Philadelphia School of Circus Arts

Photos and videos

Events

Expired Hula Hooping 101

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St, Philadelphia, United States

Jan. 05, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2024

Expired Exploring Strength & Flexibility

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St, Philadelphia, United States

Dec. 27, 2023 – Dec. 28, 2023

Expired Approaches to Sequencing

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St, Philadelphia, United States

Dec. 26, 2023 – Dec. 29, 2023

Expired Duo Straps

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St, Philadelphia, United States

Dec. 17, 2023

Expired Aerial Acro

Philadelpia School of Circus Arts, 6542 Greene St, Philadelphia, United States

Nov. 18, 2023

About

PSCA is the Mid-Atlantic region's preeminent school for recreational circus training. With over 100 classes / week for adults and children in aerials, acrobatics, juggling, equilibristics, parkour, and related disciplines, we offer something for everyone. In addition to our regular classes, we host numerous student and professional performances, guest workshops, team-building programs, birthday parties and summer camps.
Management

Shana Kennedy, Founder

Kitsie O'Neill, Executive Director

Ali Rogers, Director of Programming

John Polk, Director of Operations

Courses

Toddler and Me Circus

Recreational Programs

Enjoy circus with your little! For ages 2-3.

Tots Circus

Recreational Programs

For students aged 3-5 to start to enjoy circus activities.

Junior Circus

Recreational Programs

For circus students age 6-7. We will rotate between acro, aerial, and balance training.

Youth Circus

Recreational Programs

2 hour long class for circus students age 8-12. For beginners, as well as students who have been coming since they were Tots! We will rotate between acro, aerial, and balance training.

Teen Circus

Recreational Programs

2 hour long class for circus students age 13-18. For beginners, as well as students who have been coming since they were Tots! We will rotate between acro, aerial, and balance training.

Youth Performance Prep

Recreational Programs

The Performance Prep program is for kids & teens (8-18) who are passionate about circus! Preparing for several public performances each year (i.e. Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and a Spring Show), the Prep classes will feature intensive training for a minimum of 2 days per week.

Youth Performance Troupe

Recreational Programs

PSCA’s performance troupe has been delighting audiences across the Philadelphia region with their acrobatic, juggling, contortion and balance skills for over 10 years! Youth Troupe meets once a week and the students and coaches work together to develop an act with ground-based skills (no aerials) that is then performed at events around the city. Students must be enrolled in weekly classes or regular private lessons to participate, and there is an audition process (with audition prep assistance provided) for joining troupe. The program starts in January and runs through December. While it doesn’t meet regularly over the summer, workshops will be provided for skill and act development.

Intro to Circus Workshop

Other

In this introductory circus arts class, participants (ages 6 to adult) will learn basic aerial acrobatics on static trapeze and sling/hammock, along with juggling, plate spinning, and tight wire. Masks are required to be worn at all times, and social distancing will be in effect in the space.

Intro to Circus for Tots

Recreational Programs

Get your little one jumping, rolling and juggling in this 45-minute taster class. The perfect introduction to circus for your kiddo! Ages 3-5, masks required for all participants.

Circus Stretch

Recreational Programs

This is an open level class for anyone with an interest in gaining remarkable levels of hip flexibility. Exercises will be modified for all different abilities and levels of experience.

Intermediate Handstands

Recreational Programs

This more advanced handstand class is for hand balancers looking to take their handstands to the next level. Students will work on new entrances, shapes and transitions and experiment with props like canes and blocks. This class is for people who have a consistent 5-10 second hold in free space and can kick up consistently. Familiarity with tuck-ups and straddle-ups will also be helpful. Emphasis on core stability, shoulder flexibility, and injury prevention will contribute to a handstand practice that is safe, productive, and FUN.

Wall Trampoline

Recreational Programs

Part gymnastics, part parkour, part skating vert ramp - Wall Trampoline adds a new dimension to the aerial experience. In Wall Trampoline students will use their trampoline skills as they learn to walk, run, and spin on the wall and drop in from a height (4ft, 6ft or 8ft above the bed of the trampoline). Pre-requisites: Wall Trampoline is appropriate for anyone who has taken Trampoline and/or who has instructor approval.

Beginner Sling

Recreational Programs

Aerial sling (AKA hammock or cocoon) is a single loop of fabric hanging from the ceiling. In Sling - Beginner class, you will learn skills from standing and hanging, and you will wrap yourself in many different positions. As you become more comfortable, you can learn drops, slides, and spinning. Pre-requisites: Sling - Beginner is appropriate for anyone who has taken Intro to Sling or equivalent. All fitness levels are welcome; come to class to get strong!

Intro to Lyra

Recreational Programs

In Intro to Lyra class, you’ll learn the basics of the aerial hoop! In this class, the bar and ropes mainly stay in place and the apparatus is reachable from the ground. We’ll practice proper shoulder position, core engagement, getting on and off the apparatus, and some basic tricks that you’ll need to know before joining a beginner class, such as mounts and dismounts, mermaid, man in the moon and more! Perfect for anyone who is new to aerials, emphasizing mastery of fundamental movements. You’re encouraged to move into a beginner class as soon as you feel ready to, but are welcome to stay in Intro as long as you like.

Intermediate Fabric

Recreational Programs

In Fabric - Intermediate class, you’ll be cleaning up all of your basic locks, tricks and drops, as well as expanding your vocabulary and preparing your body for more advanced material. Pre-requisites: Fabric - Beginner class. Ability to invert consistently in the air, 15-second short arm hold, hip keys in the air, solid footlocks (multiple variations), cross-back straddle, clean single star drops, clean basic saltos/front dives.

Advanced Trapeze

Recreational Programs

Trapeze - Advanced class will integrate the knowledge of your current vocabulary with more dynamic skills. Class will incorporate beats, rolling on the bar, cutaways, drops and progressing towards release & power moves. Pre-requisites: 5 pull-ups, 3-5 skin the cats, pull-up pull over, hip circles, meathooks on both sides, clean pike beats, clean hollow/planche beats, strong knee beats, single knee hangs, single arm hangs.

Beginner Spin Pole

Recreational Programs

For this class, students should have completed fundamentals 1 & 2. The focus in this class will be inside and outside leg hang, crucifix, cross ankle release, Jamilla, figure head, pole sit and brass monkey. Students will be practicing these moves fused together in a beautiful combo. We will focus on how to control momentum of the spin along with how to avoid dizziness.

Intro to Sling

Recreational Programs

In Intro to Sling, you’ll learn the basics of aerial sling! The sling (AKA hammock or cocoon), is a loop of fabric about 4ft from the floor. We’ll practice proper shoulder position, core engagement, getting on and off the apparatus, and some basic tricks that you’ll need to know before joining a beginner class, such as gazelle, upside-down X, and standing stag. Perfect for anyone who is new to aerials, emphasizing mastery of fundamental movements. You’re encouraged to move into a Beginner class as soon as you feel ready to, but are welcome to stay in Intro as long as you like.

Beginner Lyra

Recreational Programs

In Beginner Lyra, you'll learn to translate many of the tricks you already know on trapeze and sling to the lyra (AKA aerial hoop) as well as work on spinning, swinging and creating some of your own unique transitions. Pre-requisites: Lyra Beginner class is appropriate for anyone who has taken intro to Trapeze or Sling and is comfortable hanging from their knees and turning upside down.

Advanced Fabric

Recreational Programs

Fabric - Advanced class will expand your vocabulary and incorporate more dynamic and strength-based tricks, as well as cleaning up and refining all of your existing vocabulary. Pre-requisites: Fabric - Intermediate class. Ability to invert easily for the whole class, comfort with a variety of drops, solid wheel-downs, clean straight-arm and/or straight-leg inverts, ability to hold form for multiple star drop rotations and multiple wheel-down rotations, solid meathooks, clean key overs.

Beginner Trapeze

Recreational Programs

In Trapeze - Beginner class, you’ll build your skills, continuing to develop strength, confidence and ability above, on, and below the bar. Pre-requisites: Trapeze - Beginner class is appropriate for anyone who has taken Intro to Sling or Trapeze class and feels comfortable with the basics. All fitness levels are welcome; come to class to get strong!

Intermediate Pole Static Shapes and Transitions

Recreational Programs

For this class, students should have completed fundamentals 1& 2. The focus in this class will be inside and outside leg hang, crucifix, cross ankle release, Jamilla, figure head, pole sit, brass monkey, shoulder mount and Ayesha. Students will be learning shapes in these moves along with transitions on how to get in and out of them.

Beginner Handstands

Recreational Programs

Enjoy life upside down as you build a consistent handstand. Learn proper technique and drills for strength, coordination, and body awareness, working toward holding a solid handstand in the center of the room. This class is for people who are new to handstanding and are generally working on their handstand at the wall or with a heavy spot. Emphasis on core stability, shoulder flexibility, and injury prevention will contribute to a handstand practice that is safe, productive, and FUN.

Intermediate Sling

Recreational Programs

Intermediate Sling students learn a variety of drops and dynamic moves on aerial sling. We'll be working a bit higher from the ground and doing lots of conditioning - prepare to try inverting in the air! Sling - Intermediate also helps train the strength and skills needed for vertical apparatuses like fabric or rope. Pre-requisites: Sling - Intermediate is appropriate for anyone who has taken Sling - Beginner or equivalent.

Intermediate Lyra

Recreational Programs

In Lyra - Intermediate class, you’ll expand your lyra vocabulary and begin to incorporate more dynamic and strength-based tricks, as well as cleaning up and refining all of your existing vocabulary. We’ll be working on dynamic moves (hip circles, mill circles, etc.) and more complex sequences. Pre-requisites: Lyra - Intermediate class is appropriate for anyone who has taken Beginner Lyra. Comfort inverting on the top bar, 3-5 pull-ups, pullovers, ability to invert in the ropes the whole class, comfort with knee beats, 15 second short arm hold.

Intermediate Trapeze

Recreational Programs

In Trapeze - Intermediate class, you’ll expand your trapeze vocabulary and begin to incorporate more dynamic and strength-based tricks, as well as cleaning up and refining all of your existing vocabulary. We’ll be working on tricks such as knee beats, penny drops, and sequences. Pre-requisites: Trapeze - Beginner class or equivalent. Ability to invert in the ropes the whole class, comfort with front Balance, 15-second short arm hold, 3-5 pull ups.

Intro to Fabric and Rope

Recreational Programs

In Intro to Fabric & Rope class, you’ll learn the basics of aerial verticals! In this class, you be working on the basic moves and skills on fabric (AKA silks or tissu) and rope (AKA corde lisse). We’ll practice proper shoulder position, core engagement and some basic tricks that you’ll need to know before joining a beginner class, such as climbs, hip key, footlocks and more! Perfect for anyone who is new to aerials, emphasizing mastery of fundamental movements. You’re encouraged to move into a beginner class as soon as you feel ready to, but are welcome to stay in Intro as long as you like.

Pole Fundamentals 1

Recreational Programs

This is an intro to pole class with the complete beginner in mind and made for all fitness levels. No previous experience required. Students will learn beginner pole spins along with the basic ways to climb and mount the pole. The main focus of this class will be inverting, outside leg hang, Jasmine, genie, crucifix, cross ankle release, fan kick, figure head, and pole sit. This class requires shorts and a sport bra. Please take note not to wear any lotion or jewelry to class.

Balance

Recreational Programs

Choose your own balance adventure! This class offers students a chance to try out wirewalking, stiltwalking, rola bola, unicycling, rolling globe and work at their own pace. This class is perfect for those looking to work on their balance in a variety of applications and have fun doing it. All abilities and experience levels welcome!

Beginner Fabric

Recreational Programs

In Fabric - Beginner class, you will use the skills you learned in the intro class to build more complex tricks and sequences. You will also learn simple drops and new climbs. Pre-requisites: Sling intermediate and/or Intro to Fabric & Rope. Ability to invert consistently from the floor and occasionally in the air. Familiarity with footlocks, ability to do French and Russian climbs.

Intro to Trapeze

Recreational Programs

In Intro to Trapeze class, you’ll learn the basics of aerial static trapeze! In static trapeze (AKA fixed trapeze), the bar and ropes mainly stay in place and the apparatus is reachable from the ground. We’ll practice proper shoulder position, core engagement, getting on and off the apparatus, and some basic tricks that you’ll need to know before joining a beginner class, such as mounts and dismounts, birds nest, side star, and standing stag. Perfect for anyone who is new to aerials, emphasizing mastery of fundamental movements. You’re encouraged to move into a beginner class as soon as you feel ready to, but are welcome to stay in Intro as long as you like.

Intermediate Rope

Recreational Programs

In Rope - Intermediate class, you'll expand your vocabulary and incorporate more dynamic and strength-based tricks, learn sequences, learn basic beats, as well as cleaning up and refining all of your existing vocabulary. Pre-requisites: Rope - Intermediate class is appropriate for those who have done Rope - Beginner or equivalent. Familiarity with basic climbs, footlocks and inversions on fabric or rope. Ability to invert consistently in the air, 15-second short arm hold, hip keys in the air, solid footlocks (multiple variations), clean single star drops, clean basic saltos/front dives.

Pole Fundamentals 2

Recreational Programs

This fundamental class is continuation of fundamentals 1. Students should be able to climb and invert along with some basic spins and should have knowledge of how to get into an outside leg hang, Jasmine, genie, crucifix, cross ankle release, fan kick, figure head and pole sit. We will be drilling our leg hangs and adding on how to learn the Jamilla, brass monkey and shoulder mount prep.

Beginner Rope

Recreational Programs

In Rope - Beginner class, you'll focus on moves for aerial rope (AKA corde lisse). You’ll translate some of your basic vocabulary from sling and trapeze, work on tricks utilizing footlocks and hip keys, and learn new climbs and basic drops. Pre-requisites: Beginner Rope class is appropriate for those who have done Sling - Intermediate and/or Intro to Fabric & Rope. Ability to invert consistently from the floor and occasionally in the air. Familiarity with footlocks, ability to do French and Russian climbs.

Accessible Circus

Recreational Programs

In Accessible Circus you’ll learn various ways for interacting with an apparatus that is accessible for you, for your body, and for your learning style. You will learn your own pathways for getting on and off the apparatus and build the foundation for finding the movement in sling, fabric, and trapeze and the ways that they move with your body. Classes will be taught at a pace that provides maximum access for all students, with an emphasis on creating creative and supportive environments that empower students to explore circus arts. Perfect for people who identify with Disability, Deaf, Blind, Mad, Neurodiverse, Fatness and/or Older Adults communities and anyone who would benefit from fluid class structures and an emphasis on exploring individualized and accessible pathways to movement.

Tumbling

Recreational Programs

Tumbling will focus on building strong fundamentals and body awareness. Various exercises and drills that break down tumbling skills into smaller movements. This allows the student to gain mastery and correct form to achieve the movement they want. Skills include: Rolls, Handstands (various kinds), Back and Forward Limbers, Kick-overs, Cartwheels, introduction to Roundoffs, dive rolls and intro to some higher level skills (back/front tuck, handspring).

Beginner/Intermediate Pole Choreography

Recreational Programs

For this class, students will be learning a new dance every week 1-2 minutes in length. The choreography will alternate from contemporary and heels. Each dance will include beginner/intermediate pole spins, pole moves, low flow tricks and floor work. Knee pads and heels are required for this class and it's highly recommended to wear layers.

Contortion

Recreational Programs

A more advanced stretching class for those who have experience training intermediate/advanced flexibility. Students can expect to train splits and oversplits, work on intermediate/advanced skills from bridge, and bend themselves into exciting new shapes! Exercises will be modified for different abilities and levels of experience, but if you are new to flexibility training we would recommend starting with Circus Stretch.

Accessible Circus Workshop

Recreational Programs

In the Accessible Circus workshop you will have the time and space to explore or workshop a specific skill or skills that you are experiencing barriers with in your classes. Instructors will be available to provide alternative or adaptive strategies to help create accessible pathways. Perfect for people who are experiencing specific barriers due to decreased access in their bodies or their learning in their current classes. Come with ideas on movement you want to work through and bounce ideas off with support.

Intermediate Spin Pole

Recreational Programs

For this class, students should have completed fundamentals 1 & 2 and Beginner Conditioning Essentials. The focus in this class will be inside and outside leg hang, crucifix, cross ankle release, Jamilla, figure head, pole sit, brass monkey, shoulder mount, Ayesha, and aerial invert. Students will be practicing these moves fused together in a beautiful combo. We will focus on how to control momentum of the spin along with how to avoid dizziness.

All Levels Handstands

Recreational Programs

Enjoy life upside down as you build a consistent handstand. Learn proper technique and drills for strength, coordination, and body awareness. Emphasis on core stability, shoulder flexibility, and injury prevention will contribute to a handstand practice that is safe, productive, and FUN. Exercises will be modified for all different abilities and levels of experience.

Pole Competition Prep

Recreational Programs

For anyone working on a pole competition routine!

Fire Spinning and Safety 1

Recreational Programs

Fire Spinning is as mesmerizing as it is dangerous. In this 4-week workshop series you will learn proper fire safety rules as well as how to manipulate fire props. *Seasonal

All Levels Wirewalking

Recreational Programs

Ballet shoes recommended for this wirewalking class led by NECCA graduate Bethany McPherson.

Advanced Rope

Recreational Programs

In Rope - Advanced class, you will utilize and build upon your beat knowledge, work on roll-ups, larger drops, strength-based skills, and some release moves. We will also be learning and creating sequences and exploring transitions. Pre-requisites: Rope - Intermediate. Ability to invert easily in the air for the whole class, comfort with a variety of drops and have a solid wheel down, clean straight-arm and/or straight-leg inverts, ability to hold form for multiple star drop rotations and multiple wheel down rotations, solid meathooks, clean key overs.

Beginner Pole Static Shapes and Transitions

Recreational Programs

For this class, students should have completed fundamentals 1 & 2. The focus in this class will be inside and outside leg hang, crucifix, cross ankle release, Jamilla, figure head, pole sit and brass monkey. Students will be learning shapes in these moves along with transitions on how to get in and out of them.

Fire Spinning and Safety 2

Recreational Programs

For those who have taken Intro to Fire Spinning and Safety (part 1) in Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 - or by permission of instructor. Work with fire props and explore fire breathing. *Seasonal

Trampoline

Recreational Programs

In this class we will focus on drills and progressions utilizing the trampoline. Includes trampoline basics and body awareness that are needed to progress to bigger tricks and flips. Build and tone muscle while gaining body awareness and having a great time! 5 people per class to ensure lots of time on the trampoline. Trampoline is not appropriate for students who have knee or back issues or concerns.

Active Flexibility (Hips & Splits)

Recreational Programs

This is an open level class for anyone with an interest in gaining remarkable levels of hip flexibility. Exercises will be modified for all different abilities and levels of experience.

Beginner Pole Combo Essentials

Recreational Programs

For this class, students should have completed Fundamentals 1 & 2. The focus of this class will be essential movements on spin and static pole that are the foundation for building pole dance combinations. Each week, students will learn up to three combos that focus on a complimentary set of skills. Numerous pole tricks and transitions will be introduced.

Active Flexibility (Shoulders & Back)

Recreational Programs

This is an open level class for anyone with an interest in gaining remarkable levels of hip flexibility. Exercises will be modified for all different abilities and levels of experience.

Youth Contortion

Recreational Programs

Youth Summer Camp

Summer Programs

PSCA’s award-winning camp has options for kids ages 4 -5 (Tots), 6 -7 (Junior), 8 – 12 (Youth) and 13 – 18 (Teen). Campers are divided into groups within each camp by age and experience level. No prior experience is needed for camp! Each session lasts one week and culminates in an immersive circus show. Camp for 2022 will run in one-week sessions from June 20 – August 26 (Tots Camp will end for the summer on August 12)

You are about to enter a members-only zone.
To view this page you have to sign up. It’s free!

Already have an account? Log in now.

Acro Back does not currently have any jobs listed. Please check again later.

You are about to enter a members-only zone.
To view this page you have to sign up. It’s free!

Already have an account? Log in now.

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts

Contact

Work

Cirque du Soilel

Circus Roncalli

Work

Cirque du Soilel

Circus Roncalli

Photos and videos

Events

About

Courses

Contact

PHOTO/VIDEO

Student-Teacher-Alumni

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts

Contact

Work

Cirque du Soilel

Circus Roncalli

Work

Cirque du Soilel

Circus Roncalli

Photos and videos

Events

About

Courses

Contact

PHOTO/VIDEO

Student-Teacher-Alumni

Company

Company

Support

Support

Connect