Who we are, What to expect and What to wear.
Welcome to Rhode Island Circus Space, we are so happy you found us! We are a group of Circus enthusiasts from all over RI who wanted a fun and inclusive place to play, learn, train, and teach.
First of all, we just have to say, Circus is awesome!
Our current focus is Aerial Circus Arts, but we love Circus in all of its forms; ground arts, aerial arts, acrobatic arts, and everything in between! Our goal is to teach and share Circus in a way that is fun, playful, and encouraging. There are a LOT of goofy metaphors and odd explanations in our classes and we are not above using interpretive dances to get our instruction across.
That being said, Circus training is a serious business that has a lot in common with dance and gymnastics. Our progressive curriculums build upon basic skills, drills, and concepts that grow stronger with conditioning and attention to detailed technique. We care about our students and take safety very seriously. We want you to have fun as you safely become the best circus artist you can be!
"Okay that’s great, But What Do I Wear?"
There is no dress code at RICS and honestly, fashion is not most of our strong suits. You will probably see every color of the rainbow in every contrasting pattern combination. As a general rule for Aerial classes, it is best to wear tighter-fitting athletic clothes. Calf or ankle-length leggings help protect the backs of your knees, while a tighter shirt or tucked-in shirt, prevents you from being blinded by extra fabric when you go upside down. You are welcome to wear a leotard or body suit if that makes you comfortable. Layers are your friend and don't forget a water bottle!
As far as accessories go, we have lots of props to assist you with warming up (foam rollers, resistance bands, yoga mats, blocks, etc) but feel free to bring any extra items you might like to use.
After you've signed up online and walked through that front door, we hope you feel right at home as you take off your shoes, put down your bags, and come onto the grey mat. Most classes start with a warm-up and include conditioning and stretching in addition to working on the aerial apparatus. Make sure you let your instructor know if you have any prior injuries and speak up if you have any concerns or questions about the class, movements, or instructions. We are happy to answer questions!
Circus has changed all of our lives for the better and it is something we love to share! We invite you to come on in, be brave, and try something new and we hope that you fall in love with Circus as much as we have!
See you in class,
RICS Staff
