Workshops
Explore the latest workshops at Rhode Island Circus Space, taught by staff and guest instructors.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming workshops!
April 24th, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00 pm
Doubles Lyra
with Jess Desautels
-
This 2-hour workshop is focused on partnering on Lyra, exploring shared shapes, timing, and communication in the air. Open to all levels with a regular Lyra practice, this is a great opportunity to build trust, awareness, and creative connection while working with others.
To participate, students should be able to:
• Hang from hands with feet off the floor with proper shoulder engagement for 10 seconds
• Invert from the ground and hold an inversion with stacked hips
• Hang from knees with proper engagement for 10 seconds
• Move through comfortable skills in the air with a small spin
• Pullover to hips (assistance ok)
• Return to sitting in the hoop from a top bar long hang
These core skills are typically developed in Level 1 and Level 2 Lyra classes. Students should be currently enrolled in Level 1–3 Lyra or have at least 1 year of prior Lyra experience.
Students will rotate partners throughout the workshop. Coming with a specific partner is great, but not required.
Please note that due to the nature of aerial partnering, this workshop involves close physical contact with other students and hands-on spotting from the coach. -
Cost: $80 per person
Discount: Session 2 members and duo pairs enrolling together receive a discounted rate of $65 per person through April 15***Our apologies that the newsletter had a typo on the discount.
-
Jess took her first lyra class in 2014 at Emerald City Trapeze while visiting a friend in Seattle, and immediately fell in love with the beauty, grace and challenge of this type of movement in the air. She has been training as an aerialist ever since, primarily on lyra and silks, but she has also dabbled in hammock and dance trapeze.
Jess trained for many years in a duo partnership on lyra, and is proud to have had the opportunity to perform this duo act at a number of events across Rhode Island including at venues like Twin River and the Waterfire Arts Center. Jess transitioned into coaching in 2019, and loves being able to share her passion with newcomers. At the same time, coaching allows her to continue to explore and expand her own knowledge of the fundamentals of aerial movement, fabric theory, body biomechanics and how to make aerial accessible to anyone who wants to try it. In addition to her aerial instructor certification from Gainesville Circus Center, Jess also holds teaching certifications in Vinyasa Yoga and Restorative Yoga and has taught yoga since 2017.
Instagram @jld_yoga
April 3rd, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Low Flow Lyra
with Marissa Shaffer
-
This all-levels class will explore low-hanging bar apparatus techniques through choreographic flow. It will focus on short choreographies with music, integrating floor work and performance quality into lyra technique. Through spins, swings, and sequences, we will work on how to express yourself through movement and develop more fluidity with your lyra practice.
-
$65.00
Discount: Session 2 Members $55 until March 29th.
-
Marissa Shaffer is a multidisciplinary circus artist from Philadelphia, PA. A longtime competitive rhythmic gymnast, Marissa discovered circus in the fall of 2019 through the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. While pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Technology Studies and Computer Science at Brown University, they have created, directed, and performed solo acts in four full-length shows with Brown Aerial Acrobatics, spending the past three summers working at Circus Smirkus Camp as a coach. She specializes in hula hoop, aerial rope, lyra, and clown, but is noted for her versatility within the performing arts, whether it be aerials, improv, contortion, singing, juggling, dance, or theatre.
March 29th, 2026
12:00-1:30pm
Belay All Day - Part 2
with Jess Desautels
-
Build your belay confidence and take your skills higher. This class covers the basics and introduces advanced techniques like complex entries and controlled drops. Ideal for students who can climb a few feet off the ground, descend with control, put on a foot lock, and feel comfortable upside down.
If you attended Belay All Day Part 1 in 2025, this will included NEW pathways.
If you didn't, that's also fine, Part 1 is not a pre-requisite.
Actually not even knowing a belay yet is also welcome, you can learn some here
-
$65.00
Discount: Session 2 Members $55 until March 27th.
-
Jess took her first lyra class in 2014 at Emerald City Trapeze while visiting a friend in Seattle, and immediately fell in love with the beauty, grace and challenge of this type of movement in the air. She has been training as an aerialist ever since, primarily on lyra and silks, but she has also dabbled in hammock and dance trapeze.
Jess trained for many years in a duo partnership on lyra, and is proud to have had the opportunity to perform this duo act at a number of events across Rhode Island including at venues like Twin River and the Waterfire Arts Center. Jess transitioned into coaching in 2019, and loves being able to share her passion with newcomers. At the same time, coaching allows her to continue to explore and expand her own knowledge of the fundamentals of aerial movement, fabric theory, body biomechanics and how to make aerial accessible to anyone who wants to try it. In addition to her aerial instructor certification from Gainesville Circus Center, Jess also holds teaching certifications in Vinyasa Yoga and Restorative Yoga and has taught yoga since 2017.
Instagram @jld_yoga
Friday, February 20th
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Beats with Kate Sweet
-
This workshop breaks down how beats actually work, how to protect your body while training them, and how to clean them up with intention and style. We’ll work primarily on lyra, but the mechanics and concepts carry over to all aerial disciplines, making this a strong tune-up for anyone working dynamic skills.
Prerequisites:
Level 2+ on any aerial apparatus comfortable with front beats, and able to return to bar from beats.
What we’ll cover:
• Beat mechanics and momentum
• Body positioning for efficiency and injury prevention
• Transitions and simple styling options -
$75.00 2 Hour Aerial Workshop (2026) - Beat Technique
Session 1 members receive a 20% discount if they register for this workshop by February 7.
-
Kate Sweet does not enjoy writing in the third person but she does love circus! Getting her start at 11 years old, she was begging her mom to take her for lessons as often as she could beginning at [the now closed} Overhead Arts (New Bedford, MA.)
Since then she has trained in fabric, lyra, partner acrobatics, stilts, and aerial cube.
Kate was accepted into the New England Center For Circus Arts (aka NECCA Burlington, VT) pro-track program in 2020 with a major in lyra and a minor in laying on the floor, "thinking". She often travels to continue her own training at NECCA, SHOW Circus Studio (Easthampton, MA.) and at various studios in Montreal. Kate utilizes space at RICS to train with coaches virtually as well.
An aerial instructor since the age of 15, Kate shares her love of movement and expression through aerial arts. You can usually find her in the RICS space dancing, with a bowl of pasta in hand.
Keep up with Kate on instagram @kate.sweet.soaring
Lollipop Lyra Workshop
with Brittany Brothers
Saturday - May 31, 2025
1pm - 3 pm
-
Lollipop is a mix of a little Lyra, a little pole, and a lot of fun! A free standing apparatus, lollipop poses a unique frame that’s conducive to a number of creative shapes and skills.
Prerequisites:
This workshop is mixed level and beginners are welcome, but some experience with pole, Lyra, or both is preferred as well as being comfortable spinning. Spinning is not required, but makes movements on the lollipop smoother by design.
In this 2 hour workshop, you’ll learn:
✨safe mounting and dismounting
✨sequencing in spin & static movements
✨foundational holds and transitions
✨a mix of beginner and intermediate skills
What to wear:
✨leggings & form fitting top for comfort & grip
✨dance heels are optional and lend ease to some moves
✨a long sleeve layer for elbow skills encouraged
-
2 hr Aerial Workshop with Visiting Instructor - $70
-
Brittany has been an aerial addict since 2017. As a climber since a small child, she’s always been happiest off the ground. Aerials began as recreational fitness for her, but has evolved into a passion for performing, learning, and teaching aerial arts. She regularly attends workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings to continue learning from a variety of instructors and loves the artistic side of flow and sequencing to express yourself through movement. Her movement background includes dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading as a child, and yoga and rock climbing most of her life. She began her aerial journey doing silks, but has since ventured to any apparatus she can get her hands on! She enjoys big drops and dynamics and making the audience gasp when she performs. When she’s not in the air, it’s likely she is hanging out with her huskies or working on body art as owner of Lunar Ink Tattoo.
Aerial Workshops
with Doug Stewart
Saturday - May 17, 2025
-
Each one will use spotting lines so class size is limited to 4 people.
Solo Trapeze - DynamicsCome learn various dynamic trapeze tricks including beats to ankle hangs, cut aways, penny drops and more! Students should have a comfortable ankle hang previous trapeze experience.
Dynamic Duo Trapeze
This duo trapeze workshop will focus on momentum based tricks between the base and flyer. Students should have previous duo experience and the ability to do 4 pull ups.
-
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 Trapeze Workshop - $45.00
90 minute Verticals Workshop - $60.00Bundles (10% off)
2 Trapeze Workshops - $81.00
Vertical & 1 Trapeze WS - $94.50 -
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 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.