Hanging upside down, flipping and flying through the air and walking on hands seem like an easy feat for this next generation of Miami’s circus artists. It’s all made possible by the city’s top five studios, welcoming anyone with the courage to try.
These studios train performers in everything from aerial silks and trapeze to specialty apparatuses such as aerial hoop (also known as lyra), aerial straps (two long suspended ribbons used for acrobatics) and aerial hammock (a looped silk fabric). Ground acrobatics like contortion and hand balancing are also among the disciplines taught at these studios.
Circensia
2120 NW 23rd Ave.
Miami
786-523-3310
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Circensia Studio is the newest circus school in Miami. It offers a blend of full-body fitness with artistic practice in a friendly environment.
Coaches like Haley Viloria and Nicolas Allard have worked with Cirque du Soleil and give students the best methods in hand balancing, aerial hoop, aerial silks, rope, trapeze and contortion. Sway pole is a flexible pole where the person is secured at the top and sways around in thrilling ways. When it was introduced as a series in late August, it quickly sold out due to high demand. Circensia is a large training facility in downtown that welcomes both new and experienced artists. Its goal is to help people of all ages improve their creativity and technical skills.
Miami Circus Arts Center (LADD Miami)
15161 NE 21st Ave.
Miami
305-354-3880
Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday: 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Miami Circus Arts Center, officially known as Les Ailes du Desir Foundation Inc., is a nonprofit located in the heart of downtown Miami. LADD offers scholarships to low-income families, funded by grants from its leadership, making circus arts more accessible across Miami-Dade County.Aerial silks, lyra, straps, hand balancing, gymnastics and more are all taught in classes. LADD is considered an important part of the Miami circus scene because it has an established and supportive community in Miami-Dade. They are known for collaborating with local events and fostering a welcoming environment for students of any experience level.
Acro Gravity Academy
1935 NE 150th St.
North Miami
786-916-7385
Times may vary
Acro Gravity blends gymnastics and circus training through its dedicated circus program. Students can explore aerial apparatuses and ground acrobatics. Known for developing young talent, the academy provides performance opportunities at showcases across Miami. Acro Gravity is both Miami’s tallest and one of its most welcoming circus spaces. The nonprofit’s 10,000-square-foot facility has a 30-foot ceiling—making it a great place for aerialists looking for height, safety and community. Loyal long-term coaches work side by side with new instructors to create a supportive environment for both beginners and advanced students.
Cirque Art Studio
1845 NE 149th St.
North Miami Beach
305-916-1311
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cirque Art Studio is Miami’s oldest training space, led by Byamba Jigdengombo and her husband Konstantin Serov, who have more than 20 years of experience between them in circus arts and gymnastics. Showcases, competitions and summer camps held by the school every other year give students a chance to perform and grow in a safe environment. Cirque Art’s youth programs are one of a kind. Kids as young as 5 can start their journey and work with experienced teachers to improve their hand-eye balance, flexibility and confidence.Students can learn a wide range of skills, from tumbling and acro to spinning, hand balancing and aerial.
Sky Arts Studio
11865 SW 26th St.
Doral
786-310-6803
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to noon
Sky Arts Studio is an aerial haven in the heart of Doral that opened its doors in 2019. It follows the latest trends in flying arts and has a strong sense of community. There have been a lot more signups for aerial hammock classes since TikTok made them a hit, although aerial silks remain to be their most popular class. Sky Arts aims to focus on building students’ confidence, making the studio a friendly and supportive place for teaching and learning new skills.
