Aerial Workshops
with Doug Stewart

January 25, 2025

  • Come learn the foundations of duo straps! In this workshop will be explore various ways to partner in straps including 1 arm sequences, basing from straddle and splits and we will work together to sequence skills.

    This class will run for 1h 15 min due to regular straps classes taking place on the same day. If you are not in the straps class, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to warm up.

    Prerequisites: Students should have previous straps experience. They should be comfortable hanging from 1 arm.

  • This workshop is going to deep dive into the depths of my vertical brain and explore all my ideas that never made it to the stage. Come get a taste of tricks, entries, wraps and more. But there’s a catch, not all the ideas are finished. Together we will create our own pathways, find new endings and put your own personal style on the material!

    Students should be comfortable with exploring movement and aerial-awareness. Students should be comfortable with the possibility of getting stuck and be able to safely navigate new material. Experienced Level 2s and up on Rope or Fabric.

  • 75 minute Straps Workshop - $50.00
    90 minute Verticals Workshop - $60.00
    Bundle Both Workshops - $95.00

  • Doug Stewart is a professional circus artist as well as entrepreneur. Doug graduated from the New England Center for Circus Arts. As a performer he has worked for Circus Smirkus, Chicago’s Midnight Circus, Diamond Family Circus, AIDA Cruises and was a cast member in the first three Cirque Us tours. Doug holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business of Live and Performing Arts with a concentration in Touring Productions from Columbia College Chicago. At age 20, Doug founded Cirque Us. Doug is also a co-founder of the Upper Valley Circus Camp. Doug sat as the head circus coach for Circus Smirkus Camp and is the Artistic and Operations Director of Cirque Us. When not running Cirque Us, Doug stays busy touring with various companies throughout the U.S. and guest coaches at circus studios during his travels. When home in MA, he often visits Rhode Island Circus Space offering workshops and private lessons. He is an exceptionally versatile and highly skilled instructor with experience on all aerial apparatuses. You can follow Doug’s adventures on instagram @doug_stewartt

Aerial Workshops with Cirque Us

September 6, 2024

90 minutes each

  • Students will learn different types of spins and focus on finding control and center while spinning on lyra. This workshop will explore how to start and maintain your spin from different heights of the apparatus, and we will discuss techniques for minimizing accidental orbits and dizziness.

    Pre-requisites: We recommend previous aerial experience Maximum Participants: 8 students per coach

    Coach Maia Castro Santos

  • This workshop is an introduction to acrobatic hula hoop technique. Participants will learn how to manipulate hoops on the hand, foot, and body. The workshop will also cover various styles of hoop vocabulary, from isolations and tosses to multiple hoop shapes and formations, in addition to considerations of how to combine those elements within choreography.

    Pre-requisites: None

    Maximum participants: 6-8

    Coach Maia Castro Santos

  • Come get funky with dynamic straps swings! From basic technique to sequencing with momentum, this workshop will cover everything you need to start building a dynamic straps practice. Participants with prior experience will work on connecting dynamic movements.

    Pre-requisites: straight arm inversion
Maximum participants: 3 people per set of straps

    Coach: Squid

  • Private Lessons with Maia or Squid on any aerial apparatus are available on a first come first serve basis at our regular private lesson rate. Maia also teaches hula hoop and active flexibility. Please indicate the discipline and coach preference in your lesson request.

    4:30 1 slot with Maia
    4:30 1 slot with Squid
    5:30 1 slot with Squid
    6:30 1 slot wiht Squid
    7:30 1 slot with Maia

  • 90 minute Workshop - $55 each

  • Cirque Us is a Boston based circus entertainment and education company

    We produce and tour full length, original work, as well as curate customized circus experiences. Additionally, we provide educational resources such as workshops and camps for people of all ages and abilities.

Three Aerial Workshops in August

Workshop #1
Clean Inversions
Saturday August 3
10:00 am (2 hours)

Workshop #2
Pike Through/Skin The Cat
Sunday August 11
11:30 am (70 minutes)

Workshop #3
All About Climbing
Saturday August 24
10:00 am (2 hours)

  • Join us for a 2-hour workshop with Simone to master clean inversions on any aerial apparatus! Simone will share her expertise on achieving perfect inversions through targeted drills for key muscle groups. Whether you're new to aerials or tackling specific challenges like microbent knees, lifted hips, or straight-arm inversions, Simone has the tools you need to reach your goals. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your technique and elevate your practice!

  • Curious about achieving the shoulder mobility and strength for a Reverse Pike, also known as "Skin the Cat"? Or maybe you're not even sure what it is? This foundational movement is crucial for all aerial disciplines and mastering it will elevate your practice. Join Jess for a 70-minute workshop where she'll share the drills and cues needed to execute the Reverse Pike/ Skin the Cat with confidence and precision. Don't miss this chance to enhance your aerial skills!

  • Due to popular demand, we're excited to present a dedicated Climbing Workshop! After the success of our make-up climbing class in May, we've created a comprehensive 2-hour session led by Ana and Renee. This workshop will include climbing drills, variations, and techniques to add variety to your aerial sequences. Expect a thorough warm-up and cool-down, leaving you both tired and inspired with new skills to enhance your practice.
    Pre-requisites: Able execute the french/standard and russian climb on a vertical apparatus  and invert multiple times in a one hour class.

  • 70 minute Skin the Cat Workshop - $38 Drop In (Regular Class Pass)

    2 hour Inversions Workshop - $53 Drop in (Class+ Pass)

    2 hour Climbing Workshop - $53 Drop in (Class+ Pass)

    Discounted valid (not expired) passes purchased in 5 or 10 packs are applicable to these workshops.

Aerial Musicality Workshop with Cirque Us

October 5 at 7:30 pm

90 minutes.

  • This workshop will explore the concept of “visual textures” to consider how the aerial performer’s body relates to music during performance. The workshop will also discuss how to structure and design effective aerial choreography. While taught primarily with silks, participants are welcome to use other apparatus pending approval by the studio.

    Prerequisites: Must be the studio’s equivalent of an intermediate or Level 2 student.

  • 90 minute Workshop - $65 each
    Early Bird Price (until September 21) - $55

  • Cirque Us is a Boston based circus entertainment and education company

    We produce and tour full length, original work, as well as curate customized circus experiences. Additionally, we provide educational resources such as workshops and camps for people of all ages and abilities.

    Individual instructor bios can be viewed onr our Guest Coach page.

Russian Bar
with Jon Roitman

Intro to Russian Bar
Sept 24 at 11:30 am
Russian Bar for Smirkos
Sept 24 1:00 pm

  • Russian bar is a unique and exciting acrobatic apparatus used in circus performances. It involves a flexible, narrow, and spring-loaded platform, often made of fiberglass or other materials, that is used to propel acrobats into the air, enabling them to perform intricate flips, twists, and other dynamic maneuvers.

    A Russian Bar  team consists of three performers: two "porters" and one "flyer." The porters stand on either end of the bar and are responsible for holding and maneuvering the bar, while the flyer performs aerial tricks and flips.

    Pre-Requisites

    Bases: be able to base someone your own size comfortably in a 2 high

    Flyers: be able to do a back tuck on trampoline and comfortably fly a 2 high.

  • 90 minute Intro workshop- $40
    90 minute Smirko Workshop - Free!

  • Jonathon Roitman is a professional circus performer and coach. During Jonathon's high school years at High Mowing School, his interest in circus, especially juggling and partner acrobatics, continued to grow. He attended Circus Smirkus’ advanced camp for three summers, and was a founding member of the Flying Gravity Circus.

    While studying at McGill University in Montreal, Jonathon attended a three-year pre-professional training program at the Verdun Circus School. After obtaining his B.A. in French translation and literature from McGill, he studied for four years at the National Circus School in Montreal, majoring in juggling. After graduating, he toured internationally, performing in over 17 countries. Highlights of his performance career to date include touring with Cirque Éloize (Rain), performing at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia (Carousel and Clothesline), and working for the GOP Variety Theater in Germany (Karussell.)

    As well as performing, Jonathon loves to share his passion for circus arts. He has worked as tour coach on the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, 2022 and coached for Smirkus Advanced Camp in 2016 and 2020. In 2023 he became the Head Coach of the Smirkus Tour.

    He has also coached for the Silver Lining Circus Camp for eight summers, and is currently the Artistic Director and Head Coach of the Flying Gravity Circus, a position he has held since 2012. He has also coached for the circus program at the Independent Lake Camp in Orson PA, the recreational children's program at the National Circus School in Montreal, SHOW Circus Studio in Easthampton MA, the New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro VT, and has worked as a temporary movement and circus arts teacher at the Monadnock Waldorf School in Keene NH. Jonathon is currently employed teaching Circus Arts and Physical Education at High Mowing School.

    Jonathon believes that circus is accessible to everyone, and delights in helping students reach their full potential. Included in his teaching philosophy is the strong belief that learning circus arts imparts many valuable life lessons along the way.

Understanding Abs
with Simone Lukas-Jogl
3 Part Series

Sept 9 9:00 - 11 am
Sept 16 9:00 -10 am
Sept 30 9:00 -10 am

  • Aerialists need strong abs, both for stability and for movement. We need to support and protect our low back, yet at the same time allow it to move gracefully. We need to be strong and able to use the full range of our strength with refined control.

    This four hour course, in three parts, will provide a general anatomical understanding of ‘the core’ and a way to systematically train and refine the use of the deep stabilizing layers to allow for full movement expression in the spine and extremities.

    After this workshop, you will be able to:

    Distinguish between abdominal muscles that are ‘movers’ and those that are ‘stabilizers’ and to choose appropriate exercises for both.

    Deepen the engagement of the stabilizers so that the lumbar spine can be supported without any loss of spinal mobility or length.

    Recognize imbalances in the recruitment of abdominal stabilizers, movers, and hip flexors and make appropriate corrections.

  • 4 hour Workshop (3 classes)- $140
    Early Bird Price (until June 17) - $120

  • Simone Lukas-Jogl is a professional Rolfer® with 24 years of experience. She has worked with a variety of clients, including dancers, actors, and singers in New York City, and has a particular interest in supporting the self-development of those involved in fitness or the performing arts.

    In addition to her career as a Rolfer, Simone is also a Gyrotonic trainer and movement coach. She was a professional ballroom dancer and is currently an aerialist, and uses her own training and experiences to inform her work with clients. She understands the challenges and fears that can hold people back in their training and is committed to helping others find ways to overcome these challenges and reach their full potential.

    Through her combined knowledge and experience, Simone is well-equipped to support and guide those seeking to improve their flexibility, strength, and grace in movement.

    At RICS, Simone offers her expertise in biomechanics, movement, and performance through workshops and special series classes. She also offers one on one Circus Body Consultations to help recreational and professional movement artists maximize their potential and athletic longevity.

Dance Trapeze Workshops
Saturday June 24
with Julia Baccellieri

Level 2+ - 11:00 am
Level 1 - 12:30 pm

Sunday June 25
Private Lessons Available

  • Dance Trapeze Sequencing for Level 1

    An intro to dance trapeze sequencing. We will be diving into fine-tuning some foundational trapeze skills above and below the bar as well as spinning. We will then use that flawless technique to make seamless transitions easy to access. This workshop is geared towards aerialists looking to increase their endurance and learn what makes seamless sequences.

    Dance Trapeze Sequencing for Levels 2&3

    An intermediate dance trapeze sequencing workshop. We will dive into beat technique, spinning, and sequencing. This workshop is perfect for intermediate and advanced aerialists looking to hone in on the fundamentals of beats and spinning as well as broaden their skill vocabulary.

  • 90 minute Workshop - $70
    Early Bird Price (until June 17) - $60

  • Julia was born and raised in the Chicago IL performing arts community starting their circus journey at age 10. In 2014 they joined their first tour with Circus Smirkus at age 15. Julia graduated from the Aloft Circus Arts Chicago pro track program in 2016 and graduated from New England Center for Circus Arts’s inaugural 3-year pro-track program and tour in 2019. Julia then co-founded an Art Collective known as Third Eye Collective where artists in the New England area of many different disciplines came together to host shows and events. Julia then found their way to Denver CO to work with Frequent Flyers and Illuminar Aerial and Starry Night Productions. Julia is a strong and dynamic performer with a passion for Aerial, Hula Hooping, juggling, Dance, Hand Balancing, and acrobatics.

Hula Hoop Choreography Workshop
Sunday June 25
with Julia Baccellieri

All Levels - 11:00 am

Sunday June 25
Private Lessons Available

  • Hulu Hoop Choreography

    Join Julia Baccellieri for a fun, all levels, single hoop workshop.  We will be covering some important basics such as folds, isolations and contact skills. We will then use these elements of single hoop play and learn some fun choreography that will help you find variation in your own hoop sequences. This workshop is perfect for all levels of hoopers who are interested in single hoop manipulation and/or looking to add more variation to their technique.

    This is a 75 minute ground based workshop.

  • 75 minute Workshop - $60
    Early Bird Price (until June 17) - $50

  • Julia was born and raised in the Chicago IL performing arts community starting their circus journey at age 10. In 2014 they joined their first tour with Circus Smirkus at age 15. Julia graduated from the Aloft Circus Arts Chicago pro track program in 2016 and graduated from New England Center for Circus Arts’s inaugural 3-year pro-track program and tour in 2019. Julia then co-founded an Art Collective known as Third Eye Collective where artists in the New England area of many different disciplines came together to host shows and events. Julia then found their way to Denver CO to work with Frequent Flyers and Illuminar Aerial and Starry Night Productions. Julia is a strong and dynamic performer with a passion for Aerial, Hula Hooping, juggling, Dance, Hand Balancing, and acrobatics.

Dance Trapeze Series
Sundays April 2, 16, 23 & 30 & Saturday April 8
Level 1 - 10:45 - 11:45 am
Level 2+ - 11:45 am -1 pm (12:15 start on Sat April 8)
with Becky Brown

  • Beginner Dance Trapeze
    No pre-requisites, only a desire to learn and an ability to withstand semi-classical music for ~30 minutes 

    Level 2 -Intermediate Dance Trapeze
    Students should have taken at least one lesson of either static and/or dance trapeze, and should feel comfortable navigating themselves to sitting and standing on the bar with proper technique. They should also be able to execute a pull over (feet on ropes okay), and should be familiar with front and back balances.

    Level 3 - Advanced Dance Trapeze
    Students should have at least one year of aerial experience, be able to maintain themselves in the air for at least a minute (i.e. 1-minute dead hang, capable of executing 1-minute aerial improv/flow, etc.), and comfortably invert from the air AND maintain a slow and controlled lower.

  • There are 2 purchase options for these 5 class series.

    Single Drop In - $36.00
    Register the Series - $150.00

  • Becky is a self-professed nerd for all types of movement, but especially for dance and circus. After injuries put an end to hard landings in her artistic gymnastics career, Becky decided that stuck landings were overrated and made the natural pivot to aerial arts where hard landings are virtually non-existent.

    Becky began teaching aerial- and ground-based circus arts in 2011, and has taught with Frequent Flyers, Aloft Circus Arts, Circus Harmony, and Circus Smirkus. Becky is a certified Gyrokinesis teacher, a certified personal trainer, and is currently working towards completing a Gyrotonic certification.

Intro to Aerial Straps
Class Series
April 14, 21 & 28
4:30-5:30 pm
with Sellam El Ouahabi

  • In this 3 class series, the instructor will introduce participants to the strength and flexibility exercises required to start exploring aerial movement on straps. 

    Minimally, all participants in this workshop should be able to invert comfortably in the air, be able to complete 5 pull ups, a 1 mimute plank. The equivalent of level 3+ student on any other aerial apparatus.

  • This class series has two purchase options…

    Purchase the series for $90 ($30/class)

    OR

    Purchase individual “Drop In” class for $36 / Class

  • Sellam El Ouahabi has worked in the circus industry for 43 years – and counting. He began his career at the age of 13, when he received his first professional touring contract with an acrobatic troupe from his home city of Tangier, Morocco. He went on to perform as a member of various acrobatic troupes continuously until he was 19 years old, at which point, he pursued a career as a solo artist. El Ouahabi performed all variety of acts, including acrobatics, equestrian vaulting, human pyramids, hand balance, aerial straps, trapeze, the Wheel Of Death, aerial silks, hand-to-hand and adagio, as well as other performance styles, for the next 19 years. He traveled throughout Europe, South America and Asia, with frequent engagements in Sweden, Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland. His performance portfolio includes work with over 20 different circuses, including Circus Knie, Circus Mondial, The Bouglione Circus, Darix Togni Circus, and the Billy Smart Circus. El Ouahabi was an original company member of the U.K. production, the Circus of Horrors, innovating a central character and performing straps, bungee, hand-to-hand and a trio hand balance act for the globe-trotting show. In addition to live performance, he regularly appeared in motion pictures and commercials during his performance career.

    In 2006, Sellam began the transition from performance to full-time coaching. Throughout his performance career, El Ouahabi often acted as a ‘show coach’ – coaching other artists and troupe members on the show. He found that he not only had a facility for coaching, but that he deeply enjoyed teaching the technique he had perfected in his own work, as well as acting as a mentor for those seeking a life in the circus. In 2008, Circus Smirkus brought El Ouahabi to Greensboro, Vermont to coach their annual Big Top Tour show. El Ouahabi would return as Tour Coach at Smirkus for the next 8 years. In 2011, El Ouahabi also began to teach full time for the New England Center for Circus Arts, based in Brattleboro, Vermont, during the Fall and Winter months. El Ouahabi specialized in coaching NECCA’s pre-professional and pro-track level students, as well as the Advanced Youth troupe.

    Many of El Ouahabi’s former students are now working around the world for companies such as Cirque Du Soleil, The Seven Fingers of the Hand, Carnival Cruise Lines, Girls On Trapeze, Cirque Us, and more. In 2015, El Ouahabi founded The Sellam Circus School, with a mission to bring circus training back into the big top, and to make elite level training accessible to all.

Hand Balancing Class Series
Saturdays
1) March 11 - April 1 2023
2) April 15-April 29, 2023
9:00 am
with Sellam El Ouahabi

  • In this 1 hour class, Master Coach Sellam El Ouahabi will focus on the flexibility and strength required for handstand and hand balance work.

    Ability to kick up to a supported handstand is required, otherwise all levels are welcome.

  • This class series has two purchase options…

    Purchase the series for $30/class upfront

    OR

    Purchase individual “Drop In” class for $36 / Class

  • Sellam El Ouahabi has worked in the circus industry for 43 years – and counting. He began his career at the age of 13, when he received his first professional touring contract with an acrobatic troupe from his home city of Tangier, Morocco. He went on to perform as a member of various acrobatic troupes continuously until he was 19 years old, at which point, he pursued a career as a solo artist. El Ouahabi performed all variety of acts, including acrobatics, equestrian vaulting, human pyramids, hand balance, aerial straps, trapeze, the Wheel Of Death, aerial silks, hand-to-hand and adagio, as well as other performance styles, for the next 19 years. He traveled throughout Europe, South America and Asia, with frequent engagements in Sweden, Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland. His performance portfolio includes work with over 20 different circuses, including Circus Knie, Circus Mondial, The Bouglione Circus, Darix Togni Circus, and the Billy Smart Circus. El Ouahabi was an original company member of the U.K. production, the Circus of Horrors, innovating a central character and performing straps, bungee, hand-to-hand and a trio hand balance act for the globe-trotting show. In addition to live performance, he regularly appeared in motion pictures and commercials during his performance career.

    In 2006, Sellam began the transition from performance to full-time coaching. Throughout his performance career, El Ouahabi often acted as a ‘show coach’ – coaching other artists and troupe members on the show. He found that he not only had a facility for coaching, but that he deeply enjoyed teaching the technique he had perfected in his own work, as well as acting as a mentor for those seeking a life in the circus. In 2008, Circus Smirkus brought El Ouahabi to Greensboro, Vermont to coach their annual Big Top Tour show. El Ouahabi would return as Tour Coach at Smirkus for the next 8 years. In 2011, El Ouahabi also began to teach full time for the New England Center for Circus Arts, based in Brattleboro, Vermont, during the Fall and Winter months. El Ouahabi specialized in coaching NECCA’s pre-professional and pro-track level students, as well as the Advanced Youth troupe.

    Many of El Ouahabi’s former students are now working around the world for companies such as Cirque Du Soleil, The Seven Fingers of the Hand, Carnival Cruise Lines, Girls On Trapeze, Cirque Us, and more. In 2015, El Ouahabi founded The Sellam Circus School, with a mission to bring circus training back into the big top, and to make elite level training accessible to all.

Friday Night Acrobatics Workshop Series
1) March 3rd - 31st, 2023
2) April 14-28, 2023
6:00 - 8:30 pm
with Sellam El Ouahabi

  • In this 2.5 hour session, Master Coach Sellam El Ouahabi will guide participants in a variety of acrobatic disciplines. The group will explore a variety of ground-based solo and partnering acrobatics including handstands and banquine. The content of each week may vary from session to session based on the interest and abilities of the participants. 

  • This workshop series has two purchase options…

    Purchase the full workshop series for the equivalent ofd $40/class upfront.

    OR

    Purchase individual “Drop In” class for $50.00 / Class

  • Sellam El Ouahabi has worked in the circus industry for 43 years – and counting. He began his career at the age of 13, when he received his first professional touring contract with an acrobatic troupe from his home city of Tangier, Morocco. He went on to perform as a member of various acrobatic troupes continuously until he was 19 years old, at which point, he pursued a career as a solo artist. El Ouahabi performed all variety of acts, including acrobatics, equestrian vaulting, human pyramids, hand balance, aerial straps, trapeze, the Wheel Of Death, aerial silks, hand-to-hand and adagio, as well as other performance styles, for the next 19 years. He traveled throughout Europe, South America and Asia, with frequent engagements in Sweden, Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland. His performance portfolio includes work with over 20 different circuses, including Circus Knie, Circus Mondial, The Bouglione Circus, Darix Togni Circus, and the Billy Smart Circus. El Ouahabi was an original company member of the U.K. production, the Circus of Horrors, innovating a central character and performing straps, bungee, hand-to-hand and a trio hand balance act for the globe-trotting show. In addition to live performance, he regularly appeared in motion pictures and commercials during his performance career.

    In 2006, Sellam began the transition from performance to full-time coaching. Throughout his performance career, El Ouahabi often acted as a ‘show coach’ – coaching other artists and troupe members on the show. He found that he not only had a facility for coaching, but that he deeply enjoyed teaching the technique he had perfected in his own work, as well as acting as a mentor for those seeking a life in the circus. In 2008, Circus Smirkus brought El Ouahabi to Greensboro, Vermont to coach their annual Big Top Tour show. El Ouahabi would return as Tour Coach at Smirkus for the next 8 years. In 2011, El Ouahabi also began to teach full time for the New England Center for Circus Arts, based in Brattleboro, Vermont, during the Fall and Winter months. El Ouahabi specialized in coaching NECCA’s pre-professional and pro-track level students, as well as the Advanced Youth troupe.

    Many of El Ouahabi’s former students are now working around the world for companies such as Cirque Du Soleil, The Seven Fingers of the Hand, Carnival Cruise Lines, Girls On Trapeze, Cirque Us, and more. In 2015, El Ouahabi founded The Sellam Circus School, with a mission to bring circus training back into the big top, and to make elite level training accessible to all.

Rope Workshop
Feb 12, 2023
3:30 - 5:30 pm
with Doug Stewart

  • Join Doug Stewart for a 2 hour workshop on aerial rope.

    Doug will work with intermediate+ aerialists who have vertical apparatus or rope experience focusing on more advanced skills and technique

    Pre-requisites:

    Familiarity with working on aerial rope or fabric. Able to perform a hip key roll up, swivel s-wrap and execute windmills with control.

  • Early Bird: $70 (until Feb 4)

    Regular: $80 (until day of event)

    24 hour cancellation policy applies

    Bundle with a Private Lesson Package Available
    Multiple Workshop Discount Option Available (Not applicable to Early Bird Price)

  • Doug Stewart is a professional circus artist as well as entrepreneur. Doug graduated from the New England Center for Circus Arts. As a performer he has worked for Circus Smirkus, Chicago’s Midnight Circus, Diamond Family Circus, AIDA Cruises and was a cast member in the first three Cirque Us tours. Doug holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business of Live and Performing Arts with a concentration in Touring Productions from Columbia College Chicago. At age 20, Doug founded Cirque Us. Doug is also a co-founder of the Upper Valley Circus Camp. Doug sat as the head circus coach for Circus Smirkus Camp and is the Artistic and Operations Director of Cirque Us. When not running Cirque Us, Doug stays busy touring with various companies throughout the U.S. and guest coaches at circus studios during his travels. When home in MA, he often visits Rhode Island Circus Space offering workshops and private lessons. He is an exceptionally versatile and highly skilled instructor with experience on all aerial apparatuses.

German Wheel Workshop
Feb 11, 2023
5:00-6:30 pm
with Jeremy Cifonie

  • German Wheel is a large wheel consisting of two circles in parallel, which are framed together with six spokes. Two are simple tubes, two are equipped with a handle and two have a footrest.

    Come roll around with Jeremy Cifonie in this 1.5 hour German Wheel workshop. Participants new to German wheel will work on the basics of rocking techniques, take full rotations in the belts, and explore partner work. Participants with prior wheel experience will have the opportunity to work more dynamic skills including bar-board transfers, hip circles, rolls, etc. 

    The recommended height for this workshop, based on the size of our German Wheel, is between 5'4" and 6'2". Anybody outside of this height range is still welcome and encouraged to attend, as a large portion of technique and beginner skills are not affected by height. Thin and flexible shoes are required for working in the wheel's foot straps; we recommend shoes similar to plain vans, converse, or thin acro/wrestling shoes. 

    Max Participants: 6

    If this session has a waitlist another session may be added.

  • Early Bird: $60 (until Feb 4)

    Regular: $70 (until day of event)

    24 hour cancellation policy applies

    Bundle with a Private Lesson Package

    AvailableMultiple Workshop Discount Option Available (Not applicable to Early Bird Price)

  • Jeremy Cifonie is a circus artist based in Chicago who specializes in aerial rope, German wheel, and clown. His circus career began when he connected with the Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University where he trained, performed, and graduated before starting work as a high school English teacher. He spent his nights and evenings working as a circus artist before leaving the school system to pursue circus full time. Most recently, Cifonie has worked and performed with Cirque Dreams, Cirque Us, Westchester Circus Arts, and The Vampire Circus. Away from work, Cifonie often spends his time listening to true crime podcasts, making coffee, playing video games, and wearing mismatched socks.

Intermediate Straps Class
Feb 11, 2023
3:30 pm - 5 pm
with Doug Stewart

  • In this 1.5 hour straps class, Doug Stewart will lead participants through all the necessary conditioning required to acheive the impressive straps skills that leave aerialistis awed and inspired.  More advanced straps artists will be challenged to work on one arm skills, flares and swivels as is appropriate to the participants experience.

    Experienced aerialists interested in starting their straps journey will come away with the relevant drills and conditioning, the mastery of which is required to safely advance their aerial straps practice. 

    Minimally, all participants in this workshop should be able to invert comfortably in the air, be able to complete 5 pull ups, a 1 minute plank or are a level 3+ student on any other aerial apparatus.

  • Early Bird: $60 (until Feb 4)

    Regular: $70 (until day of event)

    24 hour cancellation policy applies

    Bundle with a Private Lesson Package Available

    Multiple Workshop Discount Option Available (Not applicable to Early Bird Price)

  • Doug Stewart is a professional circus artist as well as entrepreneur. Doug graduated from the New England Center for Circus Arts. As a performer he has worked for Circus Smirkus, Chicago’s Midnight Circus, Diamond Family Circus, AIDA Cruises and was a cast member in the first three Cirque Us tours. Doug holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business of Live and Performing Arts with a concentration in Touring Productions from Columbia College Chicago. At age 20, Doug founded Cirque Us. Doug is also a co-founder of the Upper Valley Circus Camp. Doug sat as the head circus coach for Circus Smirkus Camp and is the Artistic and Operations Director of Cirque Us. When not running Cirque Us, Doug stays busy touring with various companies throughout the U.S. and guest coaches at circus studios during his travels. When home in MA, he often visits Rhode Island Circus Space offering workshops and private lessons. He is an exceptionally versatile and highly skilled instructor with experience on all aerial apparatuses.

Duo Aerial For Any Occasion
Feb 18, 2023
11:00 am - 1 pm
with Hayley Larson

  • In this mixed apparatus workshop we'll take a creative approach to aerial partnering work, with a focus on the basic techniques for occupying airspace together. We will learn how to determine new basing positions as well as how to move on and around a buddy. Through this workshop you'll quickly learn that friends make some of the best apparatuses! No partner is required, but everyone will be encouraged to work with each other and on multiple apparatuses.

    Apparatus available will include trapeze, lyra, sling, and silks.

    Pre requisites: in-air bent-arm inversions, 30 sec dish/hollow body hold, 3 controlled pull-up negatives.

    This workshop will run 2 hours for up to 10 participants.

  • Early Bird: $70 (until Feb 4)
    Regular: $80 (until day of event)
    24 hour cancellation policy applies

    Bundle with a Private Lesson Package Available

  • Hayley was first introduced to aerial arts while getting her BA in dance at Oberlin College. Soon feeling more at home in the air than on the ground, she took the leap and moved to Chicago to pursue circus full-time in the Aloft Circus Arts professional training program. After the program she quickly became a coach and local live entertainment performer throughout the Midwest. As a member of Aloft's performing company, recent credits include duo trapeze and other ensemble disciplines at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the show "Brave Space", and she is resident aerialist for Chicago dinner show COPA Cabana at Carnivale. Her circus journey began with silks, but she has since branched out significantly with continued creative pursuits on Cyr Wheel, duo trapeze, juggling, dance, hand balancing and ensemble work. As a coach she loves to encourage students to think critically and engage in the theory of her own favorite disciplines; handstands, duo aerial and Cyr wheel.

Life Off the Wall
Level up your handstand game
Feb 18, 2023
1:30 - 3 pm
with Hayley Larson

  • Tired of floating, but never fully balancing? This workshop will focus on techniques and drills to take your handstand off the wall and into the world of freestanding balance and patterns. Time will be spent learning accessible and achievable drills for training a freestanding handstand without attachment to a wall, or constant need of a spotter. We will also cover some basic handstand spotting skills.

    Pre-requisites: comfort kicking towards handstand with a spotter, 30 second high plank hold, 30 second dish/hollow body hold.

    This workshop will run 1.5 hours for up to 10 participants.

  • Early Bird: $60 (until Feb 4)
    Regular: $70 (until day of event)
    24 hour cancellation policy applies

    Bundle with a Private Lesson Package Available

  • Hayley was first introduced to aerial arts while getting her BA in dance at Oberlin College. Soon feeling more at home in the air than on the ground, she took the leap and moved to Chicago to pursue circus full-time in the Aloft Circus Arts professional training program. After the program she quickly became a coach and local live entertainment performer throughout the Midwest. As a member of Aloft's performing company, recent credits include duo trapeze and other ensemble disciplines at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the show "Brave Space", and she is resident aerialist for Chicago dinner show COPA Cabana at Carnivale. Her circus journey began with silks, but she has since branched out significantly with continued creative pursuits on Cyr Wheel, duo trapeze, juggling, dance, hand balancing and ensemble work. As a coach she loves to encourage students to think critically and engage in the theory of her own favorite disciplines; handstands, duo aerial and Cyr wheel.

Understanding Shoulders in Circus Arts

Jan 8 & 15, 2023
10 am - 12pm
with Simone Lukas-Jogl

  • Shoulders are the most commonly injured joints in circus artists. Aerialists, in particular, use their shoulders frequently in their end-range and in weighted, overhead positions. A solid understanding of the joint mechanics of the shoulder complex helps avoid injury and develop a technique that is safe as well as aesthetically pleasing.

    As part of the workshop, each participant will receive a functional shoulder mobility screening and learn the exercises that would be most beneficial to them specifically.

  • To improve and refine hanging and climbing in order to keep shoulders safe and free of pain and injury.

    To be able to assess hanging form and identify common problems.

    To determine which parts of your own shoulder complex restrict optimal motion and which parts need strengthening.

    To learn specific exercises to remedy those specific imbalances.

    To develop a set of multi-joint movement patterns that are designed to mobilize and strengthen scapular and arm movements in coherent ways. (shoulder pre-hab.)

    What we will do:

    Demonstrate the location and function of structures around the shoulder girdle through images 3D models and palpation.

    Explore the anatomy of the shoulder girdle and how it should move in relation with the arm and torso.

    Learn about common problems that set the shoulder joint up for misalignment and pain.

    Do a hanging analysis for each participant and identify areas for improvement.

    Learn and discuss specific strength exercises and stretches to counter existing imbalances.

    Learn, practice and refine a set of multi-joint movement patterns for shoulder pre-hab.

  • This is a 2 part series, 2 hours each. Participants are signing up for both days when they purchase this workshop.

  • Early Bird: $100 (until Jan 2)
    Regular: $120 (until day of event)
    24 hour cancellation policy applies

  • Simone Lukas-Jogl is a professional Rolfer® with 24 years of experience. She has worked with a variety of clients, including dancers, actors, and singers in New York City, and has a particular interest in supporting the self-development of those involved in fitness or the performing arts.

    In addition to her career as a Rolfer, Simone is also a Gyrotonic trainer and movement coach. She was a professional ballroom dancer and is currently an aerialist, and uses her own training and experiences to inform her work with clients. She understands the challenges and fears that can hold people back in their training and is committed to helping others find ways to overcome these challenges and reach their full potential.

    Through her combined knowledge and experience, Simone is well-equipped to support and guide those seeking to improve their flexibility, strength, and grace in movement.