, running, cycling, and mat Pilates to her aerial practice. She loves combining strength, movement, and creativity in the hoop, helping students build confidence while having fun.

Her favorite hoop skills are rolls, dynamic transitions, and creating fun, creative performances that wows the audience (hence her picture).

When she is not flying on a hoop, you can find her training for the next half marathon while complaining the entire time, working out, reading, or touring all the book cons she can find.

AERIAL DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Lexy’s creative journey began with a strong foundation in dance and acting. After moving to New York to study performance arts, she unexpectedly discovered a new passion: aerial arts. A spontaneous Lyra class introduced her to the world of aerial and she hasn’t looked back since.

As an instructor, Lexy values connection, encouragement, and growth. She strives to create an environment that feels welcoming and supportive while still offering students a meaningful challenge. Her goal is to help each student feel seen, capable, and motivated through their aerial journey.

FLYING POLE INSTRUCTOR

Val is an NYC based performance artist. She has been dancing for almost 20 years and has training in ballet, jazz, street style, commercial, and salsa dancing. She specializes in pole and Aerial pole and loves to express and stylize every aspect of movement. In class she hopes to help you connect and grow emotionally, mentally, and of course, physically. Always remembering that learning is apart of your journey in whatever path you choose to take it. 

AERIAL YOGA INSTRUCTOR

*Bio coming soon