How Gymnastics Inc's Gymnastics, Ninja Zone, Dance, and Aerial Arts Programs Differ
Updated
Gymnastics Inc in Hampton, VA runs four distinct youth programs, and the main differences come down to activity type, age range, and how kids progress. Gymnastics is the structured, skill-and-team track for ages 15 months and up. Ninja Zone blends obstacle training, gymnastics, martial arts, and freestyle for ages 15 months to 13 years, with self-paced progression. Dance & Fly covers dance and aerial arts on-site. Flip Studio is a play-based program built around relationships, stress relief, and creativity rather than competitive skills. If your child wants measurable skill levels and possible competition, choose gymnastics; if they want variety and freedom to move at their own pace, Ninja Zone fits better; if they want performance-style movement, look at Dance & Fly; if you want a low-pressure, play-first environment, Flip Studio is the match.
Quick comparison
| Program | What it is | Ages | Progression style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gymnastics | Level 1–2 classes and competitive teams | 15 months and up | Structured levels, with a competitive path |
| Ninja Zone | Obstacle training + gymnastics + martial arts + freestyle | 15 months to 13 years | Self-paced, learn and progress at their own pace |
| Dance & Fly | Dance and aerial arts classes, offered on-site | Not specified on the site | Class-based |
| Flip Studio | Play-based program | Not specified on the site | No levels; play is treated as the real work of childhood |
Gymnastics: the structured, level-based track
This is the program to pick when you want clear skill milestones. Gymnastics Inc describes it as tailored for children aged 15 months and up, with Level 1–2 classes and competitive teams. Class times run in the morning, afternoon, and evening, so it can fit around school or work schedules.
The trade-off is structure: levels and teams usually mean a more defined path and, for competitive team members, a bigger time commitment. The site does not list specific class lengths, fees, or tryout requirements, so confirm those directly if the competitive track matters to you.
Ninja Zone: variety and self-paced progress
Ninja Zone is designed for children aged 15 months to 13 years and combines obstacle training, gymnastics, martial arts, and freestyle. The key difference from the gymnastics program is pacing: kids have the freedom to learn and progress at their own pace while still being challenged and working toward goals.
Choose this if your child likes variety and gets bored with repetition, or if they are drawn to obstacle-course-style movement rather than floor and apparatus skills. The 13-year age ceiling is the main limit to check — older kids would need one of the other programs.
Dance & Fly: dance and aerial arts, on-site
Dance & Fly covers dance and aerial arts classes and is described as a good fit for children looking for something different. One practical advantage the site highlights: the program is on-site, so you are not driving all over town for separate dance and aerial classes.
This is the option for kids who want performance and expressive movement rather than gymnastics apparatus or ninja obstacles. The site does not specify the age range or whether aerial arts have separate prerequisites, so ask before enrolling.
Flip Studio: play-first, not skill-first
Flip Studio takes a deliberately different approach. It prioritizes play as the real work of childhood, with the stated goals of nurturing relationships, relieving stress, increasing happiness, and building empathy, creativity, and collaboration.
Pick Flip Studio if you want your child active in a low-pressure setting without levels or competition. It is the weakest fit if your goal is measurable gymnastics progression or team placement — that is what the gymnastics program is for.
How to decide
- Want levels and a possible competitive path? Gymnastics.
- Want mixed movement styles and self-paced progress? Ninja Zone (ages 15 months–13 years).
- Want dance and aerial arts without extra driving? Dance & Fly.
- Want play, social connection, and stress relief over skills? Flip Studio.
Age is the first filter: gymnastics and Ninja Zone both start at 15 months, but Ninja Zone stops at 13 years. For Dance & Fly and Flip Studio, the site does not publish age ranges, so that is the first thing to confirm. The site also does not publish pricing, so treat cost as an open question and ask when you get in touch.