Saffron is a multidisciplinary Circus Artist, and the Creative Director of Circus with Purpose. Since 2008, she has been teaching and performing movement arts internationally. A survivor of complex trauma, Saffron channels her healing journey into powerful circus art, crafting choreography on unique apparatus to tell meaningful stories.

Her current creative passions include Aerial R'ilks (Rope + Silks Fusion), Aerial Multi-Hula Hooping, and the Aerial Nervous System — a collaboration with Paper Doll Militia exploring the body’s trauma responses through movement. At the retreat, Saffron will be teaching a variety of disciplines, but her main focus will be guiding the creative process and directing the magic throughout the month.

Nicolas Stocco is a multidisciplinary circus artist, specialised in Aerial Arts, with complements in Dance
and Physical Theatre. He was born in Argentina, were he learnt the bases of different circus apparatus and their specific technique. He believes that aerial technique is one and only, but we just use it differently depending on the apparatus.

Nicolas Stocco is a multidisciplinary circus artist specializing in aerial arts, with a strong foundation in dance and physical theatre. Originally from Argentina, he trained across a variety of circus apparatuses and developed a unique approach that views aerial technique as universal—shaped only by the equipment in use.

He is the creator of Harmonic Motion, a methodology that blends precision, flow, and awareness in aerial movement. Since 2014, Nicolas has shared this approach through workshops and regular classes in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Germany, including online formats since 2020.

His teaching resume includes top professional schools such as CODARTS (Netherlands, 2023), ACAPA (Netherlands, 2021–22), Carampa (Spain, 2020), and INAC (Portugal, 2019).

At Circus With Purpose 2026, Nico will be teaching bar apparatus (trapeze and hoop) and supporting act development during Weeks 3 & 4, offering his expertise to guide participants in refining both technique and creative expression.

Jordan is a professional contortionist and the director of Illuzia. She is also a Lyra Artist, Fire Performer, and Yoga Teacher. Jordan will be teaching Yoga, Handstands, Contortion, and Foot Archery throughout the month, while also supporting students in act development and helping them refine their creative process.

Alex is a professional Pole and Aerial Artist, Yoga Teacher, and owner of Vertika Pole and Aerial Studio in Canada. She competed at a professional level for three years and continues to train and explore similar disciplines in performance. She holds certifications in Pole (PFIC), Aerial Hoop (PFIC), Yoga (500hr), and Personal Training (NASM).

Alex’s journey with alopecia has been a profound part of her path as both an artist and facilitator. Learning to embrace her own vulnerability and strength through this experience has deepened her ability to hold space for others in their creative process.

We’re thrilled to have her teaching Yoga, Handstands, Flying Pole, and Lyra throughout the month, as well as guiding participants in act development.

Noellia is a professional Hula Hoop Artist from Jinotepe, Nicaragua. She is also a teacher at Escuela Comedia y Mimo and plays a key role in organizing activities for the Nicaragua Social Circus Network throughout the year. Noelia radiates joy in both her teaching and performance art, and it’s an honor to have her sharing her expertise in Hula Hooping and Fire Dance throughout the month.

Sara is an aerial dance coach, yoga teacher, and professional aerialist with over a decade of experience in movement and embodiment. A former aerial studio co-owner, she’s been teaching aerial arts to all ages since 2015.

With certifications in aerial yoga (AirCat, CircAsana) and a 200-hour yoga training, Sara helps students explore strength, alignment, and creativity—always with an emphasis on feeling good and having fun.

As a performer, she blends vertical technique with character work, favoring loop straps, sling, and rope to channel presence and play. From her whimsical Disco Dolphin to sensual moonlit flows, Sara’s work celebrates the magic of the moment.

She will be teaching loopy straps slings and much more during weeks 1 & 2 of Circus with Purpose 2026

Katelyn /Kitkat is a professional aerialist, hula hooper, fire performer, choreographer, and trained dancer from Southern California. She has been performing in the circus arts since 2012, traveling the world and captivating audiences at major events like Coachella and Lionsgate Films productions, as well as performing for icons such as Sir Elton John. Kat is the founder of Elemental Aerial Arts in Santa Barbara, where she shares her passion for movement and artistic expression. With a deep love for teaching, Kat excels at working one-on-one with students to expand their physical and creative potential. At Circus With Purpose, she will be teaching Aerial Lyra, Silks, Hula Hooping, and Fire Arts and supporting students with choreography and skills development during Act Creation Weeks.

Ella (Ella Bear) is the Retreat Manager and Program Coodinator for Circus With Purpose. Captivated by the arts since the age of nine, she has explored nearly every creative outlet, fueling her deep connection to movement and expression. Her love for teaching aerial fabric ignited in 2020 and has since evolved into a passion for facilitating heART-centered experiences where people feel empowered to explore and grow. Ella can’t wait to soak up the sun, connect with the community, and play on the aerial silks with you!

Lizzie Rose is a self-taught photographer and videographer with a passion for celebrating the strength and individuality of performers. Known for her vibrant use of color and ability to capture movement, Lizzie creates images that not only highlight the beauty of her subjects but also empower them to feel confident and seen. Her approach is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel powerful in their own skin. Through her lens, Lizzie skillfully brings out the unique energy and essence of each performer, creating visuals that resonate with authenticity and emotion.

We’re thrilled to have Lizzie with us for Weeks 1 & 2, where she will be facilitating photoshoots, leading archetype embodiment workshops, and capturing the magic of the retreat.