Author Archives: sanca

New Cancellation Policies

Custom Class Cancellation Policy

Custom classes being cancelled or rescheduled are subject to the following:

  • No penalty or fee if notification of the cancellation is sent at least 24 hours prior to the class
  • If notice of cancellation is sent within 24 hours prior to class, a fee of $40 per hour per coach will be due
  • If no notice is given and the student does not show up for the class, the full cost of the class is still due.

Private Lesson Cancellation Policy

SANCA’s staff are allowed to set their own cancellation policies for private lessons. Please check with your coach to see what their policy is.

Class Cancellation Policy

If for any reason you need to drop your class please notify the office as soon as possible. Refund policy is dependent on when the cancellation is made and by whom:

  • Classes must have a minimum of 3 paying students 48h in advance or the class will be canceled (minimum is 2 for online classes and jams).
  • There are no refunds:
    • If SANCA cancels a class for any reason including low enrollment, students will be issued an in-house credit.
    • If the student cancels with more than 48h notice they will be issued an in-house credit.
    • If the student cancels less than 48h in advance no refund and no in-house credit will be issued.
  • Pro-rations due to inclement weather cannot be refunded but can be used towards your next circus experience.
  • Paid tuition may be transferred to another class any time before the class has started with no penalty.

Party Cancellation Policy

Parties that are cancelled by the client are subject to the following:

  • Within 72 hours of the party there will be no rescheduling, refunds, or credits given
  • Within 2 weeks of the party, no refunds will be given and any rescheduling or credit is subject to a 50% fee.
  • Cancellations or rescheduling requests received more than 2 weeks prior to the party may be rescheduled without additional charges or refunded in full.

Camp Cancellation Policy

  • Within 72 hours of the date camp begins camp tuition is not transferable or refundable.
  • Paid tuition may be transferred from one week to another or canceled and refunded at no additional charge if the request is received at least two weeks before the date camp begins.
  • Transfer requests from one week to another made in the two weeks before camp begins do not have a financial penalty, but transfer requests are subject to availability. If you transfer out of one camp and there are students waiting, your spot will no longer be available should you change your mind.
  • Cancellations made in the two weeks before camp begins are subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the cost of camp, and the balance of the unused tuition will be retained as a credit toward future tuition. Credits are transferable to other students and may be used toward any tuition, including flying trapeze.

Bias Reporting

The School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all people. SANCA values and caters to a diverse community where all members are able to fully participate in the joy of circus. SANCA’s mission is to improve the mental, emotional, and physical health of children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities by engaging them in the joyous creativity of acrobatics and circus arts. This mission can only be accomplished if the learning environments in classes are safe and free from violence, harassment and intimidation.

Incidents of bias or hate affecting a person or group negatively impact the quality of experience in circus arts for our community members. SANCA takes such incidents seriously and will respond appropriately to reported or observed incidents of bias or hate. These reports will be viewed and handled by the head of Human Resources (HR) and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism).

This reporting system allows SANCA to understand and respond to situations that affect students, to educate and inform the community about such events, and to create awareness of intolerance as it relates to bias or hate incidents. This reporting tool is not limited to students and can be used by office staff and coaches. If you have any additional questions about this tool, please contact biasreporting@sancaseattle.org

Click Here for the Bias Reporting Tool

SANCA Leadership Changes

SANCA is pleased to announce that Dr. Octavia Graham has been appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as SANCA’s Interim Executive Director. Octavia has worked with SANCA since 2017, most recently as the Director of Staff Success (HR), and she has served on the Board of Directors since February 2021. She is extremely passionate about the work of our organization, and is committed to seeing SANCA thrive. We look forward to the fresh perspective that Octavia will bring, and are grateful for her leadership during this period of transition.

Octavia will replace John Tannous, who has resigned as SANCA’s Executive Director to pursue other opportunities in business consulting. We are grateful to John for his hard work and success in stabilizing SANCA’s financial outlook, and for guiding our organization through the difficulties associated with the pandemic. We wish JT the best in his future projects and endeavors.

Should you have any questions as we begin this new chapter, please don’t hesitate to contact Octavia at octaviag@sancaseattle.org.

It’s Not Too Late! Find Your Class Today

Fall 2 Session starts this Sunday, but it’s not too late to grab a spot in one of SANCA’s classes!

To highlight some classes that still have room:

Circus Buddies (Ages 2-3)
Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM
Kid Circus (Ages 4-5)
Sundays from 11:00 AM to 11:55 AM
Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM
Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 11:55 AM
Junior Circus (Ages 6-8)
Fridays from 5:00 PM to 5:55 PM
Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM
Adult Circus Intensive (16+)
Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:55 PM

Preteen Aerial 1
Fridays from 4:00 PM to 4:55 PM
Teen Aerial 1
Tuesdays from 5:00 PM to 6:25 PM
Adult Aerial 1/2
Mondays from 7:00 PM to 8:25 PM
Teen/Adult Lyra 1
Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 6:25 PM
Teen/Adult Lyra 2
Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 8:25 PM
Adult Trapeze 1/2
Sundays from 3:00 PM to 4:25 PM

Aerial Strength and Flexibility
Mondays from 8:00 PM to 8:55 PM
Circus Movement
Wednesdays from 7:30 PM to 8:25 PM

Adult Tumbling 1
Sundays from 1:30 PM to 2:55 PM
Adult Tumbling 2/3
Wednesdays from 7:00 PM to 8:55 PM

Youth Tricking
Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 7:25 PM
Adult Tricking
Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 8:55 PM

Chinese Pole
Sundays from 3:00 PM to 4:25 PM
Mondays from 6:30 PM to 7:55 PM
Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 7:55 PM

Intro to Unicycle
Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 5:55 PM

Juggling
Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 5:55 PM

Tightwire
Sundays from 12:00 PM to 12:55 PM

All Availability
sancaseattle.org/classes

Don’t wait! To see our full schedule and all availability, click here.
* Vaccination or negative Covid tests are now requiredRead our COVID-19 Policy.

Not Sure Where to Start? Try Circus 101!

Our Fall 2 Session is right around the corner. Classes are filling up with only 10 days left before the session begins! Navigating through everything SANCA offers can be daunting, especially if you’re new to circus. If you’re not sure where to start… our Circus 101 classes are for you!

Circus 101 classes will allow you to try all that circus has to offer. Not only that, but there is a class for everyone! You’ll find a spot for anyone ages 2 through Adult. Sign up today!

Circus 101 Classes:

Circus Buddies (Ages 2-3)

Circus Buddies is for our youngest students and their favorite grownups! Students will participate with an adult in this class to focus on physical, behavioral, and social development. Our Circus Buddies class is designed to help increase sense of balance, coordination, physical awareness and spatial orientation all while acclimating our students to following directions and participating in a group environment.

SANCA’s general circus classes start with a warm up followed by focus on several age appropriate circus skills. Included are trampoline, tumble track, tumbling, trapeze, rope, tight wire, rolling globe, juggling, and strength and flexibility. Students develop physical skills, increase confidence, and build self-esteem while having fun.

Mondays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM | Sign Up
Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM | Sign Up

Kid Circus (Ages 4-5)
Kid Circus 1 is a general circus class that allows those ages 4-5 to try all that circus has to offer! Students will focus on building their sense of balance, coordination, physical awareness, and spatial orientation in conjunction with developing mental acuity and problem-solving skills. SANCA’s general circus classes start with a warm-up and then move on to working on age-appropriate circus skills in a few disciplines per week, including trampoline, tumbling, static trapeze, aerial rope, tightwire, aerial fabric, rolling globe, juggling, and more. Students will develop physical skills, increase confidence, and build self-esteem while having fun.

Sundays from 10:00 AM to 10:55 AM | Sign Up
Sundays from 11:00 AM to 11:55 AM | Sign Up
Mondays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM | Sign Up
Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM | Sign Up
Fridays from 4:00 PM to 4:55 PM | Sign Up
Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 11:55 AM | Sign Up

Junior (Ages 6-8)
Junior Circus 1 is a general circus class that allows those ages 6-8 to try all that circus has to offer! Students will focus on building their sense of balance, coordination, physical awareness, and spatial orientation in conjunction with developing mental acuity and problem-solving skills. SANCA’s general circus classes start with a warm-up and then move on to working on age-appropriate circus skills in a few disciplines per week, including trampoline, tumbling, static trapeze, aerial rope, tightwire, aerial fabric, rolling globe, juggling, and more. Students will develop physical skills, increase confidence, and build self-esteem while having fun.

Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:25 PM | Sign Up
Sundays from 12:30 PM to 1:25 PM | Sign Up
Sundays from 2:30 PM to 3:25 PM | Sign Up
Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 3:55 PM | Sign Up
Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 1:55 PM | Sign Up

Preteen (Ages 9-12)
Preteen Circus is a general circus class that allows those ages 9-12 to try all that circus has to offer! Students will focus on building their sense of balance, coordination, physical awareness, and spatial orientation in conjunction with developing mental acuity and problem-solving skills. SANCA’s general circus classes start with a warm-up and then move on to working on age-appropriate circus skills in a few disciplines per week, including trampoline, tumbling, static trapeze, aerial rope, tightwire, aerial fabric, rolling globe, juggling, and more. Students will develop physical skills, increase confidence, and build self-esteem while having fun.

Sundays from 10:00 AM to 11:25 AM | Sign Up
Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:25 AM | Sign Up

Adult (Ages 16+)
A 2-hour long version of Adult Circus in which we will dive deeper into each circus skill, allowing more opportunity to progress. Instruction will adapt to each student’s skill level to ensure everyone is challenged and learning.

Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:55 PM | Sign Up

Updated COVID-19 Policy

SANCA has announced a new COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy. It is updated and goes into effect as of October 25, 2021. The Policy is based on updated guidance and requirements from King County Public Health and the State of Washington.

School for Acrobatics and New Circus Arts
COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy
This policy has been updated as of January 11, 2022

SUMMARY

SANCA is following the recommendations of public health organizations to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and surrounding community. Below is our updated policy based on the most recent publications from King County Public Health, the State of Washington, and the CDC

MASK POLICY

Following the State of Washington mandate for indoor businesses, all persons who enter SANCA are required to wear masks that cover face and nose.

The only exceptions to this rule are as follows:

  • For staff and students, masks may be temporarily removed when drinking water.
  • For staff, masks may be temporarily removed when eating (students are not permitted to eat inside SANCA’s facility).
  • For staff when inside an enclosed room and isolated, masks may be temporarily removed.

VACCINATION POLICY

  • Following the local mandate order by King County, as of October 25, 2021, students and visitors to SANCA will be asked to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival at SANCA.
  • As an alternative to providing vaccine verification, prior to entry individuals over 12 must provide digital or printed documentation from a testing agent, including a laboratory, health care provider, or pharmacy of:
    • A negative FDA-approved PCR test administered within the previous 72 hours, or
    • A negative FDA-approved rapid test administered by a testing provider on site at the event site.
  • The local mandate by King County does not apply to staff. However, SANCA also requires that its staff provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Exemptions may be permitted for religious and health reasons as appropriate when approved by Human Resources and/or the Executive Director.-Testing does not apply for students under the age of 12.

SOCIAL DISTANCING POLICY

  • We recommend all students remain socially distant when possible within SANCA.
  • Students and guests who are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus do not have to remain socially distant from others while participating in contact activities such as partner acrobatics, partner aerial, and catching in the fly tent.
  • All others – unvaccinated individuals and students under the age of 12 – must remain socially distant from others at all times according to public health guidelines.

EXPOSURE AND REPORTING POLICY

  • Our existing waivers still address COVID-19 so students are advised to read them again to understand exposure reporting and other responsibilities.
  • According to the waiver, everyone who comes to SANCA represents they are in good health and have had no known exposure to COVID-19 and no symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days prior to entering SANCA’s facility, OR
  • If an individual DOES have a known exposure to COVID-19 or has displayed symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days prior to SANCA’s facility the student must get a COVID-19 test and the following must be followed based on the result:
    • If an individual tests positive, they remain in isolation for 5 days from the end of symptoms. They do not need to retest after the stated isolation period, but should continue to mask and social distance when returning to activities (per CDC guidelines).
    • If an individual tests negative, they are welcome to immediately return to activities. However, they should remain isolated if any symptoms are present and only return to activities once they are post-symptomatic.
  • Also according to the waiver, if an individual believes they have had any exposure to COVID-19, they shall immediately cease entering SANCA’s facility and shall alert SANCA’s Front Office if they have been on the premises since their exposure.
  • SANCA is following CDC guidelines for contact tracing and will be following up on any reported cases by email and phone.

VISITATION/VIEWING POLICY

  • Due to the ongoing risks associated with COVID and the overall reduced facility size at SANCA, there will be no parent viewing room. In general, parents, family, and guests of students are asked to wait outside of SANCA’s facilities during their student’s class.
  • Any parent who wishes to observe a class may do so by requesting access. Requests must be made through the SANCA Front Office at least 24 hours in advance of the class. To request access, please call (206) 652-4433 or email office@sancaseattle.org.

CLEANING POLICIES

  • Cleaning supplies are stocked and placed in designated, visible areas around SANCA. Signage accompanying the supplies provides instructions for which cleaning supplies can be used on each type of equipment. Coaches are responsible for monitoring the cleaning of all equipment between classes. All mats and any equipment used during a class must be cleaned before being put away.

TERMINATED POLICIES

  • Temperature and symptom checks: SANCA staff will no longer check the body temperature of individuals entering the building, nor will they ask individuals if they have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. As a reminder: everyone who comes to SANCA represents they are in good health and have had no known exposure to COVID-19 and no symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days prior to entering SANCA’s facility.

MISCELLANEOUS

SANCA also recognizes that the science behind COVID-19 may change rapidly as has been evident over the past 18 months. SANCA reserves the right to alter these policies as needed based on new information, whether regarding COVID-19 or other factors, with or without advance notice.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact Octavia Graham.

Come Fly With Us This Session!

Come fly with us! We have flying trapeze classes for all skill levels and ages whether it’s your first time or you’re ready to reach new heights! See our classes here

Youth Classes (ages 10-18)

All Levels
These classes is for youth flyers of all skill levels who are interested in flying every week. Flyers will participate with a consistent group of flyers and the same coaches for two hours each week for the duration of the current session. The coaches will provide consistent and personalized instruction, ensuring the best possible learning environment and the safest and quickest progression.

Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Sign Up
Saturday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Sign Up

Advanced

These flyers are already working on their swing and have mastered several beginner and intermediate flying trapeze skills in other classes. They will participate with a consistent group of flyers and the same coaches for two hours each week for the duration of the current session. Flyers in our Advanced Youth Session Class are expected to dedicate themselves, both in class and at home, to flying trapeze theory and physical conditioning.

Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Sign Up

Adult Classes (ages 18+)

All Levels

This class is for adults of all skill levels who are interested in investing time in a consistent flying practice. Flyers will participate with a consistent group of flyers and the same coaches for two hours each week for the duration of the current session. The coaches will provide consistent and personalized instruction, ensuring the best possible learning environment and the safest and quickest progression.

Sunday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Sign Up

Advanced

This class is for our intermediate and advanced adult flyers. These flyers are already working on their swing and have mastered several beginner and intermediate flying trapeze skills in other classes. They will participate with a consistent group of flyers and the same coaches for two hours each week for the duration of the current session. Flyers in our Advanced Youth Session Class are expected to dedicate themselves, both in class and at home, to flying trapeze theory and physical conditioning.

Monday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Sign Up

For Everyone (ages 6+)

Flying Trapeze for Everyone (No Catching)

This class is open to flyers new and old and of all skill levels and is available to flyers ages 6+ as a single serving circus class. All instruction is personalized to each flyer’s abilities to maximize individual progress.

Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Sign Up
Sunday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Sign Up
Sunday from 12:00 PM to 1:55 PM. Sign Up
Monday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Sign Up
Saturday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Sign Up
Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Sign Up
Saturday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Sign Up

Flying Trapeze for Everyone (With Catching!)

This is our two-hour flying trapeze class. It is open to flyers new and old and of all skill levels and is available to flyers ages 6+ as a single serving circus class. All instruction is personalized to each flyer’s abilities to maximize individual progress.

Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Sign Up
Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Sign Up

Trampoline Combo (ages 12+)

This class is designed as a progressive class that teaches both flying skills and safe landing technique. The first hour of class will be spent on the flying trapeze rig and the second hour will be devoted to working on trampoline skills that are needed to understand the many safe ways to land in the trapeze net.

Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Sign Up

Swing Intensive (ages 13+)

Join coaches Lukas and Paul for the first hour of this class as they break down the mechanics and physics in order to help students understand the ways to increase the effiency of their flying trapeze swing.The last 30 minutes of this class will be devoted to flying trapeze-specific strength training and conditioning to further bolster your skills in the air!

Friday from 5:00 PM to 6:25 PM. Sign Up

Holiday Camps Are Filling Up Fast!

Grab your spot in our extensive day camp program for children 6 and up. From juggling to tumbling, aerial fabric to tightwire, campers get a wonderful introduction to many circus disciplines. Learn more about our camps here  and view our 2021 schedule below:

November 22 – 24 | 9am-3pm

Circus OddessyAges 6-8 | SIGN UP
An introduction to the wonders of circus arts for our youngest aspiring circus artists! Campers will develop increased body awareness through tumbling and balancing their bodies, work collaboratively in group activities including ring passing and partner acrobatics. Sign up now!

Ringmasters | Ages 9-12 | SIGN UP
Campers will be presented with a wonderful introduction to many different circus   disciplines while working together in their groups to explore the joys of everything that SANCA has to offer! From Juggling to tumbling, aerial fabric to tightwire, there is so much to enjoy about circus camp. Sign up now!

December 20 – 23 | 9am-3pm

Circus OddessyAges 6-8 | SIGN UP
An introduction to the wonders of circus arts for our youngest aspiring circus artists! Campers will develop increased body awareness through tumbling and balancing their bodies, work collaboratively in group activities including ring passing and partner acrobatics.  Sign up now!

Ringmasters | Ages 9-12 | SIGN UP
Campers will be presented with a wonderful introduction to many different circus   disciplines while working together in their groups to explore the joys of everything that SANCA has to offer! From Juggling to tumbling, aerial fabric to tightwire, there is so much to enjoy about circus camp.  Sign up now!

December 27 – 30 | 9am-3pm

Circus OddessyAges 6-8 | SIGN UP
An introduction to the wonders of circus arts for our youngest aspiring circus artists! Campers will develop increased body awareness through tumbling and balancing their bodies, work collaboratively in group activities including ring passing and partner acrobatics.  Sign up now!

Ringmasters | Ages 9-12 | SIGN UP
Campers will be presented with a wonderful introduction to many different circus   disciplines while working together in their groups to explore the joys of everything that SANCA has to offer! From Juggling to tumbling, aerial fabric to tightwire, there is so much to enjoy about circus camp.  Sign up now!

 

Developing Your Circus Skills with Movement Classes

Developing circus skills can be a challenge. Supplement your training and grow in strength and flexibility by taking one of our movement classes!

Flexibility | Tuesdays @ 7:30pm

Flexibility is a key component of every circus art, so this would be an excellent supplement to your favorite circus class or a great stand alone to ease you back into a fitness routine! This class is designed to improve range of motion through a combination of dynamic and passive stretches and holds. Register Now

Aerial Strength and Flexibility | Sundays @ 10am

Aerial Strength and Flexibility | Mondays @ 8pm

Nervous about strength after a two-year pandemic? Let’s build that confidence and strength back up with drills that will set you up for success and refine technique. We will focus on core and cross body stabilization with air and ground circuits. Register for Sundays at 10am or Register for Mondays at 8pm

Circus Movement | Wednesdays @7:30pm

Circus is a movement-based art form where, often, music is used to enhance performances and telling stories. To help with the development of an individual’s story and style, we offer a movement class. This class will be based on African diasporic dance forms. As we progress, you will be encouraged to incorporate your own musical taste and individuality with your movement. The class will begin with a structured warm-up to develop the skills necessary for different movement styles. Afterward, individual and group exercises will help students move to different musical sections of songs, most importantly developing their sense of timing and rhythm. In addition to learning some of the foundations of dance, we will explore play and creativity. Ultimately, we hope this class will help with finding how you express yourself with movement and music and how you can use that in group or solo work. Register Now

Circus Fitness | Tuesdays @ 12pm

Circus Fitness | Thursdays @ 12pm

Circus Fitness | Saturdays @ 10am

Join Coach Bridget for an hour of Circus-focused conditioning and flexibility to take your circus skills to the next level! This class makes a great addition to your favorite circus skills class or as a great way to get moving each week. Register for Tuesdays at 12pm | Register for Thursdays at 12pm  | Register for Saturdays at 10am.

Movement Classes and the rest of our Fall 2 Session are now enrolling. Make sure to check out our full class schedule

New Bed Bliss! Trampoline Lovers Rejoice

We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to our donors! A lovely group of supporters recently gifted SANCA a new trampoline bed and spring set. Our Facilities Director, Amanda, installed the new gear a few days prior to the start of Fall Session.

Our staff and students have already been enjoying the upgrade and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the joy of trampoline with this amazing addition to SANCA’s equipment!