Frequently Asked Questions
Youth Classes
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RI Circus space currently offers 3 types of youth classes.
Youth Circus (ages 6-10): Where kids are introduced to the foundational concepts of object manipulation/juggling, aerials on multiple apparatuses, and floor based acrobatics.
Youth Acrobatics (ages 9-14): Where kids develop form and body awareness in ground acrobatic skills. This class focuses on the basics of tumbling, mini tramp, partner acrobatics, & pyramid building.
Youth Aerial (ages 9-14): Where kids can learn beginner aerial skills on Fabric, Lyra or Hammock, depending on what apparatuses are being offered at the time.
We also offer classes for Teen/Tween aerial classes (ages 11-15) focusing on aerial fabric and lyra.
To learn more, visit our Class Descriptions page or visit our Schedule to create an account and sign up for classes
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Our Youth Circus class accepts children as young as 6 and is designed to allow children to play and explore different movement patterns while learning age appropriate skills. That being said, it is a group class and children starting circus classes should be able to interact kindly with other kids, take turns and follow basic directions.
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Youth classes are absolutely beginner friendly and your child does not need to have any prior experience. The only exception to this is our Teen Level 2 aerial class, which has a level 1 aerial class or previous experience as a pre-requisite.
Kids who have experience with other movement styles may progress more quickly, but we work with each child at their own pace. There is no rush to progress on a certain timeline and we also will not hold students in a beginner level class if they are ready to safely progress to a higher level class.
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Every class based on physical movement comes with some inherent risk. That being said, RI Circus Space structures its classes using a progression based curriculum, which means that we start with very low risk foundational basics and slowly work our way towards more technically or physically difficult skills which may be involve more risk. We are also always training over industry standard safety rated mats whenever we are off the ground. All rigging is professionally engineered and inspected.
Our classes also involve warm ups, conditioning / cross-training and flexibility training to help our students develop the physical and mental capacity to learn new skills safely, while reducing risks of things like overuse injuries.
Lastly, we listen to our students and communicate with parents. We do not push our students beyond their limits or expect them to push through pain. Some mild discomfort is expected when learning new things, but student complaints are never ignored.
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Class structure does depend on the type of class and the instructors preference, but usually involves a warm up, stretching time and main activity time.
Youth Classes have a 6:1 student to instructor ratio. If a class has more than 6 students enrolled a second teacher will be added to the class. Small classes are another way that we ensure student safety as well as making sure each student gets the individual attention they need.
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In general students should wear clothing that allows for comfort and freedom of movement, but is not too loose. Snug tee shirts (or shirts long enough to be tucked in) and leggings or athletic pants are totally fine, as are leotards and leggings. It is best for clothing to not to be so loose that it rides up or covers the face when upside down.
For aerial classes, it is best that students wear (or at least bring) clothing that covers the full leg, back and abdomen to prevent friction-based irritation to the skin from fabric or bar apparatuses.
Always bring a water bottle! Hydration is important. We have a water re-fill station if you need it and we do sell water bottles if you forget.
Adult Classes
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Rhode Island Circus Space offers a wide variety of ground based and aerial classes.
Some examples of ground-based classes include:
Partner / Group acrobatics
Hand Balancing
Deep Flexibility
Tumbling
Aerial class options usually range from beginner (level 1) to advanced (level 4) and include disciplines such as:
Intro to Aerial
Fabric (silks)
Lyra (hoop)
Hammock (sling)
Rope
Dance Trapeze
Straps
We also offer workshops and private lessons in addition to open gyms and pop-up classes!
Please visit our Schedule or Class Description pages for more details.
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Most of the adult classes we offer are beginner friendly and do not require any prior experience! If you are interested in aerial classes specifically, make sure you are looking for classes that say Intro to… or Level 1.
If you are sill unsure if a class is a good fit for you, you can always click on the class in the Schedule to see the description or go to the
Class Description page. If there are any pre-requisites, they will be clearly listed.You can also always shoot us an email using our Contact page if you have any questions or just want some more guidance on which class might be best for you.
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It’s totally normal to feel unsure when starting a new class, but at RI Circus Space we believe that Circus is for Every Body!
Circus is a fun, diverse, and dynamic way to build strength, mobility, flexibility, and new skills. We aim to meet everyone where they are, offering supportive instruction and adaptable progressions so you can safely reach your fitness goals.
We do our best to create a class experience that is encouraging, enjoyable and challenging enough to make each new win exciting. But rest assured, no one is expected to do pull ups or drop into full splits on your first class.
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“Circus” is an umbrella term that span a wide range of disciplines—from ground-based and partnered movement to training on aerial apparatuses. This makes it easier to find a movement style that fits your interests and goals. Some students are drawn to circus as a fun and effective form of group fitness, while others use it as a platform for personal, artistic, and creative expression.
Circus also shares significant overlap with other movement practices. Those with backgrounds in gymnastics or calisthenics will recognize familiar bodyweight strength and alignment principles, while students experienced in yoga or pilates often find their mind–body awareness and focus on core training translates seamlessly.
For those interested in creative expression, circus offers rich opportunities for musicality, storytelling, and physical acting, much like dance and theater.
This versatility may be why circus classes attract people from such diverse movement backgrounds—as well as those seeking greater variety or who never quite found their place in more traditional fitness environments.
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So you’ve found a class you’re excited to try, registered, and completed the waiver. Now it’s time to come in for your first class!
Please bring a water bottle (we have a refill station and also sell water bottles if you forget). Circus classes are physically demanding, so comfortable attire is important. We recommend fitted (but not restrictive) athletic clothing such as a workout top with leggings or sweatpants. Keeping your legs and torso covered helps with comfort on apparatuses, and clothing that stays in place when upside down is ideal. The building is climate controlled, but layers can be helpful.
Rhode Island Circus Space is located in a historic church. There is a designated parking lot on the Colonial Ave side of the building, and students enter through the main front doors.
When you arrive, shoes and coats can be stored in the coat closet to the left. Restrooms are located down the hallway toward the back of the space. Please bring your shoes with you rather than walking on the carpet in them.
The floor area directly in front of the waiting space is typically used for warming up, and you’re welcome to stretch there before class begins. Most adult classes are capped at 6–8 students per instructor, depending on the class type, though some ground classes, jams, or workshops may be larger.
Classes generally include a warm-up, conditioning or stretching, and time focused on the main discipline. Let your instructor know about any current or healing injuries, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or request help at any time.
For more details on signing up, please visit our Registration FAQs.
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It is totally fine to progress at your own pace and there is no rush or pressure to master skills or hit fitness goals. You will absolutely see progress taking one class a week.
That being said, when you fall in love with Circus, it is normal to want to progress a little faster. There are a few things to consider when optimizing your training schedule.
More training time does help, but don’t overdo it:
Taking multiple classes a week will certainly increase strength and skill base more quickly, but too much of a good thing can lead to exhaustion and overuse injuries. It’s important to ramp up training slowly over time.
Cross training can actually be more helpful than doubling down on one discipline:
Cross training helps your body and brain make connections and strengthen your body in a more comprehensive and holistic way. It can boost creativity and deep understanding as well as prevent overuse injuries and lead to faster progression in multiple skill sets. It can be especially helpful to take a ground based class in addition to aerial classes, since they tend to use different muscle groups in different ways.
Use Open Gyms:
Sometimes taking multiple classes a week can be financially difficult. We offer Open Gym drop ins and packages to help you get more training time in at a reduced rate. Open gyms are a great time to practice what you’ve learned in class, because practice leads to progress!
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Taking photos and videos for training purposes is generally allowed, but it is best to check with your instructor.
If you are planning to post photos or videos to social media or any public platform, please be considerate and get the permission of the other people who may be visible and mute the sound.
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Rhode Island Circus Space offers a variety of class levels from beginner through advanced as well as private lessons and workshops. Feel free to look at our Class Descriptionpage or click on the Classes on the Schedule to see any pre-requisite skills. If you would like additional guidance on which class might be the best fit for you, don’t hesitate toContact us.
We also try our best to support other circus professional who are in the area or just passing through. Contact us for professional Open Gym training options or point rentals.
If you are a professional who would like to teach a workshop, class or private lessons please shoot us an email to discuss options.
Workshops and Private lessons
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Workshops allow RI Circus Space or our Guest Instructors to offer a more training variety to our students. Workshops are usually longer duration than our typical classes and cover topics or disciplines that we don’t offer in our weekly schedule. Sometimes they are deep dives into different topics and sometimes they are a chance to try a new apparatus or movement style for the first time.
Check out our Workshops page for upcoming events and for the details about skill level requirements. Each workshop is different. Some are designed for beginners, and some are more appropriate for experienced students.
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Most of our workshops are designed for adult students of various levels. Workshops tend to run longer (1.5-2hrs) than a standard class, which can be hard for younger kids. If you have a teen or older child interested in taking a workshop, please Contact us to discuss.
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Private lessons allow for one-on-one instruction or instruction for a small group of your choosing. They can be a great option if you want individualized help or you want to try something new with a small group of just your friends.
Private lessons are available for adults and children of any skill level.
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Private lessons can provide personalized instruction and focused practice on specific skills or goals. Private lessons can also be shared with a partner or small group. Some options for private lessons may include:
Improving technique and adding character work or musicality to foundational skills or sequences
Identifying training goals and creating a plan to achieve them
Incorporating new skills or transitions into existing routines
Reviewing a specific skill or sequence from a class or workshop
Learning a new skill
Developing choreography and creating an act
Private lessons can be a useful option for students who want to focus on a specific aspect of their training or who may need additional support to progress in their practice.
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You can schedule a private lesson by using the form on the Request a Private Lesson page. We will email you back to coordinate a time and instructor that work for you.
Registration and Policies
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Here is aStep-by-Step guidewith screenshots to walk you through the registration process.
You can use the website or we also offer a RI Circus Space App in the App store or Google Play.
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RI Circus Space has a few different options to choose from including:
Drop in and Drop in packages
Session Memberships
Open Gym Drop in and Drop in packages
Private lessons and workshops
For more detailed information please visit our Rates page. You can also view the class options once you’ve created an account, by using the Purchase page.
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You can get full credit by cancelling your class 24hr before your class is scheduled and then use your credit or make-up to schedule for a different class of the same level, time or value.
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Cancellation Policy:
Customer can cancel a lesson, class or workshop 24 hours before the scheduled time and receive a full credit. Cancellations made within 24 hours will not be credited. If you fail to comply with our cancellation policy, your account may be frozen.
Make Ups:
Missed classes during a session must be made up within the same session. The number of make up classes allotted depends on the length of the session. Customers who miss more than 2 classes per session may be restricted from session enrollment in the future.
Illness or Injury:
Cases of prolonged illness or injury will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Cancellations by Us:
In the cases when RICS cancels a class or lesson, customer will receive full credit. Rhode Island Circus Space (RICS) may cancel a class due to low enrollment at their discretion.
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Here are a few scenarios you might encounter while trying to register. If you have additional questions, please Contact us.
How do I enroll in the same class each week?
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to make sure you are notified when the enrollment period begins. Then, enroll for an entire session during the enrollment period. This will automatically add you to the same class each week. If you decide to purchase drop in classes, you must manually enroll in the class each week.
How do I enroll the correct family member in a class or private lesson?
Be sure when you register your child or family member into a class or lesson that you choose the correct person’s profile before starting. Many times a parent enrolls themselves instead of their child which creates a lot of clean up work for the administrator. We have labeled all parents who do not take classes themselves as INACTIVE PARENT ACCOUNT. This should limit the possibility of enrolling the incorrect person. If you do not see any purchase options available, it likely means you are in the incorrect account profile.
Why can’t I access my account or create a new one?
This usually means you had an inactive account already with us that we archived due to inactivity. Please contact us at to have us re-instate your account.
I tried to join a class tonight and it says I can’t…what’s wrong?
Class registration closes 2 hours prior to class start time. If you wish to join a class late you can try to contact the instructor to be sure there is room.
Classes are at risk of being cancelled due to low or no enrollment. Class cancellations generally occur 6-12 hours before the class start time. It is advised not to wait until the last minute to enroll if you plan to attend. If you ask staff to add you to a class from a walk in you will be charged for a single drop in pass.