ABOUT
about Secret Circus
Secret Circus is a school for contemporary training in aerial arts. We are located in the North Philadelphia Warehouse district, in a studio with lots of natural light, 30' ceilings, and 13 adjustable (wire rope) points, and 2 static points. Secret Circus's number one goal for our students is safety. All rigging was professionally installed by a certified rigger, and updated and checked by owner and director Niff Nicholls, who has extensive experience and undergone multiple courses in rigging and safety, including a degree of certification from The National Circus School in Montreal.
Secret Circus is all about progression and artistry. We want our students to understand why and how skills work, so you can create your own work. Why take classes at Secret Circus? Because we genuinely love teaching, and all of our coaches are vetted and trained for years. We know what we are doing, and we are excited to see you fly.
INSTRUCTORS
Dana D'Ulisse
SR. AERIAL INSTRUCTOR
Dana has been a coach for Secret Circus for 5 years, and specializes in all things in the air as well as partner acrobatics, strength training, and ballet. Dana Teaches all level aerial classes and is great for that student who wants to get stronger and really progress in the air.
Peter Smith
CYR WHEEL INSTRUCTOR
Peter is our resident acrobat and Cyr wheel artist and coach. He is a mover and maker. Pete has been practicing Cyr wheel for 6 years and loves getting the opportunity to share this amazing apparatus with Secret Circus. Pete also coaches gymnastics, juggling, and other forms of acrobatics.
Niff Nicholls
FOUNDER / HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Niff Nicholls has been coaching Aerialists since 2006, and founded Secret Circus in 2015. Niff is an aerial innovator, and a lover of beautiful transitions and creative movement. Her coaching focuses on safety first, while developing strong solid technique and interesting choreography. She is a stickler for technique but always tries to keep class fun and challenging for the body and brain. Niff has a circus teaching certificate from The National Circus School in Montreal, and she specializes in Trapeze, silks, rope, and sling. Strength training and anatomy.
Jackie Zalewski
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Jackie Zalweski has been training aerials since 2006 and started coaching a few years later. Jackie has a knack for creating fun, interesting, and innovative choreography across all apparatus and levels. She is amazing with kids of all ages and brings out the best in her students with kindness and encouragement.
She specializes in aerial hoop, trapeze, silks, sling, and rope, and has some skills in fire, hula hoop, tight wire, yoga, and flexibility and contortions, and is a brilliant choreographer for solos and large group acts.
Cody Hayman
AERIAL INSTRUCTOR
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Cody Hayman is a circus artist specializing in rope, trapeze, and clowning. In the air, he is distinguished by his curious relationship to gravity. His practice is focused on seemingly moving through something other--water, the surface of the moon, outer space. His expertise in dynamic movement and roll-up techniques have made him a valued teacher and collaborator across the United States, though he calls New Orleans home. Cody's pedagogy is built on safety, technique, and making it weird.
Chi-wen Lee
AERIAL INSTRUCTOR
Chi-Wen has been studying coaching for 6 years, originally started in St. Louse, then moved to Delaware where she sought out higher level coaching and found Secret Circus. Chi-wen is an excellent foundation teacher. She is thoughtful, prepared, patient, and flexible. She is a good problem solver, which allows students to be successful. She specializes in Lyra, but can do it all!
Stacey Morris
JR AERIAL INSTRUCTOR
Stacey has been studying aerial for 6 plus years, and started coaching with Secret Circus in 2019. Stacey loves big drops, dynamic skills, and making every class fun. Stacey also happens to be a great juggler, so you might pick up some fun skills in her warm-ups! Stacey Specializes in Rope, trapeze, and sling, and if you make her she will touch a lyra and sometimes if we are lucky she will be seen on silks.
Laurie Lenox
AERIAL INSTRUCTOR
Laurie has been an aerialist for over a decade! She is a beautiful technician and loves developing unique and complex transitions. Laurie is unbelievably kind, patient and thoughtful with her students and everyone around her. Her classes are full of excellent material, and feel welcoming and engaging. Laurie specializes in aerial Silks and Rope, but also can be seen on trapeze and sling but this beast could master any apparatus.
Stay Home and Workout.
CONTACT
Getting Here:
We are located in the back of The Common Market warehouse. Our entrance is located near the end of D street.
Our Address:
428 E. Erie Ave
Philadelphia, PA
19134
Email:
Phone:
1-484-899-0429