Circus with Purpose

Welcome to Circus with Purpose, where circus art meets the heart and movement intertwines with mindfulness. We are not just a community; we are a collective force of artists, healers, and movement enthusiasts on a mission. Our purpose is simple yet profound: to cultivate sanctuaries of creativity that help us remember our inextricable human connection.

Embracing this ethos, we are dedicated to supporting the Nicaraguan Social Circus Schools. These dedicated educators harness the transformative power of circus arts, instilling in young hearts the belief that they possess the capacity to shape their worlds. Through play and creativity, we forge cross cultural connections that transcend borders, uniting international artists and teachers with the remarkable Social Circus Teachers of Nicaragua.

Join us for a month-long journey of discovery, playfulness, and collaborative expression as we embark on the collaborative creative process of our 8th annual Circus with Purpose Nicaragua Benefit Show. Together, we will learn, play, and co-create, expanding our hearts, minds, and communities alike.

ABOUT THE RETREAT

Immerse yourself in our transformative Circus Retreat, a haven designed to whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and guide you back to your inner YOUnicorn – the embodiment of your truest, most authentic self.

Our meticulously crafted schedule seamlessly blends introspective practices such as yoga, meditation, and therapeutics with the exhilarating world of circus arts. From acrobatics to contortion, aerial silks to lyra, sling to flying pole, and beyond, our array of expressive disciplines beckons you to explore the depths of your movement potential.

Led by our team of seasoned coaches, our retreat welcomes participants of all levels. Whether you're taking your first steps into the realm of circus arts in our train-cation week or honing your skills as a seasoned professional with our show creation weeks, our supportive environment ensures that you'll both challenge yourself and find your YOUnique flow.

Enjoy in a plethora of activities, from surfing and exploring tide pools to indulging in soothing massages and spontaneous beach jams. Dive into interactive workshops covering topics like social circus, clowning, physical theater, self-compassion, emotional growth, and the business side of the arts—all while delving into the fascinating science of creativity.

Venture into the local community with us, to learn about Nicaraguan culture and share the joy of circus with children.

Elevate your experience with breathtaking oceanfront accommodations, nourishing and delectable meals, and the vibrant company of like-minded souls.

Join us to awaken your inner YOUnicorn, forge unforgettable memories, and contribute to support the incredible of social circus schools of Nicaragua.

Circus with Purpose Retreat 2025

YOUnicorn Castle, Magnific Rock Popoyo, Nicaragua

Experience the ultimate retreat at our "YOUnicorn Castle by the Sea" in the picturesque surf haven of Popoyo, Nicaragua. Nestled along the oceanfront, our exquisite accommodations and circus training space offer stunning 270-degree views of the renowned Magnific Rock, enchanting tide pools, and the outer reef and the beginner's bay—a premier destination for surf enthusiasts of all levels in Central America.

Indulge in our beachfront Aerial Arts Jungle Gym, equipped with 9 rigging points and a central 23-foot dynamic point for mastering awe-inspiring aerial lifts with a captivating backdrop of the pacific ocean.

Elevate your yoga practice at our Aerial Yoga Studio perched atop the retreat venue, surrounded by the vast ocean, creating a truly breathtaking setting for morning yoga practice. Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure at our idyllic retreat in Popoyo, Nicaragua.

Join us for a week, two or the whole month to collaborate, play and create our 2025 Circus Fundraiser Show to support the social circus schools of Nicaragua.

Submit your $500 deposit before April 30, 2025 to receive special pre-sale pricing!

Sample Schedules

  • Train-cation | Week 1 | Jan 11- 18, 2025

    This All Levels Friendly Retreat week has tons of class options and opportunities to learn and play. You can mix and match classes and experiment with all new types of movement.

  • Solo Development | Week 2 | Jan 18-24, 2025

    This retreat week has a reduced schedule to create more space for rest, open playtime and 1-1 focus sessions to develop your skills or to work on solo acts for our week 4 show.

  • Creation Weeks | Weeks 3&4 | Jan 25 - Feb 8, 2025

    These weeks are focused on act creation, you will choose a troupe or a few troupes to work with over the entire 2 weeks to hone your skills and perform your group creation in our Annual Show. You have the option to participate in up to 3 troupes.

Sign me up!

Meet the Team

  • Saffron Van Rossem

    Saffron is a professional Circus Artist, YOUnicorn and Director of Circus with Purpose. Since 2008 she has been teaching and performing movement arts internationally including Yoga, Handstands and Acrobatics, Aerial Sling and Silks, Flow & Fire Arts. She will be teaching through out the event but her main focus is supporting the amazing team of artists and teachers in the creative process and directing all the magic over the month.

  • Lester Zeledon

    Lester is from Esteli, Nicaragua and is a professional clown, juggler, acrobat. He is also the director of El Nido Social Circus School and manages our Nicaragua Education Project where he organizes awesome playful learning activities for the children throughout the year. He will be coming in week 4 to present the work they are doing.

  • Noellia

    Noellia is a professional Hula Hoop Artist from Granada Nicaragua. She is also a teacher for Escuela Comedia Y Mimo and will be teaching hula hooping during the Month.

  • Jordan Remar

    Jordan is a professional Flexible Serpant and director of Illuzia. She is a Lyra Artist, Fire Performer, Contortionist and Yoga Teacher and will be teaching Yoga, Handstansd, Contortion and developing the Contortion Troupe act over the month.

  • Alex Embodiment

    Alex is a professional Pole and Aerial Artist , Yoga Teacher and studio owner from Canada. She was competitive at a professional level for 3 years, and continues to train and find similar disciplines to explore in performance. She holds a certificate in Pole (PFIC), aerial hoop (PFIC), yoga (500hr), and personal training (NASM).

    We are very excited to have her teaching Yoga, Handstands, Flying Pole and Lyra over the month and helping choreograph group acts over the month.

  • Sara Visvader

    Sara is a professional aerial artist and yoga teacher from Grass Valley, CA. She has a passion for creativity and storytelling with movement. She will be teaching Yoga, Aerial Sling and Aerial Silks and co-creating the group Silks and Sling Acts for the final show during weeks 3&4

  • Katelyn Carano

    Katelyn (Kitkat) is a professional aerialist, hula hooper, fire performer and dancer from Southern California. She has traveled the country and the world performing in the circus arts since 2012. She will be teaching Aerial Lyra, Silks and Hula Hooping and helping develop aerial and flow troupes for the final show during weeks 1 & 2

  • Scarlett Divine

    Sharyn is a professional Aerialist, Pole Dancer, Fire dancer, Roller skater and Yoga Teacher based in California. We call her Momma Shary because of her incredibly warm and caring energy and incredible teaching abilities, but dont let that fool you her dynamic movement will make your jaw drop. We are so lucky to have her teaching Lyra and developing the group Lyra act during weeks 3&4.

SIGN ME UP

Words from YOUnicorns

  • Erica, USA

    I did Circus with a purpose 2022 and it was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had (hands down favorite retreat). The setting is stunning and peaceful; the resort is gorgeous… and that’s really just the start of it all. Circus with a purpose is such an incredible organization that feels amazing to be a part of. I was super impressed with the quality of the classes and the flow of everything. I learned so much and left feeling deeply inspired. It was challenging in the most wonderful way. The food was delicious. Truly 11/10 experience, I recommend it with my whole heart. Can’t wait to go back!

  • Klaus, Austria

    All the new connections I’ve made; all the experiences doing acro and yoga and other things with people I’ve never met before; all the good thoughts it has generated; all the positive emotions; and all the things I’ve learnt about myself along the way: how I deal with the world, with people, with myself, with my body. Those are invaluable lessons that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

  • Shay, Israel

    Can’t even describe in words the Magic I felt at Circus with purpose. This group of YOUnicorns got straight into my heart ♥️ I’ve never seen such love, care, support and talent in one place! Can’t wait for next year to meet my aerial soul sisters! 🧚🏻‍♀️

  • Marie Elisa, Germany

    A super adventurous, colorful, very outdoor, energetic retreat. My intention to come to the retreat was connect to myself and my inner power, and I learnt so many things – my strengths, about pushing myself a little more, but not to take it so seriously. I got to really push myself, without competing or comparing myself to others.

  • Kenia Brenes, USA

    Circus with a purpose is such a magical time! The experience is breathtaking from the time you arrive and it almost makes you never want to leave. You are constantly surrounded with people from all walks of life who are talented in different ways, training and learning with them everyday to gather concepts for the big show is a blast. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in local communities and learn more about how circus arts creates space for creativity and confidence there, develop your own skills, and surround yourself with good people. I would definitely recommend it.

  • Nathan, Canada

    Thank you guys – had an amazing time! It you haven’t done one of these retreats, get down to it. I learned everything: acroyoga was amazing, learnt some new techniques when it came to inversions – all your pointers and techniques really nailed it in for me - and then just learning to connect with good people.

  • Rebecca, USA

    Such a magical place. I feel really relaxed from the retreat and learned a lot during the training, there's so many options to choose from. Fun photoshoot every week, beach jam was my favorite with the sunset, and dinner gathering with all the attendants!

    Beautiful people, gorgeous place, and good food!

    I am planning to bring my kids back next year!

  • Joel, USA

    Circus with a Purpose is an awesome organization that brings together amazing and talented people from all over the world to creative some truly unique art! They offer numerous classes for a range of skill levels which allow people to hone their skills all while helping out local communities in need. I couldn't be happier to be a part of and to support this group!

  • Jill, USA

    I liked all of the acro aspects. I come from a cross-fit background, so I have the strength part but not necessarily the flexibility. I really liked the Hoopasana – I thought that was a lot of fun - hula hooping isn’t something you typically do at this age, so that was really fun. I’ll buy a hoop when I get home.

  • Elaine, USA

    Truly a retreat of a lifetime. I have participated in Circus with a Purpose several times. Saffron, Amy and the rest of the team are incredible instructors. Learning new skills and being able to help expand the circus arts program for the children in Nicaragua is such a deeply satisfying experience.

  • Sara, USA

    Circus With Purpose was more magical than I could have imagined - from the moment I arrived at Popoyo - it was truly a supportive, fun, and creative container. I made beautiful connections with people, trained by the beach, and also was so happy to meet some of the local Social Circus School instructors. What an amazing offering - I can't recommend this experience enough 🙂

  • Tammy, USA

    Everything about Circus with a Purpose is amazing! The biggest draw was the connections I made through the International Community. Another huge draw is all the incredible classes offered and the variety of instructors. I mean really, learning what we love, surrounded in a beautiful environment with so many incredible artists, what else can one ask for!

JOIN THE CIRCUS WITH PURPOSE

2024 Show Highlights

Lets connect.

Fill out the form below or book a Free 30-minute call with us <3