Level: For All / Mixed Level

For Winter 2025, there are three options to choose from:
Tuesdays 4:15-5pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Emily Babin
Thursdays from 3:15-4pmpm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Sandy Gregorich
Saturdays 10-10:45pm starting January 25 and ending April 12 with Emily Babin

This tumbling based class is designed to nurture your small circuser and introduce them to body patterns, circus skills, and community connection. Class is structured and led by an expert in early years tumbling. This is a class just for kids (no parental participation), but we expect parents to stay within sight or sound of their child during class.
Pre-requisites: none

Level: For All / Mixed Level

For Winter 2025, there are three options to choose from:
Tuesdays from 3-4pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Emily Babin
Thursdays from 4:15-5:15pm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Sandy Gregorich
Saturdays from 9-10am starting January 25 and ending April 12 with Emily Babin

This tumbling based class is designed to nurture your small circuser and introduce them to body patterns, circus skills, and community connection.
Pre-requisites: none

Level: For All / Mixed Level

For Winter 2025, there are two options to choose from:
Tuesdays from 5:15-6:15pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Alex Sosebee, Sandy Gregorich
Saturdays from 12-1pm starting January 25 and ending April 12 with Emily Babin

Explore all of the circus things! Games, aerial, juggling, wire walking, unicycling, acrobatics, and more! Perfect for new and returning students.
Pre-requisites: none

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Winter 2025: Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Claire Dehm

This is an intermediate version of our most popular class for elementary and middle schoolers and is by invitation/application only. For students who have taken multiple sessions of All Things Circus, have retained and practiced their skills, and are looking for more focus and challenge. This class is by invitation or application (email claire@circusculture.org with interest). We will be checking in with the roster, and will notify families about alternative options when appropriate.

Level: Beginner

Winter 2025: Mondays from 4:15-5:15pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Claire Dehm

For students who have taken at least 1 session (12 weeks) of a class that included aerial, this class will focus on hammock, lyra, trapeze and fabric.

Level: Intermediate

Winter 2025: Mondays from 4:15-5:15pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Emily Healy

This class is specifically designed for intermediate teen aerialists in any discipline who want a focused and rigorous time to work on their apparatus where they are given material to work on over many weeks. Students will choose which apparati they want to focus on. This class is suggested for those interested in working on complex material over time, working collaboratively with the class cohort, and engaging in aerial problem solving.
Prerequisite: at least 2 years of classes at Circus Culture that included instruction on aerial aparati (hammock, lyra, fabric, or trapeze).

Level: Beginner

Winter 2025: Thursdays from 4:15-5:15pm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Emily Babin

Come learn the fundamentals of tumbling in a non-competitive environment! Focus will be on the basic rolls, handstands, cartwheels, and bridges that for the fundamentals of tumbling. Designed to help kids build courage and confidence!

Level: All Levels

Winter 2025: Saturdays from 2:30-3:30pm starting January 25 and ending April 12 with Emily Babin

For circusers that would benefit from their own designated circus stations (including aerial apparatuses and props) and that would feel supported in a 3:1 student to teacher ratio.

Max capacity: 5
Ages: 5-11 years

Level: For All / Mixed Level

Winter 2025: Wednesdays from 4:15-5:15pm starting January 22 and ending April 9 with Claire Dehm

A middle school version of our classic All Things Circus class! Explore all of the circus things: games, aerial, juggling, wire walking, unicycling, acrobatics, and more! Perfect for new and returning students.
Pre-requisites: none

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Thursdays from 4:15-5:15 starting February 1 and ending April 25 with Alex Sosebee

This class is focused on skills, drills, and pathways for the fundamentals of aerial fabric. Class will start with a game and will focus on progressions that lead to a theoretical and physical understanding of the world of aerial fabric. This class is for kids and teens with the patience to practice skills repeatedly and be detail oriented about their learning while still being playful in community.

Pre-requisites: Students should have experience with aerial fabric skills such as foot knot, hip key, and basic climbing. If you are totally new to aerial fabric, please sign up for the All things Aerial class for ages 8-17!

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Tuesdays from 7:45-9pm starting January 30 and ending April 23 with Emily Healy

This class is designed for fabric students who are specifically interested in taking their practice to new heights and working on more complex patterns. Ability to invert in the air is not required, but will open up new and different pathways for your practice. This class is suggested for those interested in working on complex material over time, working collaboratively with the class cohort, and engaging in aerial problem solving.

Level: All Levels

Fridays from 4:15-5:15 starting January 27 and ending May 19 with Amy Cohen

This mixed levels class is designed to meet students where they are and help them develop their tumbling practice. A combination of styles will be explored and students will be able to move at their own pace. Join us to work on rolls, cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings, aerials, and more.

Pre-requisites: Comfort exploring rolls, cartwheels, and handstands.

Level: all levels

Fridays from 5:15-6:15 starting January 27 and ending May 19 with Amy Cohen

This mixed levels class is designed to meet students where they are and help them develop their tumbling practice. A combination of styles will be explored and students will be able to move at their own pace. Join us to work on rolls, cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings, aerials, and more.

Pre-requisites: Comfort exploring rolls, cartwheels, and handstands.

Level: Intermediate
Thursdays from 6:30-7:45 starting January 26 and ending May 18 with a rotation of Circus Culture teachers

This class is designed for adults who already have experience with partner acrobatics and want to take their practice further. This session acro class will be team taught by a rotation of Circus Culture teachers who will each take on a different topic to dive into with the class. Topics will include: Two highs and variations, L basing, creative acrobatic movement, acro balancing, and more. Participants are welcome to sign up with a buddy they feel comfortable working with, or to sign up solo. Students will be engaged in physical contact with others in the class with informed consent and thoughtful spotting at the forefront.

Level: mixed levels

Mondays from 5:15-6:30pm starting January 29 and ending April 22 with Emily Babin, Shekinah Williams

Dive into the world of all things ground skills! In this class students will learn a mix of partner acrobatics, handstands, tumbling, wire, unicycling, prop manipulation (juggling, diabolo), rola bola, rolling globe and more!
Prerequisites: none

Practice time for members of ICircus

​Clowning Deep Dive: A workshop for practicing artists (6 hourrs over 2 days) with Holly Adams
For adults 18+
Cost: $120
Dates/times: Saturday, January 14 from 1-4pm and Sunday January 15 from 1-4pm
*Participants must attend both days*

This workshop is designed for practicing artists and/or individuals who already have comfort with physical and performance skills in some form and have an active interest in integrating clowning into their work and play. Not sure if it’s the right fit? Contact us via email at info@circusculture.org.

In this intensive workshop, master teacher Holly Adams will introduce a variety of topics including:

-tragedy as comedy
-finding your clown
-clown characters in plays (including Shakespeare)
-working in solos, duos, and trios, including classical working relationships

A number of skills/techniques that can support your clown work will be explored including:
-mine
-improv
-physical business
-slapstick
-clown acrobatics fundamentals
-funny walks
-deep listening
-verbal and nonverbal communication

INVITE ONLY! Please do not drop in to this class unless you have explicitly been invited.

This int/adv partner acro meet up is invite only and is intended for the group who attended Ilana Blankman's workshop to continue to work on material together.

If you are interested in on int/adv acro, please contact us at info@circusculture.org and we can discuss options.

Level: Intermediate

Tuesdays from 7:45-9pm starting January 30 and ending April 23 with Alex Sosebee

For students with ample aerial experience in at least two disciplines (vertical and horizontal) wishing to develop their skills and learn on new apparati. Must be comfortable with fabric, hammock, Lyra, and/or trapeze.
Prerequisite: experience with at least one session of circus classes that include aerial apparatus.

Level: Intro

Mondays from 4:15-5:15pm starting January 29 and ending April 22 with Emily Babin, Shekinah Williams, Jos Jacot

Explore the world of aerial with this class designed for youth and teens in mind! Students will be able to try a variety of aparati including trapeze, silks, hammock and lyra. Given the wide age range in this class, distinct learning groups will be formed so each circuser has an experience that meets them where they are.
Prerequisites: none

Level: Intermediate / Advanced
By application (see below)

Sundays from 6:30-8:30pm starting February 4 and ending April 28 with Elan Reuven

This is not a class, so much as a gathering of compatibly skilled acrobats - given this, we require an interest form to make sure it will be a good fit for you to join. Students are expected to be able to accurately self assess their abilities in order to maintain a comfortable level of risk management for all. Students should come with moves they are actively looking to work on and develop vs. looking for a teacher or facilitator to teach them things.
Pre-requisites to submitting the interest form: 30 second handstand with acrobatic form (free or spotted), comfort basing and/or flying two high with multiple entrances and exits, experience with L basing, banquine basics, and counter balances.
If you are interested in joining in, please fill out the interest form here. If you are seeking a time to do acrobatics but this is not the right fit, we encourage you to come to handstands, tumbling, or ground skills classes which will all have acrobatic components. We hope to add an intro and beginner/intermediate acro time in the future - we appreciate your patience.

Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOKKJwg5YWmHoRWc9-il4WXRPJ7JxhcBHmnBtSFgdX_MPghQ/viewform

This class reserved for a specific group of students. Please email info@circusculture.org to organize your own private/semi-private lesson.

Level: Mixed Level
Drop In - advanced registration encouraged

During January, open practice will be held:
Tuesdays Jan 7 + 14, 6-7:15pm
Thursdays Jan 9 + 16, 6-7:15pm
Saturdays Jan 11 + 18, 2-3:15pm

During our Winter Session (Jan 20 - April 13), open practice will be held:
Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30pm with Emily Healy
Thursdays from 7:45-9pm with Alex Sosebee
Saturdays from 3:45-5pm with Emily Babin

​Open practice is a time for self practice and to refresh and refine material you have been working on in class.

What to expect: Students should come with a sense of what they want to work on, and will be given shared access to aerial equipment, and/or space for ground skills. There will always be a moderator on site for support with rigging, equipment, and space needs as well as various resources to help students learn how to practice on their own. It is possible you may not have your own point for the entirety of the practice time and will need to take turns - we trust our community will be open to sharing and collaborating in this way.

Pre-requisites: Past or present participation in classes at Circus Culture and the ability to be self motivated and structure your own time. If you are visiting Ithaca, you are welcome to sign up to practice as long as you have an established circus practice. Ages 12+.

Open practice moderators always have the agency to request that students pause working on anything they deem too risky or not aligned with our safety practices at Circus Culture.

Level: All Levels

During our Fall Session (Sept 23 through Dec 22), class will be held:
Drop in Saturdays from 1-2pm with Emily Babin

During our Winter Session (Jan 20 through April 13), class will be held:
Drop in Saturdays from 1-2pm with Emily Babin

Curious about what circus classes are like? Join us for this drop in circus class where you'll try a handful of different skills each week - juggling, wire walking, acrobatics, aerial, and more! This class is structured to be inclusive of a wide age range (5-11yrs), as well as welcome brand new students, returning students, and students doing make up classes for session classes. The activities for each week will be chosen by the teacher, and will vary.

Level: All Levels

Winter 2025: Drop in on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30pm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Emily Babin

This mixed levels class is designed to meet students where they are and help them develop their tumbling practice. A combination of styles will be explored and students will be able to move at their own pace. Join us to work on rolls, cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings, aerials, and more.
Pre-requisites: Comfort exploring rolls, cartwheels, and handstands.

Level: All Levels

During our Fall Session (Sept 23 through Dec 22), class will be held:
Drop in Saturdays from 10:45-11:30am with Emily Babin

During our Winter Session (Jan 20 - April 13), class will be held:
Drop in Saturdays from 10:45-11:30am with Emily Babin

Parents join your tots as they explore our circus space! 18 months-4 years olds can experience a unique space to play, climb, and learn new skills. We will have various tumbling, aerial, and juggling stations each week, with room for everyone to follow their own curious paths!

Level: All Levels

Winter 2025: Drop In Tuesdays 7:45-9pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Holly Adams

Join master teacher Holly Adams for a deep dive into the joys of clowning. Get ready for fun and discovery - whether it’s the joys of a stinky sock, the smell of the color pink, or other ridiculousness. We'll explore imaginative worlds and build skills while we support each other in clowning around. This is a drop in class where we will be exploring new ideas each week, so come as often as you'd like!

Cancelation policy: Classes with fewer than 3 people registered by 12noon on the day the class is offered will be canceled. Please support our ability to keep classes up by signing up by 9am! In the case of cancellation, any enrolled students will be notified via the email we have on file and not charged.

Level: Intermediate

Winter 2025: Drop in Thursdays from 12-1pm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Emily Healy

A daytime twist on our All Things Circus class! This class will focus on a variety of circus disciplines including aerials (trapeze, silks, lyra, hammock) and ground skills (partner acrobatics, handstands, tumbling, wire, juggling, and more)! Each class will focus on disciplines of students’ interests.
Prerequisites: previous enrollment in at least one session class (12 weeks) at Circus Culture

Cancelation policy: Classes with fewer than 3 people registered by 9am on the day the class is offered will be canceled. Please support our ability to keep classes up by signing up by 9am! In the case of cancellation, any enrolled students will be notified via the email we have on file and not charged.

Level: Intro / Beginner

Winter 2025: Drop in Mondays from 12-1pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Alex Sosebee

A daytime twist on our All Things Circus class! This class will focus on a variety of circus disciplines including aerials (trapeze, silks, lyra, hammock) and ground skills (partner acrobatics, handstands, tumbling, wire, juggling, and more)! Each class will focus on disciplines of students’ interests.
Prerequisites: none

Cancelation policy: Classes with fewer than 3 people registered by 9am on the day the class is offered will be canceled. Please support our ability to keep classes up by signing up by 9am! In the case of cancellation, any enrolled students will be notified via the email we have on file and not charged.

Level: All Levels

Winter 2025: Thursdays from 7:45-9pm starting January 23 through April 10 with Sol

If you're looking for a space to be inspired to move your hips, connect into your body, and indulge in the art of play, join Sol to learn different flow art techniques, movements and meditation that are all rooted in the magic of hoop dance. Every class will dive into the meditative aspects of circus and gift participants a chance to explore more deeply your own unique movements and flow!
Pre-requisites: none

Dates to choose from:
July 29- August 2
August 5-9
August 11-16
August 19-23

Time: 9am- 3pm (we do not provide after camp care)
Ages: 8-14

Spend five days playing games and learning circus techniques such as static trapeze, juggling, group acrobatics, rolling globe, aerial fabric, tight wire, hooping, flower sticks, diabolo, storytelling, and more. Bring it all together with a casual show for friends and family on the last day. All levels welcome and students are invited to sign up for multiple weeks if they are interested in a truly circusy summer. Those new to circus and those with circus experience are both welcome and will be met where they are! All campers receive a Circus Culture t-shirt!

After registering for camp, please fill out our camp registration form here: https://www.circusculture.org/camp-registration

Dates: July 15-19 AND July 22-26
Time: 9am-3pm, except on Thursday, July 25 (9am-8pm), plus additional opportunities (we do not provide after camp care)
Ages: 10-16 yrs
(click on purple camp link above to see full description)

Performance camp is designed for circusers who already have some experience with the circus arts who are excited about creation, performance, and community!

During performance camp we spend the first week practicing circus skills, creating our ensemble, and putting a show together, complete with our aerial rig, full acts and DIY costumes. The second week, we polish the show and perform in the Press Bay Backlot in the evening for our community. Friday will be a celebration of our two weeks together. Students will also have the option to continue performing in our community tour for the next two weeks on their own with acts made at camp if they want more performance experience (no additional cost). With two weeks to learn, create, and perform you will be developing your skills, creativity, and community to the next level. All campers receive a Circus Culture t-shirt!

This camp requires that campers have the maturity to help with all aspects of putting on a show - from navigating casting to packing up the equipment to performing. We ask that everyone wishing to sign up for performance camp first read and discuss the performer contract to make sure it’s a good fit! If you have any questions about the expectations for troupers or if this is the right fit for the young person in your life, email info@circusculture.org. We will go through the contract with troupers the first day of camp and sign them together as a group.

Level: Intermediate / Advanced

Winter 2025: Mondays from 6:30-7:45pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Emily Healy

This class is designed for those who have been working on lyra for at least a year consistently, have a desire to work on intricate, complex patterns that utilize strength, mobility, and theoretical skills. This class is suggested for those interested in working on complex material over time, working collaboratively with the class cohort, and engaging in aerial problem solving. Age exceptions will be allowed on a case by case basis, please contact claire@circusculture.org before signing up if you are under 18.

Level: For All

Winter 2025: Tuesdays from 7:45-9pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Alex Sosebee

Join us for an introduction to four different aerial apparati - Lyra, Fabric, Hammock, and Trapeze!
Prerequisites: none

Level: Advanced

Winter 2025: Tuesdays from 6:30-7:45pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Heather Scheck

This class is designed for those with a passion for aerial fabric and a desire to work on intricate, complex patterns that utilize strength, mobility, and theoretical skills. This class is suggested for those interested in working on complex material over time, working collaboratively with the class cohort, and engaging in aerial problem solving. Age exceptions will be allowed on a case by case basis, please contact claire@circusculture.org before signing up if you are under 18.

Level: Beginner

Winter 2025: Mondays from 5:15-6:30pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Claire Dehm

For students with some aerial experience in at least one discipline wishing to develop their skills and learn on new apparati. Must be comfortable with fabric, hammock, Lyra, and/or trapeze.
Prerequisite: experience with at least one session of circus classes that include aerial apparatus.

Level: intermediate / advanced

Winter 2025: Mondays from 5:15-6:30pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Emily Healy

Focus will be on the development of new skills and techniques on the trapeze and students should feel comfortable and excited to work on both double and single point. This class is suggested for those interested in working on complex material over time, working collaboratively with the class cohort, and engaging in aerial problem solving.

Pre-requisite: Comfort mounting the bar from a hang without feet touching the ground in some form, strong and confident knee hangs, knee beats, long and short arm hang on the ropes, and excitement about connecting movements in the ropes, on the bar, and below the bar as well as doing rotations, drops, and spirals on the apparatus. Age exceptions will be allowed on a case by case basis, please contact claire@circusculture.org before signing up if you are under 18.

Level: Beginner

Winter 2025: Thursdays from 5:15-6:30pm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Alex Sosebee

Beginner Fabric is for anyone who knows they really want to focus on fabric skills specifically. Students must have experience in at least one 12 week session where fabric was explored. Focus will be on the fundamental shapes, wraps, and theories that lead to fabric skills and sequencing.
Pre-requisite: at least one session of classes that explored fabric.

Level: Beginner

Winter 2025: Tuesdays from 5:15-6:30pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Emily Babin

Beginner Lyra is for anyone who knows they really want to focus on Lyra skills specifically. Students must have experience in at least one 12 week session where lyra was explored. Focus will be on the fundamental shapes, pathways, and theories that lead to lyra skills and sequencing.
Pre-requisite: at least one session of classes that explored lyra.

Level: Beginner

Winter 2025: Tuesdays from 6:30-7:45pm starting January 21 and ending April 8 with Alex Sosebee

Beginner trapeze is for anyone who knows they really want to focus on trapeze skills specifically. Students must have experience in at least one 12 week session where trapeze was explored. Focus will be on the fundamental shapes, pathways, and theories that lead to trapeze skills and sequencing.
Pre-requisite: at least one session of classes that explored trapeze

Level: Intermediate

Winter 2025: Mondays from 7:45-9pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Emily Healy

This class will focus on building technique, stamina, and confidence in intermediate fabric pathways as well as body awareness in the air. Students should have a fabric practice that involves critical thinking and self-assessment.

Pre req: Students should be confident with front and back balance position, multiple climb variations, wrapped 360, front dive, wheel downs, and single star from an invert in the air to take this class. Students should be open to taking a methodical approach to understanding drops and rotation theory.

Level: Intermediate

Winter 2025: Thursdays from 6:30-7:45pm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Alex Sosebee

Pre-reqs:

Confidence climbing multiple times during class
Confidence with long arm/short arm hang in the air
Proficiency with hip key, hitch, foot knot.
Ability to invert in the air on a vertical aparatus.
Ability to do a front balance, back balance. s-wrap and wheel down

Students do not need to have rope experience as long as they meet these pre-requisites on fabric.

Level: Mixed Levels

Winter 2025: Mondays from 6:30-7:45pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Claire Dehm, Elan Reuven

Dive into the world of all things ground skills! In this class students will learn a mix of partner acrobatics, handstands, tumbling, wire, unicycling, prop manipulation (juggling, diabolo), rola bola, and more!
Prerequisites: none

Level: Intro

Winter 2025: Thursdays from 5:15-6:15pm starting January 23 and ending April 10 with Emily Babin

Intro to Handstands is a class for people who want to learn how to do a handstand but don't know where to start. The class will include conditioning, flexibility, and body awareness to open up the pathways to a successful handstand practice. The class will also help each student develop a personal practice to help them continue their handstand journey after the class ends.
Pre-requisite: willingness to go upside down

Level: Intermediate / Advanced

Winter 2025: Mondays from 7:45-9pm starting January 20 and ending April 7 with Elan Reuven

This class is intended for anyone who has a foundation of handstand practice and wants to fine-tune their handstand. The class will include conditioning, flexibility, and body awareness to open up the pathways to a successful handstand practice.

Pre-requisite: ​ability to do a ​30-60 second plank, comfort kicking up to a​ handstand in the middle of the room unspotted​ (do not need to hold)

Invite Only!

Troupe is an application based ensemble of community members who work together in the spirit of circus to learn, grow, and create. Troupe time will focus on developing multidisciplinary skills such as dance, juggling, tumbling, partner acrobatics, unicycling and more as well as offering time for solo and group creation. Please note that troupe is a 9 month commitment (Sept- May) and troupers are expected to take at least one additional class each session. If you are curious about joining troupe, please contact us directly.

Pre-requisites: All troupers must be enrolled in at least one additional class. Troupers will sign a community agreement that supports creating an inclusive environment for all troupers.

Invite Only!

Troupe is an application based ensemble of community members who work together in the spirit of circus to learn, grow, and create. Troupe time will focus on developing multidisciplinary skills such as dance, juggling, tumbling, partner acrobatics, unicycling and more as well as offering time for solo and group creation. Please note that troupe is a 9 month commitment (Sept- May) and troupers are expected to take at least one additional class each session. If you are curious about joining troupe, please contact us directly.

Pre-requisites: All troupers must be enrolled in at least one additional class. Troupers will sign a community agreement that supports creating an inclusive environment for all troupers.

Invite Only!

Troupe is an application based ensemble of community members who work together in the spirit of circus to learn, grow, and create. Troupe time will focus on developing multidisciplinary skills such as dance, juggling, tumbling, partner acrobatics, unicycling and more as well as offering time for solo and group creation. Please note that troupe is a 9 month commitment (Sept- May) and troupers are expected to take at least one additional class each session. If you are curious about joining troupe, please contact us directly.

Pre-requisites: All troupers must be enrolled in at least one additional class. Troupers will sign a community agreement that supports creating an inclusive environment for all troupers.

Invite Only!

Village Circus is a collaboration with Village at Ithaca. To get involved, contact Meryl at meryl@villageatithaca.org

Troupe is an application based ensemble of community members who work together in the spirit of circus to learn, grow, and create. Troupe time will focus on developing multidisciplinary skills such as dance, juggling, tumbling, partner acrobatics, unicycling and more as well as offering time for solo and group creation. Please note that troupe is a 9 month commitment (Sept- May).