Meet the Aerial Joy Crew
Aerial Joy Owner and Instructor
Darby Florian
Darby Florian is a passionate aerialist with over ten years of experience. She started with gymnastics in first grade and cheered through college 🎉.
With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, 10 years of gymnastics coaching and 13 years of teaching, Darby excels at instructing all ages.
Darby founded Aerial Joy to build an aerial community in Fort Mill.
I created Aerial Joy to be the studio I wish I’d had growing up—a place where passion, growth, and community come together.
–Darby Florian
Sling and Lyra Certified Aerial Instructor
Aly Scanlon
Aly started aerial in 2015 after 13 years as a competitive gymnast. Her love for athletics and performance art made Aerial a perfect match for her! She began her aerial teaching journey in 2017 at AerialCLT and has taught youth all the way up to advanced. Although her favorite apparatus is the Lyra, she has also found a massive love for sling. Aly has performed solo and in a group setting countless times. After a short time away due to motherhood, she is beyond excited to reignite her passion and love for teaching the aerial arts and practicing aerial again for herself.
Sling 1 Certified Aerial instructor
Casey Jackson
Casey Jackson is a Sling 1 certified Aerial instructor who brings fun and silliness to her classes! She has a 10+ year ballet and dance background and has always enjoyed watching Cirque du Soleil aerial performances.Â
Ballet Instructor
Phillip McRorie
Phillip holds an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University and trains our showcase teams in ballet technique and contemporary styles. He studied at Appalachian State and Western Carolina Youth Ballet, and holds certifications in Cecchetti ballet and massage therapy. Phillip has choreographed for Asheville Ballet, BOOM Charlotte, and others, and performed with Verge Dance Collective and Caroline Calouche & Co. He also teaches as adjunct faculty at Appalachian State.
Sling Assistant Aerial Instructor
Aliya Busbee
Aliya brings 10 years of dance training in ballet, jazz, and modern. She teaches our Intro to Aerial classes and assists with sling instruction. Off the sling, she’s studying to become a school counselor, blending her love for movement with a passion for guiding young people.
Sling Assistant Aerial Instructor
Lorelai T.
Lorelai has a background in dance and is part of Aerial Joy’s competition team, performing at regional events. She blends her dance skills with aerial artistry to create powerful, elegant performances and has a natural talent for working with youth students.
