Monday May 26

  • What is better than one sling? TWO SLINGS! This workshop can be done on double slings made of fabric, rope, loop straps (which I will provide three pairs of) or chains if you really just like bruises. When there are two loops the possibilities are so endless because you can use them as one or separate or move in between them. Join me for some fun sequences on two loops and don’t ever look back!

    Prerequisites: able to perform a pull over mount. It is also beneficial to have an understanding of back balance and a variety of grips (flamenco, selfie, etc.)


  • In this workshop series we will explore the theory and technique of spinning and dynamic motion on dance trapeze. We will cover beats technique and learn skills appropriate to student’s levels, and learn sequences on the bar and in the ropes implementing beat technique. We will also break down pathways for one and two arm spins under the bar, exploring different spinning sequences and manipulation of centrifugal force.


    Prerequisites:General aerial experience is required but not necessarily experience on dance trapeze. This workshop is catered to intermediate and advanced students in trapeze, Lyra, silks, straps, and hammock and we will discuss the crossover between the technique we cover on trapeze to other apparatuses.

  • In this workshop we will look at what makes a back dive a back-dive! We will work on different entries into back-dives, different ways to drop back-dives, as well as creative and  different exits. Our gaol is by the end of this workshop, you can find your own way into and out of a Back-dive safely, and can have fun exploring and creating your own variations!


    Pre-reqs: comfortable inversions in the air


  • Come learn some new twists on familiar climbs (French and Russian) in The Space Between!

    We will also work our way through a couple of split tissu/silk sequences that involve creative entrances into familiar locks (same side seat and belay) that I hope will open your mind into finding your own new pathways. At the end of the workshop I will share my methodology with you for how I go about finding new pathways to give you the tools to discover your own!

    Prerequisites: must be able to climb, perform a split tissue dead hang with bent arms for 10+ seconds, and invert comfortably in split tissue. A degree of comfort in skin the cat is a plus for the more advanced sequences.

  • This is a dynamic workshop where we will work on swivel hip techniques, as well as flare pathways (both beat flares and spinning flares from the ground on aerial rope.


    Pre-reqs: must feel comfortable with pike beats

Tuesday May 27

  • Come get funky with me in this workshop jam packed with some brainy choreography. If you like sneaky transitions and curious shapes you are in the right place! We will be working our way through some cheeky pathways leading into positions that can be restful and easily explored. My aim is to give you the bones of the choreography and show you some moments in which you can explore after the fact to truly make it your own!


    Prerequisites: must have a basic knowledge of the following wraps and climbs: hip-key, tourniquet/thigh hitch, and russian climb. Must also be comfortable inverting in the air and performing locked front dives. A strong wheel down is a plus.

  • We’ll dive into trapeze theory—exploring handgrips, wraps, and transitions—while breaking down complex rope and bar work into accessible, creative pathways. Emphasis will be placed on finding unique shapes, developing personal style, and gaining control over the bar with nuanced precision. Niff will give you the tools to move with confidence and freedom in the ropes and around the bar.

    Prerequisites: Intermediate to advanced/ Ability to invert in the ropes, know vertical theory wraps like hip-key, thigh hitch , and waist hold. Can hold your weight with bend arms .

  • IIn this workshop will emphasises grace, fluidity and emotional expression, via contemporary dance style movement centred on the flying pole. Contemporary style pole combines movement from dance genres such as jazz, modern and ballet, with pole dance spins, tricks and upright aerial moves. Regular flying pole wear is recommended to allow for grip on the pole.

    Prerequisites: For students with pole or aerial pole experience. Students should feel comfortable climbing and inverting.

  • So you’ve learned the principle skills on rope but now what? One of my favourite qualities of rope is that it is so simple as an apparatus; its just a line. As the artist we make it interesting through our movements. Come learn some fun choreo all the while making connections in some unexpected places!

    Prerequisites: must be comfortable with front balance, back balance, and inverted climbs including straddle climbs and hip key climbs. Students should also have an understanding of fundamental wraps (hip key, tourniquet, seatbelts, and s-wrap) aswell as understand how to perform front and back dives. A base understanding of momentum is a plus!

  • This class is for anyone wanting to try aerial dance! Students will learn to climb, mount, and flow through sequences on multiple aerial apparatuses.

  • In this Flying Pole workshop, we will emphasize grace, fluidity and emotional expression, via contemporary dance style movement centered on the flying pole. Contemporary style pole combines movement from dance genres such as jazz, modern and ballet, with pole dance spins, tricks and upright aerial moves. Regular flying pole wear is recommended to allow for grip on the pole.

    Prerequisites: For students with pole or aerial pole experience. Students should feel comfortable climbing and inverting.

Wednesday May 28

  • Aerial sling is one of the most fun apparatus to flow on, and doing so with tempo adds a new level of excitement to the craft. In this workshop you will learn to spin from the ground as well as from the air in a variety of styles and positions. We will also use momentum for fundamental skills such as mounting and climbing over hox/knees into hip key.


    Prerequisites: must be able to tuck under or pull over to mount a very high sling (very high sling=able to do a shoulder hang without your feet touching the mat).

    Must also be comfortable in a knee hang in the sling and a double crochet.

  • This Mixed apparatus workshop invites the participants to take their aerial practice deeper, exploring how to tell stories or evoke emotion in the air. We’ll do several different exercises designed to help you be comfortable with improvisation, bring out creativity and encourage you into moving in different ways.

    Prerequisites: This is an intermediate to advanced workshop for folks comfortable with staying on the apparatus of their choice for a minimum of 2 minutes.

  • I love sling so much because it lends it self to continuous movement and flow so naturally. Come learn some delicious sequences with me that will help you betterunderstand wraps in sling and how they are connected.

    Prerequisites: must be able to pull over into a high sling and have a basic understanding of foundational positions in a sling (catchers, seatbelt, double crochet). Understanding of different grips is a bonus (flamenco, selfie etc.)

  • This workshop will cover a variety of group acro skills, but primarily swinging and "parachute," where four bases toss a flyer into the air. We will start small and get higher as participants grow in skill and calibration. This workshop is most suitable for folks with some basic standing acro experience, but really anyone with a strong movement practice is welcome. We'll provide lots of fun level ups for folks with more acro experience.

Thursday May 29

  • Sophy and Tim from “Sometimes Together Circus” are offering this beginner-friendly workshop with advanced modifications available. Mostly L base class focused on building the core skills for foot to hand. Playing with foot balances that can be adjusted to any level. All levels are welcome; no partner is needed.

    Prerequisites: Beginner (Throne and Bird) 

  • Elevate your skills in dynamic partner acro with this intermediate-level Icarian class! Designed for acrobats who already have experience in basing or flying, this class will focus on refining technique and building trust while learning new pops and dynamic transitions. Come ready to challenge yourself and have fun! No partner required. 

    Prerequisites: Straight throws and bird pops.

  • This workshop focuses on building the flexibility and strength needed for front and middle splits, with proper technique at the core of our practice. We’ll spend most of the class warming up and activating all the major and supporting muscle groups involved in splits, using a blend of active stretching and strength-based exercises. The goal of this workshop is to send you off with the tools to deepen your flexibility over time, safely and sustainably.

Friday May 30

  • In this workshop, we’ll explore the science behind spinning, from centrifugal force to the effects of g-force on the body, and how they impact your performance in the air. You’ll learn practical techniques to reduce dizziness, and map out a long-term plan to gradually train your vestibular system. We’ll also learn basic spin takeoffs on sling, hoop, and trapeze, giving a foundation to safely and confidently incorporate spin into your practice.

    All levels welcome but previous Aerial experience is required.

  • Kat Saxon is best known for her low flow dance trapeze movement quality that is uninhibited and daring. A trapeze rigged closer to the ground gives her the creative freedom to play with modern and contemporary movement styles more comfortably, while also blending the aerial arts techniques she has been developing for fourteen years. Kat will show students different skills and flourishes that will help them develop and get comfortable with their own style of movement. These are all skills she personally cultivated on the hardwood floors of Challenge Aerial Atlanta, and they include 

    • Slides 

    • Spins 

    • Rolling around under the bar 

    • How to get from floor to air/air to floor with style 

    • Developing musicality, flow and personal style 

     

    Prerequisites and Preparation: 

    • At least a year's worth of consistent dance trapeze experience at any level.

    • Descent spin tolerance; comfortable with spinning on and off for about an hour. Come hydrated and fed! 

    • Comfortable rolling on flex mats. Students must cover legs and feet to avoid burns. 

    • Comfortable and familiar with flamenco wrap and rolling on the bar in hip hang, back balance and armpits.

    • Come with an open mind! Once you learn how to use the trapeze at an unconventional low height, this workshop begins to focus on creative exploration and the best way to unlock new pathways and creativity within your own body is to let loose and let go!

  • In this workshop we'll work through choreography featuring Beauty rolls, Russian rolls, and popular twisted transitions. We'll warm up the back and spine.We'll warm up the back and spine with twisting in mind, then break down each skill individually so we can weave them together.

    Pre-reqs: Ability to mount a hoop at head height (side mount is fine)

    Some prior hoop experience (this is not an intro class)

    All levels welcome but previous Aerial experience is required.

  • With the window frame as a reference, explore ways to play in, on and around our favorite rectangle of rope and bar. Using a childlike awareness, find new pathways between skills both familiar and unfamiliar. This multi-directional approach uses spiraling transitions to achieve fluid and playful movement. 

    Pre-req: regular practice on trapeze. Solid front balance. Ability to invert in the ropes.

    8-max

Sunday June 1

  • Character is key to engaging the audience when you perform. Aerial work is often presented as stunning, graceful, silly or daring, but a connection to the audience makes every piece of any intent stir the heart and soul! Work on techniques to find breath, presence and character on an apparatus without losing sight of safety. Various apparatuses available.

    All levels welcome.

    Pre-req: Should be able to practice a simple 1-2 minute sequence on a familiar apparatus. Sequence can be provided.

    8 MAX participants.

    This is a multi-apparatus class. Trapeze (single or double), fabric, rope, lyra, other… 

  • Blur the lines between floor work and skills in the air. Investigate ways to integrate technique with choreographic expression, treating the [rope, or trapeze/lyra] as a partner in dance and weight sharing. Learn fluid transitions into the air, investigate puzzles with your apparatus, and find the floor again with interest and intrigue. Hold on tight! This workshop gently utilizes practices of swinging and spinning.

    Pre-req for rope: Working knowledge of s-wrap, hip key and other wraps. Ability to invert in the air.

    Pre-req for trap/lyra: Familiarity with either apparatus. Flare to inversion is ideal, but not required.

    8 MAX participants

  • This is part 1 of a 2 part dance trapeze drops workshop! You can take just this workshop, both, or the second one alone. This workshop will familiarize students with basic drops on dance trapeze. Suggested to take this workshop before the Drops 2.0 workshop to be familiar with wraps and terminology. Access will be given to Google Drive Folder with instructional videos for 30 days.

    Pre-reqs: able to invert unassisted (does not need to be through a straight leg straddle up, however alternative entrances will not be taught in this workshop); able to hold body weight for 30 seconds in a long-arm hang, suggested: 10-second short-arm hold, familiar with leg crochets, and a regular trapeze practice

  • This workshop will work through Canopy Studio’s “spider chart” of interconnected skills. While vocabulary is not standard across studios, this chart will work through entrances, exits, and pathways of Claire Split (martini), Montreal Cross (standing with a cross behind back), and Billi (1/2 catchers). Access will be given to Google Drive Folder with instructional videos for 30 days.

    Pre-reqs: able to remain on equipment for 3+ minutes and sting multiple skills together; able to hold a short-arm tuck for 20 seconds

  • Looking for different ways to get upside down or struggling with a v-up? This workshop will explore different entrances into inverted skills. Access will be given to Google Drive Folder with instructional videos for 30 days.

    Pre-reqs: able to hold body weight for 30 seconds in a long-arm hang, suggested: 10-second short-arm hold, familiar with leg crochets, and a regular trapeze practice


  • Part 2 of the dance trapeze workshop series. You can take this alone or in addition to the basic drops workshop. This workshop will focus on stacking drops and multi-directional drop. Access will be given to Google Drive Folder with instructional videos for 30 days.

    Pre-Reqs: able to invert unassisted, deadhang for 1 minute, and an hourglass; suggested aerial practice of at least a year, previous fabrics experience or previous drop experience on trapeze

YOUR PCCF INSTRUCTORS

  • Constance is a movement artist and aerialist that specializes in vertical apparatus; fabric, corde lisse (rope), and double/multi corde but also teaches lyra, dance trapeze, sling, pole and flying pole. She is versed in partnering on bars (trapeze and lyra) as well as vertical apparatus. Constance is a touring performer which informs her style of teaching focusing heavily on technique and choreo with performance quality. Her passion for performing is matched only by her passion for teaching.

    Constance was the director of The Space: A Movement Arts Studio in Atlanta, GA, USA from 2013-2018. She continues to teach in Atlanta, as well as across the US and abroad when she is not on stage. Constance is dedicated to growing community for aerial students and teachers locally as well as globally. She founded and organized the Atlanta Aerial Arts Festival in 2016 & 2018 and started the group Aerial Instructors and Studio Owners on facebook to build a global community of educators. Constance has been a teacher trainer and mentor since 2014 and now offers training foraspiring teachers as well as continued learning opportunities for seasoned teachers under the banner of SAGE Movement Arts. She is also a contributor to The Aerial Rope ManualVol. 2 . Her own training includes teacher training and certifications in aerial arts, yoga (RYT-200 HR), and pilates (MAT). Constance carries a pre-medical B.S. in Biology focusingon Anatomy and Physiology from Oglethorpe University.

    Connie is available for Private lessons: Contact info@secretcirc.us for rates.

  • Troy (they/them) has been coaching aerial arts and flexibility for over eight years. Pulling from their training with coaches from around the world, their teaching method leaves students with an understanding of what they are asked to do rather than the ability to mimic a sequence, as well as a deeper relationship with students’ musculature and skeleton. For this reason, Troy avoids teaching in terms of “left and right” in favor or speaking in opposition and the body’s relationship to the apparatus. With an emphasis on technique and theory, Troy will help build the foundation for your body and mind to safely create original pathways.

    Whether you are a professional looking for skill acquisition or act coaching, or a movement artist looking to start your circus journey, visit the “Contact” page. I love facilitating and watching people do things they never thought their body could do. Let’s fly together!

    See their website here: https://www.troylingelbach.com

    See his solo show “International Lover” May 25th at Christ Church Neighborhood House here: https://fringearts.com/event/international-lover/

  • Kat Saxon is best known for her low flow dance trapeze movement quality that is uninhibited and daring. A trapeze rigged closer to the ground gives her the creative freedom to play with modern and contemporary movement styles more comfortably, while also blending the aerial arts techniques she has been developing for fourteen years. Kat will show students different skills and flourishes that will help them develop and get comfortable with their own style of movement.

    See Kat perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • Hayley is a classically trained mover, performer and instructor from the Atlanta area. She had the good fortune of finding the circus arts in early adulthood after a lifetime of ballet training, and has since never looked back. She received the bulk of her technical training at Circus Center in San Francisco specializing in Aerial Hoop and Contortion, and later learned to teach with Circus Arts Institute in 2017. Hayley was the Lyra trainer for Circus Arts Institute's teacher-training program for 2 years, until taking a hiatus to start a family. She came back in 2021 and currently teaches classes of all levels throughout the Atlanta area to children and adults, performs when she can, and is happy to be back to assist in the Lyra program at Circus Arts Institute.

    See Hayley perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • pecializing in marketing, special events, and logistics, Ashley joined Canopy as the Associate Director in October of 2021, but previously was the event director for another uniquely Athens mainstay, the Athens Twilight Criterium.  She began taking classes at Canopy Studio after being gifted a session of trapeze classes in 2007. Ashley has spent more than 30 years combined experience in aerial arts, gymnastics, and dance, joining the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band as a member and captain of the danceline, The Georgettes. 

    Training on dance trapeze, fabrics, invented equipment, and pole, Ashley teaches mainly adult trapeze and pole classes and loves to see the joy aerial dance brings to others. For her, Canopy embodies everything she loves about dancing – performance, creativity, accessibility, and community. Ashley has also received additional aerial training at Frequent Flyers (Boulder, CO), Vertical Fusion (Boulder, CO), and Les Ailes du Desir (Miami, FL). Ashley bleeds Red & Black and appreciates everything that makes Athens unique, of which Canopy tops that list. She and her husband, Frank, have two sweet sons, Frankie and Maximo.

    See Ashley perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • See there show with “Sometimes Together Circus” at The Circus Tent in Trenton on May 31st at 8:30pm here: https://fringearts.com/event/informed-chaos/

  • Ilana Rose (she/her) is an aerialist and acrobat from New Mexico recently transplanted to Philly. She is a co-founder of and coach at Pitch Catch Circus and currently performs with her acrobatic trio, The 505. A graduate of Circomedia in Bristol, England, and long-time circus teacher (over 10 years), she loves sharing her passion for silks, trapeze and lyra with youth and adult students alike. When not upside down, you’ll find her in the kitchen making you tacos! You can get privates with Ilana at Secret for a few weeks so hit us up for private lessons!

    See her perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • Katherine Petronaci (she/her) is an international pole dance competitor and aerialist who resides in Philadelphia, PA. She started dancing at the age of 2 and was in a teen touring company known as DanceWorks by the age of 11.

    Her dance style is filled with contemporary influences such as Graham and Horton, while being mixed with modern sensual styles inspired by the pole community.

    Katherine was a principal dancer and aerialist in the Philadelphia based company SkyDance Philly and is a lead instructor at Flaunt Fitness here in Philadelphia. She has competed in numerous competitions all over the world, including APC, Platinum Pole Championships and The Arnold Classic Pole World Champions and PanAmerican championships in Brazil.

    See her perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • Christine (she/her) Christine Morano dancer, aerialist, and acrobat, has over a decade of professional performance experience ranging from experimental to corporate events, from intimate venues and unusual spaces to theaters across the world. She has been coaching aerial since 2009, is a freelance professional aerialist, and is the founder of MoDa Movement Co. She has performed in companies throughout the country such as Thom Lewis Dance Company, Alchemy Dance Company, DanceFusion, Grounded Aerial, Green Chair Dance Group, Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, Nickerson-Rossi Dance, Altitude Aerials, AJ Harper Dance Project, Brian Sanders' JUNK and Almanac Dance Circus Theater, and Acrobatic Conundrum. She has completed the Professional Training Program at Frequent Flyers Productions Aerial Dance Theater, and has completed dynamic rope teacher training as a part of Born To Fly Aerial Teacher Training. When she’s not performing, Christine loves continuing her education and training in multiple dance and circus disciplines, body mechanics, anatomy, and kinesiology as often as possible. She is highly collaborative and is always excited to create with other artists across all mediums, as well as create memorable performances for events.

    See her perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • With over 20 years of experience teaching aerial arts across a wide range of apparatus—including rope, silks, sling, trapeze, and Lyra—Niff Nicholls has dedicated her career to exploration and innovation. While she has dabbled in everything from Chinese pole to straps, it was trapeze that captured her imagination. In the early days, when few others were delving into its creative potential, Niff found herself on a path of discovery, shaping what would become a foundational curriculum for modern trapeze training.

    As the founder and director of Secret Circus in Philadelphia, PA, a feedback instructor for PaperDoll Militia, and a full-time teacher, Niff approaches instruction as an art in its own right. She thrives on helping students break boundaries, reimagine movement, and uncover new possibilities in the ropes and around the bar.

  • Glenn/a (he/they) is a circus artist specializing in aerial arts, clown and partner acrobatics. They have taught circus far and wide, including Circus Smirkus Camp (Greensboro, VT), Secret Circus (Philadelphia, PA) and various schools in New Orleans and elsewhere. Since 2019 they have taught around the city of Chicago. Glenna's passion is ensemble-based theatrical circus, both as performer and director.

    See him perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • Ann Woodruff assumed the role of Executive Director of Canopy in September 2021. Prior to that, she was the Children’s Programming and Outreach Director.  She is an honor graduate from the University of Georgia in the field of Special Education and a former self-contained middle school teacher.  She is a life-long learner, having received additional aerial training from the New England Center for Circus Arts (Necca), Ecole Nationale de Cirque (ENC) in Montreal, Victor Fromine’s Ecole Leotard in Montreal  and Cirque School LA (Los Angeles).  

    Under her guidance, Canopy’s Outreach and Children’s Program has reached many levels of excellence. One highlight in particular was being selected to present Canopy’s inclusive outreach program and the exciting results of aerial instruction for children with disabilities at the American Circus Educators (ACE) conference in Montreal.  She also works with UGA’s Psychology of Movement students to build research-based understanding of inclusion programming. 

    Ann has served on the Board of Directors of Extra Special People and Canopy Studio. She is a  current member of Chase Street Elementary School’s Local School Governance Team.  Ann is a founding member of Canopy Studio’s Repertory Company, having begun aerial dance instruction under Canopy’s founder, Susan Murphy, at UGA prior to Canopy’s inception.   She teaches all levels of students at Canopy, from beginning three and four year olds through advanced teens; many of her students remain at Canopy until their graduation from high school.   Ann also trains all Jr. level teachers in the Canopy kids program, focusing on research-backed teaching methods for students of all abilities.

    See Ann perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/

  • Molly (she/her) has been training aerials for over a decade. Before starting circus, she was an amateur Muay Thai fighter and coach, also coaching strength and conditioning. She specializes in aerials (primarily rope and trapeze) and handstands, but also dabbles in partner acro and Cyr wheel.

    See Molly perform in our Salon May 30th at Secret Circus. Get tickets here: https://fringearts.com/event/secret-circus-salon/