From Shop To Studio: Cross Beam Installation

A Crossbeam installation, exactly what weekends are for! Fortunately I had recruited my boyfriend (and his tools) and genie lift and we got to work. The crossbeams are necessary so we can have a pulley system installed, which due to Covid-19 has become a necessity to run, I’ve also wanted a pulley system forever. The new pulley system will allow us to switch out equipment really easily and also allows for easier washing of fabrics (the new norm).

“The new pulley system will allow us to switch out equipment really easily and also allows for easier washing of fabrics.”

A crossbeam install requires lining up a lot of different people, make sure you have your building plans so the engineer can work from them. Your rigger also need to be on board with what the engineer requires and that your beams are installed in the right spot. To save on costs, Alex and I installed the crossbeams and had the engineer inspect them and include them in the rigging plans. The rigger can then order the gear for the install and then we wait for everything to come in. 

Mezzanine cross beams.

Meanwhile upstairs Tom Pro had come up with a crafty idea for cross beams in the upper mezzanine which didn’t involve any welding to the beam and also makes the crossbeams mobile if you want to change them. Another added bonus is that all of these cross beams and upper beams can be removed and taken with you to your next location should you ever move. So really the initial investment in a pulley system is a big one but it lasts a long time and you can take it with you so it’s totally worth it. The upper mezzanine will be able to host our long awaited aerial yoga classes. If silks isn’t your thing or you’re looking for something more gentle or just a really fun new way to stretch, this new addition may be what you didn't know you were looking for. 

We’re excited to be bring Aerial Yoga to Treeline Aerial, held in our beautiful new mezzanine area.

Although you may have thought we were done with the dust, unfortunately you were wrong, there was one more task that had to be tackled that I had been dreading and putting off, but when Trevor showed up with his giant air compressor there was no more avoiding it. 

The ‘Dust Palace’ as I had fondly been referring to the studio as, had one tricky area. That was the beams under the mezzanine where the dust had accumulated on 21 trusses and as I had tried in vain to get them with the hoover, the angles were just not letting that happen. Many people had suggested for me to finish the ceiling but in an aerialist world exposed ceiling beams are coveted and not to be hidden. 

Trevor dropped off an air compressor on its own trailer and I had agreed with Alex to suit up in respirators and do the job that evening. Unfortunately, Alex’s friend's boat needed fixing after work so he was late in coming to my aid. Not to worry, with the mention of more dust Charlotte was back and the pair of us were standing in front of this contraption pondering how on earth we turn in on.

My life seems to be filled with engines that are hillbilly-ed together and have quirks and special things that you have to do to them in order to make them work. It’s frustrating enough that you feel incompetent with figuring out engines and needing to be dependant on our male other halves, never mind trying to master the quirks. Charlotte Facetimed her partner Andrew (heavy duty mechanic co-worker with Alex) trying to get talked through turning this thing on, he quickly realizes this could end in a disaster if we do it wrong and jumps in his truck to come help. In the meantime , Alex showed up and the pair of them get this thing going which Charlotte and I would have never figured out. 

We hung a tarp, opened the door and started blasting dust from the ceiling. I can’t even begin to explain what came down from there but thankfully the four of us tackled it and did the best we could. Alex likes to encourage me to be independent and over the years has encouraged, (made me) do things so I know how to do them. This has included changing my oil and tires on my vehicle, learning how to load and shoot a gun incase we get into a life threatening situation and even assisting butchering a deer he hunted (sorry vegan friends). So of course he saved the worst part of the dust blowing above the washroom for me as a good test of character. Thankfully the compressor was so loud he couldn’t hear me screaming inside the respirator. We came home looking like two bandits; filthy, but happy.

Two bandits. Owning an aerial studio is not always glamorous.

Thanks so much Charlotte and Andrew for assisting in this awful job which I wouldn’t wish on anyone. One step closer to having a pole fitness room!