5 reasons to go to Philadelphia School for Circus Arts

Features Editor Jennifer Logue works her core during an Aerial Fundamentals class. | Wandering Lens Photography
Wandering Lens Photography

Looking for a dose of variety in your spare time? While boozy brunches and going for a run are all great ways to enjoy your time outside of work, we could all afford to change it up now and then. Lucky for us, the recently relocated Philadelphia School for Circus Arts has a brand new facility and a wide selection of classes for people of all ages and fitness levels. Here are five reasons to run off and take circus classes this fall.

The space is breathtakingly beautiful in itself.

Philadelphia School for Circus Arts covers 28,000 square-feet in total, comprised of both an old Church (St. Madeline’s) from the 1930s and a school. The church area has been converted into The Sanctuary, a 5,000 square-foot studio with 40-foot ceilings perfect for aerial work. There’s even stunning stained glass windows, a viewing gallery and a stage.

Leave the city without leaving the city.

Taking a tour of the relocated Philadelphia School for Circus Arts felt like a city escape without leaving the city. The campus itself is surrounded by trees and greenery, even though you’re still in West Mount Airy. No car? No problem! You can easily take public transportation to class, as the school is located next to the Upsal stop on the Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail line.

There are classes for kids.

Even if you don’t want your child to run off and join a professional circus, taking classes in circus arts does wonders to build strength, flexibility and confidence. When I was taking my intro class, I was surrounded by kids who were fearlessly tackling aerial work 40-feet above me and doing backflips like it was nothing.

There are classes for adults.

If you have your kids taking classes, why not join in on the experience and take some classes yourself? There are a range of beginner classes offered for adult, including Trapeze/Fundamentals, Art of Balance, Tumbling, Handstands, Contortion/Legs, Contortion/Back, Adult Partner Acrobatics, Circus Strong and Aerial Sling Fundamentals. No kids? Tap into your inner child and challenge your body in new ways fearlessly.  

Classes are affordable.

There’s no need to break the bank to work Circus Arts into your routine. Right now for the fall, there’s 25% off youth enrollment and special discounts for new students to Philadelphia School for Circus Arts. Once you’re not a new student, classes are $24 for a single class and as little as $17.10 a class with the purchase of a 24-class card. That’s way less than brunch and drinks. So worth it!

If you go:
Philadelphia School for Circus Arts
6452 Greene St.
phillycircus.com