About AYQC
In an increasingly disembodied world, opportunities to connect are essential.
AcroYoga Quad Cities has created a safe space for healing touch, and playful movement.
About AYQC
Who We Are
AYQC is a small performing arts troupe serving the Quad Cities and surrounding area with acroyoga performances, workshops, and entertainment. AYQC also acts as a regional hub for the practice of AcroYoga, extending in a 100 mile radius of the Quad Cities metro area across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.
Soft launched in 2016, and officially rockin’ since 2018, AcroYoga Quad Cities has brought in one-of-a-kind instructors from a variety of acrobatic and therapeutic backgrounds to guide students through an experience that benefits the mind, body, and soul.
Our History
Our Teachers
Nikki Jones, Founder / Director & Lead Teacher
Nikki Jones, Director, Lead Teacher, Principle Dancer
Since childhood, Nikki has sought out a wide variety of movement and performance arts. A competitive stunt cheerleader in high school, and company dancer in college, she found herself a bit lost for opportunities post-schooling. Fortunately, her path led her to music festivals where she was introduced to flow and fire arts, burlesque, and contemporary belly dance. In 2014, she stumbled upon an acroyoga workhshop and, well, you know the rest. She has since added fire performing, aerial sling, and show production to her repertoire.
IG: @andshewas_86
formal eduCAtion
M.a. Innovation & Entrepreneurship // 2014
B.A. Marketing communications // 2011
acroyoga training & credentials
Registered yoga teacher 2o0hr - Yoga Alliance // 2016 - present
200hr yoga teacher training - INdigo wellness studios 2016
ROll model method certified 2018
thai bodywork 220hr
200hr thai bodywork training - blue lotus thai healing 2018-2019
adv upper body techniques - bob haddad 2019
intro to thai massage - chuck duff 2017
acroyoga international JAMbassador // 2018 - present
acroyoga international elemental immersion // 2017
+ additional training in integrative anatomy for dancers, and functional movement patterns
Avory Pierce, Lead Assistant Teacher & Photographer
Avory Pierce, Lead Assistant Teacher, Principle Dancer, & Photographer
Avory brings the heart, soul, and hugs to AYQC! She is a 200hr certified yoga teacher with 40 hrs of training towards her certification for Acroyoga, and additional training in Thai massage and aerial yoga silks. She is the AYQC ambassador to Iowa City, and serves as lead assistant for Level 1 Foundations. Most of the photography you see on this site is by Avory!
IG: @acroavory
acroyoga credentials
Registered yoga teacher 2o0hr - Yoga Alliance // 2016 - present
200hr yoga teacher training - INdigo wellness studios 2016
acroyoga international elemental immersion // 2017
Dr. Melissa Birdsell, Principle Dancer, Assistant Teacher
Melissa is a seasoned dancer and choreographer. You can find her flying acroyoga stunts, learning daring new aerial dance combos, and helping with every aspect of the troupe from costuming to teaching.
IG: @mkbirdsell