Circus is more than just a performance art—it's a powerful tool for physical and mental well-being. Engaging with circus arts can boost confidence, improve fitness, and create a sense of community. Beyond its physical benefits, circus also offers pathways to exciting careers, not only as performers but also in areas like administration, photography, videography, and other creative roles.
We know that circus classes and activities can be life-changing but are also very specific and often expensive, making them inaccessible to many. At Aerial Art House, we are committed to supporting those who might otherwise miss out on these opportunities. Our goal is to share the joy of circus with everyone and to help our community thrive through these transformative experiences.
To make this possible, we run some of our classes completely free of charge and offer free memberships to eligible members of our local community. This ensures that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of accessing the incredible benefits circus arts can provide.
We are deeply grateful to our funders, whose support allows us to run these life-changing projects. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of our community.

Below, you'll find some of the projects we are currently running, with more to come in the future. Stay tuned

Reconnecting Families Project 

Funded by the National Lottery Awards for All
Our Reconnecting Families project offers free circus-based classes for children and families from the Restalrig and Lochend areas. This initiative is designed to help families bond, have fun, and stay active together.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Awards for All, these classes are completely free and will run until February 2026.
If you're a family from Restalrig or Lochend, come and join us for this exciting opportunity!

Flying Family project 

Flying Family Project: Parents and Babies Circus Fun!
Funded by the University of Edinburgh
Parents with children aged 0–5 years, this is your chance to bond, play, and explore the magic of circus arts! Our Flying Family sessions are like a parents-and-babies club, where families can swing in hammocks, enjoy playtime, and even try basic circus disciplines—all in a warm, supportive environment.
This initiative, part of the Reconnecting Families project, is made possible thanks to funding from the University of Edinburgh.
Eligibility: Families from Leith, Lochend, Restalrig, Craigentinny, and Portobello.
Spaces are limited, so let’s keep it local! Join us for a unique experience that strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.

Community Classes 

Community Wellbeing Classes
Funded by Edinburgh Council
We are excited to offer free aerial, pole, and fitness classes for all ages—adults, kids, and families! These classes are designed to support physical and mental wellbeing in a fun and inclusive environment.
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Eligibility: Residents of Leith, Craigentinny, Restalrig, and Lochend.

Thanks to funding from Edinburgh Council, these classes are completely free of charge. Come join us and discover a new way to stay active and connected with your community!

Scottish Youth Contemporary Circus Group 
Circopaths

                                                                         Circopaths: Scotland’s Youth Contemporary Circus Group  
Circopaths is a vibrant and talented youth initiative bringing together aspiring contemporary circus artists aged 13 to 25. Driven by their passion for performance and guided by artistic director Hania McHat, these young artists create original contemporary circus work that inspires others to explore their creativity and believe in their potential.
This project is proudly funded by Youth Open Arts, allowing the group to access professional workshops, develop their skills, and collaborate in a supportive and creative environment.
The group meets weekly for 2 to 4 hours, training in a range of circus disciplines while developing ideas for new performances. They blend circus, theatre, and music to create dynamic and expressive shows. As a youth-led collective, members take ownership of the creative process—shaping themes, directing, and choreographing their work.
We are incredibly excited to be working towards a final showcase performance, where these young artists will present the results of their hard work, creativity, and growth on stage.
Circopaths also promotes accessibility and community, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for young people to connect, express themselves, and grow as performers.
If you’re inspired to join this passionate group, get in touch at
[email protected]
Together, let’s create, perform, and keep the spirit of contemporary circus alive in Scotland!

While this project is a new initiative, we believe its dynamic nature and the passionate individuals involved will lead to growth and evolution. We hope the group will continue to expand and gain recognition across Scotland. Meet our current members!