Circus Sanctuary
Aerial silks, pole, lyra, trapeze, acrobatics and contortion in Tucson
Circus Sanctuary teaches aerial arts and circus skills to adults and teens in Tucson, Arizona.
Photo: Diego Mata via Google
Before your first class
Intro and beginner classes are designed with new students in mind; instructors break skills into progressions and meet you at your level, regardless of strength or flexibility.
Wear form-fitting clothing that allows movement; avoid jewelry on silks, transparent material that shows any bits, undergarments in place of workout attire, and strong scents; deodorant/antiperspirant is encouraged.
Form-fitting clothing you can move in.
Handicapped parking is located right in front of the space.
About this studio
Circus Sanctuary teaches aerial arts and circus skills to adults and teens in Tucson, Arizona. Founded and directed by Kelsey Erickson, who has over 15 years of experience in the circus arts, over 20 years of teaching experience, and is a 2X National Champion, the studio offers group classes, private lessons, intensive training, teacher trainings, and artist residencies. Every body and every skill level are welcome.
The studio teaches aerial silks, pole, lyra, sling, trapeze, acrobatics, and contortion. Group classes are offered at introductory, beginner, and all-levels progressions. All group classes are ages 13 and up; private and semi-private lessons are available for all ages with parental consent. New students do not need to be strong or flexible—the instructors are trained to break down skills into appropriate progressions and work with you at your level. The instructors are skilled in modifying for physical limitations and neurodivergence, and some are fluent in sign language.
The studio's instructor roster includes Kelsey Erickson (owner, artistic director, licensed Physical Therapist Assistant), Jordan Kensley (internationally renowned pole dance performer and judge), Emilie Arbaugh (multidisciplinary artist with 20-year performance career, specialising in Aerial Rope), Quynn Sweeney (queer dancer, aerialist, choreographer with over 7 years of pole and aerial experience and over 10 years as an educator), Na-il Ali Emmert (19 years of performance and dance background), Maia Schneider (specialising in contortion, lyra, trapeze, and pole), Sara Lazarus (4 years teaching aerial arts in Tucson, background in yoga and pole), Melissa Torrecillas (Tucson-based aerial and pole instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience and background in competitive pole), and seasonal instructors Jordan Kensley, Erin Garber-Pearson (who has taught beginner-advanced silks for over 10 years and founded Birds Eye View Circus in Toledo, OH).
The studio hosts the annual Erotic Cabaret fundraiser and offers specialised workshops such as PEACH Twerkshop, taught by Kelsey Erickson, a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with a focus on pelvic health. The studio is accessible, with handicapped parking in front, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and clear pathways for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Pricing includes single classes at $30, class packs (5 classes for $125, 10 classes for $200, 20 classes for $350), and memberships (Mini Membership 4 classes monthly for $99, Circus Club 8 classes monthly for $150, I live here now 16 classes monthly for $250). Private lessons vary by instructor. The studio also offers open studios and pole rentals for independent training, as well as an artist residency with unlimited open studios and rentals.
What to expect
Your first visit
Come in form-fitting clothing that allows movement. For aerial classes, covering your belly and the backs of your knees helps prevent scrapes and burns; for pole, shorts are encouraged as skin helps you stick to the pole. Avoid jewelry on silks, transparent material, and strong scents. Instructors will modify exercises to meet you at your level and help you build strength and body awareness over time.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio is led by Kelsey Erickson (founder, 15+ years circus experience, 2X National Champion, licensed Physical Therapist Assistant). Ten instructors teach regularly or seasonally, each with specialisation in specific apparatus and styles: pole, silks, lyra, sling, trapeze, rope, acrobatics, and contortion. Several have 15–20 years of performance careers and competitive or advanced training backgrounds.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Intro and beginner classes are designed with new students in mind; instructors break skills into progressions and meet you at your level, regardless of strength or flexibility.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear form-fitting clothing that allows movement; avoid jewelry on silks, transparent material that shows any bits, undergarments in place of workout attire, and strong scents; deodorant/antiperspirant is encouraged.
What to bring
Form-fitting clothing you can move in. For aerial classes, cover your belly and the backs of your knees to prevent scrapes and burns. For pole, shorts are encouraged as skin helps you grip the apparatus. Avoid jewelry on silks.
Studio history
Circus Sanctuary was founded by Kelsey Erickson, who completed her professional training program at NECCA and stayed on to teach for a few years. She has completed teacher trainings in Yoga, Aerial Fabric, Lyra, Sling, Trapeze, Unata Aerial Yoga, and AcroYoga Montreal.
Styles offered
11 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Circus Sanctuaryhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Circus Sanctuary, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Circus Sanctuary
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Circus Sanctuary teach?
Circus Sanctuary teaches General, Aerial Silks, Pole Dance, Aerial Lyra (Hoop), Sling, Trapeze and 5 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Circus Sanctuary located?
Circus Sanctuary is located in Tucson, AZ. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Circus Sanctuary offer private lessons?
Contact Circus Sanctuary directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Circus Sanctuary teach kids and adults?
Circus Sanctuary welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Circus Sanctuary?
The fastest path is to visit Circus Sanctuary via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Circus Sanctuary?
Handicapped parking is located right in front of the space.