We know Philly can be a little out of the ordinary, so it’s no surprise that Philly has a circus legacy dating all the way back to the 1790s. Since then, we’ve been enthralled by high-flying stunts, glittering costumes, and tricks you definitely shouldn’t try at home.
As much as it keeps us entertained, being a circus act is no joke. It takes time and training to learn how to do the skills well – and safely. There are a several schools in the city that can teach you how to perform these tricks.
This place is such a well kept secret, you probably didn’t know it existed! Inside of the Common Market Warehouse at 428 East Erie Avenue, Secret Circus teaches kids and adults alike. You can take classes in flying pole deadlifts and spins, Cyr wheel, and trapeze. Classes have an enrollment period every eight to 12 weeks. Otherwise you can register for a drop-in spot.
Not far from Secret Circus is Rebel Arts Movement. The gym opened in 2020 with the intention of providing free and affordable acrobatics classes to youth in the Kensington area. The space has since relocated to MaKen Studios at 3401 I Street in Harrowgate. Young and adult Rebels can now take circus arts classes such as aerial sling and aerial lyra.
Imagine a college campus, but for clowning around. The Circus Campus includes a converted church and its school buildings that now serve as a hub for circus arts. On the property is Circadium, which is the first licensed and higher-ed circus program in the country, and the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, which you can learn more about in this episode of City Cast Philly. Find these schools and artists-in-residence at 6452 Greene Street in West Mount Airy.
Hope you’re not scared of heights because Wahoo Trapeze will have you flying sky high. Wahoo opened at 700 East Johnson Street in Mount Airy in 2024. Classes are typically two hours long and available for all skill levels. The space is outdoors so onlookers are welcome to watch the action. Don’t forget to use the added momentum to your advantage! So if backflips are tough when you’re on the ground, they might be easier in the air.
If you’re in Delco or willing to take a ride out that way, the Philadelphia Jugglers club will welcome you in. Whether you have juggled for years, are new to the scene, or just want to watch someone juggle something other than life’s problems, this is the place for you. The club meets on Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Grace Reformed Episcopal Church at 523 Clifton Avenue in Collingdale.
