Saffron is a multidisciplinary Circus Artist, and the Creative Director of Circus with Purpose. Since 2008, she has been teaching and performing movement arts internationally. A survivor of complex trauma, Saffron channels her healing journey into powerful circus art, crafting choreography on unique apparatus to tell meaningful stories.

Her current creative passions include Aerial R'ilks (Rope + Silks Fusion), Aerial Multi-Hula Hooping, and the Aerial Nervous System — a collaboration with Paper Doll Militia exploring the body’s trauma responses through movement. At the retreat, Saffron will be teaching a variety of disciplines, but her main focus will be guiding the creative process and directing the magic throughout the month.

Jordan is a professional contortionist and the director of Illuzia. She is also a Lyra Artist, Fire Performer, and Yoga Teacher. Jordan will be teaching Yoga, Handstands, Contortion, and Foot Archery throughout the month, while also supporting students in act development and helping them refine their creative process.

Alex is a professional Pole and Aerial Artist, Yoga Teacher, and owner of Vertika Pole and Aerial Studio in Canada. She competed at a professional level for three years and continues to train and explore similar disciplines in performance. She holds certifications in Pole (PFIC), Aerial Hoop (PFIC), Yoga (500hr), and Personal Training (NASM).

Alex’s journey with alopecia has been a profound part of her path as both an artist and facilitator. Learning to embrace her own vulnerability and strength through this experience has deepened her ability to hold space for others in their creative process.

We’re thrilled to have her teaching Yoga, Handstands, Flying Pole, and Lyra throughout the month, as well as guiding participants in act development.

Noellia is a professional Hula Hoop Artist from Jinotepe, Nicaragua. She is also a teacher at Escuela Comedia y Mimo and plays a key role in organizing activities for the Nicaragua Social Circus Network throughout the year. Noelia radiates joy in both her teaching and performance art, and it’s an honor to have her sharing her expertise in Hula Hooping and Fire Dance throughout the month.

Katelyn /Kitkat is a professional aerialist, hula hooper, fire performer, choreographer, and trained dancer from Southern California. She has been performing in the circus arts since 2012, traveling the world and captivating audiences at major events like Coachella and Lionsgate Films productions, as well as performing for icons such as Sir Elton John. Kat is the founder of Elemental Aerial Arts in Santa Barbara, where she shares her passion for movement and artistic expression. With a deep love for teaching, Kat excels at working one-on-one with students to expand their physical and creative potential. At Circus With Purpose, she will be teaching Aerial Lyra, Silks, Hula Hooping, and Fire Arts and supporting students with choreography and skills development during Act Creation Weeks.

Ella (Ella Bear) is the Retreat Manager and Program Coodinator for Circus With Purpose. Captivated by the arts since the age of nine, she has explored nearly every creative outlet, fueling her deep connection to movement and expression. Her love for teaching aerial fabric ignited in 2020 and has since evolved into a passion for facilitating heART-centered experiences where people feel empowered to explore and grow. Ella can’t wait to soak up the sun, connect with the community, and play on the aerial silks with you!

Melissa (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and EMDR therapist specializing in trauma therapy for all ages. Her therapeutic approach blends parts work, somatic experiencing, systemic therapy, play therapy, and nervous system education to support deep healing.

A survivor of developmental trauma and domestic violence, Melissa has found profound healing through movement and circus arts. Her journey led her to CircAsana’s Yoga Teacher Training with Saffron and Amy, which ultimately brought her to Circus With Purpose 2024.

Melissa is also a certified Be Free Breathwork™ Facilitator and is passionate about mindful-based practices and psychedelic-assisted therapy. As a member of the Queer community, she is dedicated to promoting social justice and creating equitable opportunities for all.

We’re incredibly grateful to have Melissa with us for the full month as our trauma-informed space holder, facilitating restorative therapeutic group sessions and nervous system regulation to help our community feel grounded and supported.

Lizzie Rose is a self-taught photographer and videographer with a passion for celebrating the strength and individuality of performers. Known for her vibrant use of color and ability to capture movement, Lizzie creates images that not only highlight the beauty of her subjects but also empower them to feel confident and seen. Her approach is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel powerful in their own skin. Through her lens, Lizzie skillfully brings out the unique energy and essence of each performer, creating visuals that resonate with authenticity and emotion.

We’re thrilled to have Lizzie with us for Weeks 1 & 2, where she will be facilitating photoshoots, leading archetype embodiment workshops, and capturing the magic of the retreat.