Courage. Creation. Connection.
The UMO School instructs hundreds of students, both children and adults, in a variety of physical arts – including Acro Gymnastics, Aerial, Parkour, Skateboarding, and Martial Arts, and Physical Theater. The UMO School is proud to provide a place for people of diverse backgrounds to explore the arts, foster creative expression, and engage in a welcoming and supportive community.
Founded in 2009 by members of the UMO Ensemble, the school sought to cultivate the next generation of physical performers. More than 15 years later, UMO School gives students an opportunity to perform their art in the bi-annual UMO School Showcase. The 2025 Spring Showcase was the school's largest-to-date, with more than 100 students performing for more than 500 audience members.
What We Teach
Aerial
Students taking aerial classes will learn basics on aerial sling, tissue, rope and trapeze as well as gaining the strength, active flexibility and mental focus required to progress safely on any given aerial apparatus. Youth will progress beginning in Aerial Tumblers, moving through the levels to our most advanced class, Aerial Performance, where they will develop routines on their preferred apparatus. Adults start in the Beginning Adult Aerial and can progress to the Advanced class.
Martial Arts
Japanese Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Aikido and kickboxing for teens. These kindred “gentle” arts will help youth and parents learn confidence, patience, perseverance, kinesthetic awareness, and martial skills.
Parkour
Parkour is the art of navigating the space between the sky and the ground with grace. Through practicing Parkour students become stronger, more agile, more confident, and able to do amazing superhero feats. We believe Parkour has something to offer everyone. We believe students learn best while having fun. Parkour teaches the art of overcoming obstacles, challenges and fear while instilling a practice of safety. We also incorporate creativity, movement, exploration and play into all of the parkour classes. All the classes teach movement elements along with psychological skills.
Acro Gymnastics
From tumbling and handstands, to advanced cartwheels, round-offs, and working with a partner! .
Skateboarding
Students learn the basics of skateboarding with master skateboarder Bobby Dodd - beginners welcome. Learn falls, balance, and keeping steady.
Clowning
Learn physical theater and the art of comedic body movement.