Circus with Purpose Online

Welcome to Circus with Purpose Online, where the transformative magic of circus arts meets the convenience of online learning. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder as you learn from our incredible teachers and the esteemed social circus leaders of Nicaragua.

Our online courses offer a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of circus disciplines, from aerial silks to acrobatics, clowning to juggling, all from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the joy of circus or a seasoned performer looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way.

But Circus with Purpose Online School is more than just a platform for learning—it's a gateway to making a difference. With every course purchased, 10% of the profits are donated to the Social Circus Network of Nicaragua, supporting their invaluable work in empowering at-risk and underprivileged youth through the circus arts.

Join us on this journey of self-discovery, creativity, and community. Together, let's learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the world through the power of circus.

FREE Taste Tester Course: Aerial Sling Choreography

Experience a Day of Transformative Magic with Our Circus With Purpose Retreat Taster Course!

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and creativity with this immersive experience that blends journaling, yoga, and dance warm-ups, plus our signature aerial sling choreography from the CWP 2024 show. Whether you're an experienced performer or just beginning your circus arts journey, this taster course offers the perfect introduction to our unique blend of aerial arts, mindfulness, and community connection.

What to Expect:

  • Journaling, Yoga & Dance Warm-Ups: Start your day with intentional journal prompts, followed by energizing aerial yoga and dance to awaken your body and mind.

  • Aerial Sling Choreography: Learn a 3-part aerial sling sequence straight from our CWP 2024 show, guided by CWP director Saffron Van Rossem.

  • Mobility & Handstand Conditioning: Enhance your strength and flexibility with specialized training designed to support your circus journey.

  • Learn More About the Retreat and Our Mission: Learn more about who we are and the impact we are making through the magic of circus.

Discover the magic, passion, and purpose that make Circus With Purpose retreats a one-of-a-kind experience. Join us for this transformative day and get a taste of the incredible adventure that awaits at our full retreat!

Explore Aerial Artistry with 'Homeostasis' Workshop Series

Elevate your aerial journey with Rain Anya of Paper Doll Militia and Saffron Van Rossem of Circus with Purpose a 3-part online workshop series inspired by their new aerial theatre work in progress, Homeostasis. This series will help you harness the power of storytelling through movement, exploring the nervous system’s 'fight, flight, freeze, and fawn' responses.

Workshop Details:

  • 🌟 *Workshop 1: Surge (Fight Mode)* w/ Rain Anya

    🗓️ Oct 5 | 2pm EST | Aerial Silks


    In this workshop, you’ll learn a complete piece of choreography, including floor work and unique sequencing that incorporates musicality and theatrical layers. The choreography, created by Rain Anya, embodies the “fight” response within the nervous system. You’ll gain new skills and techniques and add layers of intention through movement quality and extraneous movement. Rain will also provide insights into her creative process, offering valuable artistic guidance for your own work.

  • 🌟 *Workshop 2: Soar (Flight Mode)* w/ Saffron Van Rossem

    🗓️ Oct 12 | 2pm EST | Aerial Sling


    In this aerial sling workshop, we will dive deep into the body’s flight response, exploring one of the survival tools the nervous system uses to find safety.

    You’ll learn a flighty choreography created by Saffron Van Rossem, integrating theatricality with intricate choreography, and explore ways to use the aerial sling to weave narratives of release and transformation. Saffron will also provide insights into her creative process, offering valuable artistic guidance for your own work.

  • 🌟 *Workshop 3: Somatic Theatre* w/ Rain & Saffron
    🗓️ Oct 19 | 2pm EST | Any Apparatus

  • Experience the powerful effects of integrating somatic and theatrical techniques on aerial equipment. Our bodies communicate stories through posture, movement, gestures, and expressions. By developing a keen awareness of these elements, performing artists can harness storytelling’s transformative power on stage. This workshop will guide you through structured creative exercises to refine your aerial voice and ignite your imagination, while also exploring the healing potential of somatic practices.


    These workshops are designed for intermediate/advanced aerialists, offering tools to elevate your aerial artistry. Each session is $50 (live or replay), with all proceeds supporting the Homeostasis project.

  • Limited to only 8 spots—don’t miss out!

  • Learn more about Homeostasis HERE

  • Donate to the Development HERE

Aerial Yoga Intro Pack: Elevate Your Practice in Just 4 Weeks!

Unlock the magic of aerial yoga and soar to new heights with our comprehensive online program, crafted by aerial artist, anatomy nerd, and yoga teacher, Saffron Van Rossem.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi, a movement enthusiast, or a daring adventurer, this course offers a transformative journey for all levels of experience.

Who is this course for?

Yogis & Movement Aficionados: Dive deeper into your practice and unleash your creativity with innovative aerial techniques.

Circus Artists: Elevate your performance by integrating mindfulness and mastering impressive feats like splits, backbends, and handstands.

Adventure Seekers: Embark on a thrilling exploration of aerial movement and discover the joy of defying gravity!

What's Included:

- Weekly 30-minute Aerial Yoga Classes focusing on Inversions, Backbends, and Splits, guided by Saffron Van Rossem.

- Complete Aerial Yoga Dance Sequence unveiled in Week 4, perfect for expressing yourself through graceful aerial movements.

- Curated Weekly Yoga Playlists to enhance your practice experience and set the mood for your aerial flow.

- Expertly crafted Pre-Hab and Alignment Drills delivered weekly to ensure safety, alignment, and strength in your aerial practice.

- Engaging Weekly Journaling Prompts to deepen your self-awareness and track your progress throughout the course.

- Interactive Discussion Boards with personalized feedback from our experienced instructors, fostering community support and growth.

- Access to a wealth of Aerial Yoga Continuing Education Resources, including tutorials, articles, and recommended readings.

Cost: $190 USD

Don't miss this opportunity to spread your wings and experience the joy of aerial yoga. Join us for the Circus with Purpose Aerial Yoga Intro Pack and let your spirit soar!

Join Us on Wednesdays for Donation Based

Juggling with Lester 🤹

Connect with the Circus With Purpose family and support a great cause by joining our donation-based juggling class via Google Meet, led by @lestercitote.

Lester is a dedicated circus artist from Esteli, Nicaragua, who started his journey with the Escuela de Comedia y Mimo and later founded his own social circus school, El Nido de las Artes de Estelí. This workshop is a fantastic way to enhance your juggling skills while supporting Lester's ongoing work with Nicaraguan communities.

Lester has extensive experience in clowning, acrobatics, and social circus training and has been involved in organizing cultural festivals, such as “El Berrinche Ambiental” and “Circus for Global Change” exchanges. He’s toured Europe multiple times and is passionate about uplifting his community through circus arts.

✨Wednesdays from 6-7pm EST via Google Meets

✨ Message us with your email to receive the Google Meet invite!

✨ Learn more about Lesters work and donate to his project HERE.

Meet the Team

  • Saffron Van Rossem

    Saffron is a professional Circus Artist, YOUnicorn and Director of Circus with Purpose. Since 2008 she has been teaching and performing movement arts internationally including Yoga, Handstands and Acrobatics, Aerial Sling and Silks, Flow & Fire Arts. She will be teaching through out the event but her main focus is supporting the amazing team of artists and teachers in the creative process and directing all the magic over the month.

  • Lester Zeledon

    Lester is from Esteli, Nicaragua and is a professional clown, juggler, acrobat. He is also the director of El Nido Social Circus School and manages our Nicaragua Education Project where he organizes awesome playful learning activities for the children throughout the year. He will be coming in week 4 to present the work they are doing.

  • Noellia

    Noellia is a professional Hula Hoop Artist from Granada Nicaragua. She is also a teacher for Escuela Comedia Y Mimo and will be teaching hula hooping during the Month.

  • Jordan Remar

    Jordan is a professional Flexible Serpant and director of Illuzia. She is a Lyra Artist, Fire Performer, Contortionist and Yoga Teacher and will be teaching Yoga, Handstansd, Contortion and developing the Contortion Troupe act over the month.

  • Alex Embodiment

    Alex is a professional Pole and Aerial Artist , Yoga Teacher and studio owner from Canada. She was competitive at a professional level for 3 years, and continues to train and find similar disciplines to explore in performance. She holds a certificate in Pole (PFIC), aerial hoop (PFIC), yoga (500hr), and personal training (NASM).

    We are very excited to have her teaching Yoga, Handstands, Flying Pole and Lyra over the month and helping choreograph group acts over the month.

  • Sara Visvader

    Sara is a professional aerial artist and yoga teacher from Grass Valley, CA. She has a passion for creativity and storytelling with movement. She will be teaching Yoga, Aerial Sling and Aerial Silks and co-creating the group Silks and Sling Acts for the final show during weeks 3&4

  • Katelyn Carano

    Katelyn (Kitkat) is a professional aerialist, hula hooper, fire performer and dancer from Southern California. She has traveled the country and the world performing in the circus arts since 2012. She will be teaching Aerial Lyra, Silks and Hula Hooping and helping develop aerial and flow troupes for the final show during weeks 1 & 2

  • Scarlett Divine

    Sharyn is a professional Aerialist, Pole Dancer, Fire dancer, Roller skater and Yoga Teacher based in California. We call her Momma Shary because of her incredibly warm and caring energy and incredible teaching abilities, but dont let that fool you her dynamic movement will make your jaw drop. We are so lucky to have her teaching Lyra and developing the group Lyra act during weeks 3&4.

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Words from YOUnicorns

  • Erica, USA

    I did Circus with a purpose 2022 and it was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had (hands down favorite retreat). The setting is stunning and peaceful; the resort is gorgeous… and that’s really just the start of it all. Circus with a purpose is such an incredible organization that feels amazing to be a part of. I was super impressed with the quality of the classes and the flow of everything. I learned so much and left feeling deeply inspired. It was challenging in the most wonderful way. The food was delicious. Truly 11/10 experience, I recommend it with my whole heart. Can’t wait to go back!

  • Klaus, Austria

    All the new connections I’ve made; all the experiences doing acro and yoga and other things with people I’ve never met before; all the good thoughts it has generated; all the positive emotions; and all the things I’ve learnt about myself along the way: how I deal with the world, with people, with myself, with my body. Those are invaluable lessons that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

  • Shay, Israel

    Can’t even describe in words the Magic I felt at Circus with purpose. This group of YOUnicorns got straight into my heart ♥️ I’ve never seen such love, care, support and talent in one place! Can’t wait for next year to meet my aerial soul sisters! 🧚🏻‍♀️

  • Marie Elisa, Germany

    A super adventurous, colorful, very outdoor, energetic retreat. My intention to come to the retreat was connect to myself and my inner power, and I learnt so many things – my strengths, about pushing myself a little more, but not to take it so seriously. I got to really push myself, without competing or comparing myself to others.

  • Kenia Brenes - USA

    Circus with a purpose is such a magical time! The experience is breathtaking from the time you arrive and it almost makes you never want to leave. You are constantly surrounded with people from all walks of life who are talented in different ways, training and learning with them everyday to gather concepts for the big show is a blast. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in local communities and learn more about how circus arts creates space for creativity and confidence there, develop your own skills, and surround yourself with good people. I would definitely recommend it.

  • Nathan - Canada

    Thank you guys – had an amazing time! It you haven’t done one of these retreats, get down to it. I learned everything: acroyoga was amazing, learnt some new techniques when it came to inversions – all your pointers and techniques really nailed it in for me - and then just learning to connect with good people.

  • Rebecca, USA

    Such a magical place. I feel really relaxed from the retreat and learned a lot during the training, there's so many options to choose from. Fun photoshoot every week, beach jam was my favorite with the sunset, and dinner gathering with all the attendants!

    Beautiful people, gorgeous place, and good food!

    I am planning to bring my kids back next year!

  • Joel, USA

    Circus with a Purpose is an awesome organization that brings together amazing and talented people from all over the world to creative some truly unique art! They offer numerous classes for a range of skill levels which allow people to hone their skills all while helping out local communities in need. I couldn't be happier to be a part of and to support this group!

  • Jill - USA

    I liked all of the acro aspects. I come from a cross-fit background, so I have the strength part but not necessarily the flexibility. I really liked the Hoopasana – I thought that was a lot of fun - hula hooping isn’t something you typically do at this age, so that was really fun. I’ll buy a hoop when I get home.

  • Elaine, USA

    Truly a retreat of a lifetime. I have participated in Circus with a Purpose several times. Saffron, Amy and the rest of the team are incredible instructors. Learning new skills and being able to help expand the circus arts program for the children in Nicaragua is such a deeply satisfying experience.

  • Sara, USA

    Circus With Purpose was more magical than I could have imagined - from the moment I arrived at Popoyo - it was truly a supportive, fun, and creative container. I made beautiful connections with people, trained by the beach, and also was so happy to meet some of the local Social Circus School instructors. What an amazing offering - I can't recommend this experience enough 🙂

  • Tammy, USA

    Everything about Circus with a Purpose is amazing! The biggest draw was the connections I made through the International Community. Another huge draw is all the incredible classes offered and the variety of instructors. I mean really, learning what we love, surrounded in a beautiful environment with so many incredible artists, what else can one ask for!

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Get in touch.

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