Gainesville Circus Center

Gainesville Circus Center offers year-round classes in aerial dance, trapeze, lyra, handstands, flexibility, samba, lyrical dance, and open gym. Its classes include Intro to Aerial, Level 1 Silks, Lyra, or Dance Trapeze, Level 1.5 Silks, Level 2/3 Silks, Level 1.5/2 Lyra, and Level 1.5/2 Trapeze. The program also offers Flying Trapeze seasonally, along with a Saturday morning Toddler Time from 9:30-11am.

Programs

• Intro to Aerial — new adult and teen students; first time aerial students · Teaches foundations of aerial dance on silks, trapeze, and lyra; required for first time aerial students.
• Flying Trapeze — seasonally · Low-cast flying system located at Two Hawk Hammock in Williston; opportunities to perform at the 2nd Street Circus Spectacular in February.
• Level 1 Silks, Lyra, or Dance Trapeze — Beginner level technique courses; prerequisite: Intro to Aerial checkout.
• Level 1.5 Silks — Condition inversions and wraps for air awareness; prerequisite: Silks 1 checkout.
• Level 2/3 Silks — Explore advanced climbs and momentum on aerial silks; prerequisite: Silks 1.5 checkout.
• Level 1.5/2 Lyra — Intermediate lyra class focused on combinations and choreography; prerequisite: Lyra 1 checkout.
• Level 1.5/2 Trapeze — Intermediate trapeze class focused on combinations and choreography; prerequisite: Trapeze 1 checkout.
• Open Gym — Requires instructor permission; students train skills they have learned in class and must work on skills at their level.
• Handstands 101 — Learn to develop a straight, stable, freestanding handstand with step-by-step skills and drills.
• Flexibility — Focuses on active and passive stretching to improve mobility, alignment, and body awareness.
• Samba — check our calendar in April for the new season · Brazilian dance class; students can audition to perform in the September Brazil Fest event at Heartwood Soundstage.
• Lyrical Dance — Adult lyrical dance class open to all levels.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round classes. Kids under 13 should sign up for Circus Kids class. New adult and teen students must sign up for Intro to Aerial before level classes. Kids classes are for students ages 5-13. Toddler Time is Saturday morning from 9:30-11am. Flying Trapeze classes are offered seasonally.

About the provider

Gainesville Circus Center says its mission is to cultivate an inclusive community through the practice of social circus. The program also offers performances for kids and adults, including performances at Educational and Community Events.

Last updated September 10, 2026.