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 2025. 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. 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 GroupCircopaths is a vibrant and talented youth initiative that brings together aspiring contemporary circus artists aged 12 to 17. Driven by their passion for performance and the guidance of artistic director Hania McHat, these young artists aim to create and perform contemporary circus shows that inspire others to explore their talents and believe in their dreams. Hania McHat has been instrumental in making this dream a reality. She has provided not only coaching and mentorship but also a dedicated space for the group to grow and flourish. Through her support, the Circopaths have become a youth-led collective where members take ownership of every aspect of their creative journey. The group meets weekly for 2 to 4 hours, participating in professional workshops, honing their circus skills, and developing innovative ideas for new performances. They integrate circus, theater, and music into their shows, creating dynamic and impactful performances. The group collaboratively decides on performance themes, directs, and choreographs their productions—learning valuable skills that could pave the way for future careers in the performing arts. Circopaths also focus on sustainability, using earnings from performances to invest in costumes, workshops, and travel opportunities to work with professional circus artists. With a participation fee of just £5 per week, the group is accessible to all, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. If you’re inspired by the idea of joining this passionate group of young performers, reach out to us 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!
Circopaths members - Our young talents
Aerial Kaya - Kaya Brzeska
Note: Our website is currently under reconstruction. This section will be updated soon—thank you for your patience!
Portobello Loves Circus
Date: 26th of November 2024 Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM, Show starts at 6:00 PM Location: Portobello Town Hall
Join us for an exhilarating evening of circus performances and entertainment at the Portobello Town Hall as we celebrate Portobello Loves Circus! Prepare to be dazzled by a lineup of talented circus artists, musicians, and performers, including Aerial Art House, Think Circus, and friends. From awe-inspiring acrobatics to mesmerizing aerial acts, jugglers, hula-hoopers, and more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets are available for both adults and kids, so bring the whole family for a night of laughter, magic, and wonder. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience—book your tickets now and join us for a night of circus delights!