WELCOME TO OUR SANCTUARY

OWNER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Circus Sanctuary was founded by Kelsey Erickson. She has over 15 years experience in the circus arts. Kelsey loves to learn, teach, and perform. She has performed for thousands, has over 20 years of teaching experience, and is a 2X National Champion! Kelsey completed her professional training program at NECCA where she stayed on to teach for a few years. Kelsey has completed teacher trainings in Yoga, Aerial Fabric, Lyra, Sling, Trapeze, Unata Aerial Yoga, and AcroYoga Montreal. She is also a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Kelsey’s personal mission is to invest in each and every student. She teaches a variety of circus skills to all ages, abilities, needs, aspirations and body types, in a way that is safe, scientifically sound, and technically proficient. She offers a process-oriented approach, and her teaching style encourages self love, awareness, personal responsibility, and joy.

Learn more about her artwork and find her on instagram @kelseyclimbs and follow the studio, Circus Sanctuary @circusanctuary

SEASONAL INSTRUCTOR

Jordan Kensley is an internationally renowned pole dance performer, judge and instructor. She has been dancing aerially since 2011 and strives to embody all variations of this art form. Her experience & technical skill has forged her signature performance style with her compassionate & knowledgeable teaching style.

Learn more about her artwork at jordankensley.com or find her on instagram @jordankensley.

INSTRUCTOR

Emilie Arbaugh is a multidisciplinary artist who has performed nationally over a 20-year career. Her first love has always been Aerial Rope (Corde Lisse),
performing both solo and partner acts on the apparatus.

INSTRUCTOR

Quynn is a queer dancer, aerialist, choreographer and performer who has been practicing different types of dance and movement arts since childhood. With over 8 years of pole and aerial experience and over 10 years of experience as an educator in various forms, they are so excited to help you achieve your pole dance goals! Quynn believes that dance and movement are powerful tools for radical self love and expression. Their teaching style combines their technical knowledge and dance background to help you unleash your inner badass and develop your own personal style and flow. They welcome people of all fitness levels and walks of life to join them for a class and experience the magic of pole!
Follow Quynn on Instagram to learn more @flowmagick

INSTRUCTOR

Na-il maintains a performance and dance background of 19 years. Their signature fusion style incorporates traditional and natural movement, choreographed in an engaging, immersive and comprehensive format.

Learn more about their artwork and find them on instagram @nailaliemmert

INSTRUCTOR

Maia Schneider began her circus journey in 2020 by learning contortion as a pandemic hobby. Over the following years, she became dedicated to contortion and began exploring other circus arts such as lyra, trapeze, and pole. Maia aims to make circus accessible for everyone regardless of age, ability, or experiences. She meets all students at their level by actively communicating, modifying exercises, and encouraging safe exploration as students progress through their circus journey.

INSTRUCTOR

Sara Lazarus has been practicing and teaching aerial arts in Tucson, AZ since 2020.  She has a background as a yoga instructor and club performer, which inform her style of teaching on her preferred apparatuses: lyra and pole.  Sara utilizes spin, strength, momentum and technical refinement to create fluid flow sequences with emphasis on embodiment and alignment.  When she’s not in the studio, she’s often traveling, spending time with her dog Aleister, or studying on campus. 

Learn more about Sara and her practice on Instagram @astralespionage

INSTRUCTOR

Melissa Torrecillas is a Tucson-based aerial and pole instructor specializing in aerial chains, dynamic momentum-based movement, and expressive performance technique. She has been dancing since the age of two and brings over 15 years of teaching experience, having coached numerous athletes to podium finishes at national and world pole championships. With a background in competitive pole, immersive dark-circus performance, and advanced apparatus work, Melissa blends technical precision with theatrical storytelling to help students build strength, confidence, and creative voice. Melissa has a deep love for both teaching and performing. Under her stage name Arachnis, her aerial chains performances are highly sought after by producers throughout the Phoenix and Tucson performance scenes.

INSTRUCTOR

Anya has been a pole student for nearly 4 years and a pole instructor for 3 years. Anya is born and raised Tucsonan. They came to pole about 4 years ago as a means of exercise but it quickly took over their life and became their passion. Anya loves sprinkling in some sexy to every move, and definitely has a style based in dance. Anya is living proof that it doesn’t matter what you have or haven’t done in the past (They have zero athletic/dance background), pole is possible for anyone willing to put in the time, effort, and love.

Anya’s favorite thing is teaching students who haven’t ever touched a pole. Come with them sweet pole babies, Anya will guide you! They love watching their students grow in skill and confidence, and coming into their own style.

Now enough chit-chat, let’s dance with Anya!!