An aerial dance school is taking up permanent residency in Sydenham. To prove that anyone could do it, we sent reporter Jamie Micklethwaite to take part in a lesson.

My Aerial Home in Sydenham is offering lessons in Trapeze and aerial art for anyone from circus performers to complete amateurs.

At the beginning of my lesson I was told that I would be standing unassisted on the trapeze bar and I was sceptical.

However, it was a lot easier than it looked and incredibly rewarding for someone who failed at any type of gymnastics.

The lesson began with stretches and a warm-up followed by a crash course in the most basic move of trapeze, which was the vertical stand.

Starting in a monkey-like position I was told to swing my legs up towards my chest and then up on to the bar in a seating position.

From there I shuffled uncomfortably up the bar and into a stand.

Ultimately, the session was very demanding and although I am having typing through the pain I did enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone looking for a new hobby or workout

Owner, Amanda Miles said: "We have all types of people coming to lessons here, from people training for the circus to people just looking to get in shape.

"We've got a completely diverse group of people, we've people who work in offices and it seems to be quite popular with analytical people but also with artistic people, we've also got a funeral director.

"Each group lesson we do have six people so its like you're getting a personal training session for an hour and a half for £8."

Some people even progress from lessons to the stage, with My Aerial Home providing corporate services for large companies and putting on shows in the local area.

Amanda said: "We've got the guys from Ockham's Razor in at the moment and whilst most people don't make it to their standard, some people do give them a run for their money.

"We had a nurse who started as a complete beginner and is now joining the circus to do it professionally.

"There was one guy in his 50s who first came with his daughter, he's completely changed physically and lost loads of weight, he looks fantastic now and has gone on to perform at the Greenwich Festival."

Amanda went on to say that although aerial art is challenging and can be dangerous, it may just be one of the most rewarding things you've ever done.

She said: "It's quite challenging but in a really good way.

"You will discover things about yourself things that you never knew existed.

"You'll find that you change physically and change mentally and it will change your life for the better."

For more information on My Aerial Home, visit www.myaerialhome.co.uk