SUMMER HAPPENINGS at AKROSPHERE
Click to Jump to the Following Choices:
Please note: These are all one-shot workshops and mini-sessions. Therefore, your credit card will only be charged once — no hidden fees or future commitments!
Cyr Wheel Workshops (Ages 13–&-Up)
Cyr Wheel: Waltz to Win
July 5 : 4:00-6:00pm
Ready to unlock the key to smooth, confident movement on the Cyr wheel? In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn the technique behind the foundational waltz — the move that everything else builds upon! A strong, controlled waltz is essential for moves like coins, arabesque, handsprings, flags, and superman. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to clean up your technique, this workshop will give you the tools and coaching you need to take your wheel work to the next level.
Join internationally known Cyr coach Jen MacQueen and discover the joy (and power!) of a solid, sustainable waltz. Let’s get spinning!
Cyr Wheel: Translational Movement
Cartwheels & More!
July 19 : 4:00-6:00pm
Take your Cyr skills beyond the waltz and dive into the world of translational movement! In this workshop, you’ll explore dynamic moves like cartwheels (inside the wheel of course), stick bodies, monkey spirals, and more—all designed to expand your movement vocabulary and unlock new layers of flow and expression. Whether you’re looking to add flair to your choreography or gain control in new planes of motion, this workshop will give you the tools and techniques to level up.
Led by internationally recognized Cyr coach Jen MacQueen, you’ll get expert guidance in a fun, supportive environment. Come roll, spiral, and stick-body your way into next-level movement!
Pre-requisites for Cartwheels & More:
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must have at least a little experience on a cyr wheel (though having a waltz is not necessary)
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must be able to kick up into a clean handstand repeatedly
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must be able to hold handstand for 10 seconds with a spot
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must have some basic shoulder and arm strength.
NOTE: cartwheels are an “A” level move, just like the waltz. It is the starting point for the translational pathway of cyr wheel skills. Therefore, having a waltz is not necessary. Being comfortable with cartwheels on the ground is a plus but not necessary.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Jen MacQueen is a respected Cyr wheel coach with international experience and a passion for helping artists thrive. She is known for being able to break down big skills into small, actionable wins. Her guidance has helped shape some of the top Cyr artists today.
Jen trained under master coach Éric Deschênes — Cyr coach for both École Nationale de Cirque and Cirque du Soleil — and she is certified in the Deschênes Method of Cyr Wheel Training. Jen currently coaches full-time at Akrosphere, teaches workshops across the U.S., and is a yearly instructor at the international Cyr festival Cyrs & Beers.
Beginner Flexibility Workshops (Ages 11-&-Up)
Bring Bendy Back: Back Flex for Beginners
July 12 : 1:00-2:30pm
Dreaming of deep back flexibility but stuck at “barely bendy”? This workshop is here to help! In Bring Bendy Back, we’ll break down back flexibility for real bodies with real limitations. You’ll learn drills to safely increase mobility in your spine, shoulders, and hips — plus how to build strength to support your newfound range. Whether your goal is a comfy bridge or a breathtaking backbend in the air, this is your gateway to getting bendy, your way. No pretzel experience required!
Get Your Splits: A Beginner Friendly Flexibility Workshop
July 12 : 2:30-4:00pm
Ready to slide into something more flexible? Whether you’re inches or miles away from the floor, this workshop is your step-by-step guide to achieving your front and middle splits safely and effectively. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to finally make progress, we’ll focus on proper technique, active flexibility, and injury prevention — all with plenty of smiles and encouragement along the way. Come as you are, leave a little lower to the floor.
Advanced Flexibility Workshops (Age 11-&-Up)
Bring Bendy Back: Back Flex – Advanced Edition
July 26 : 1:00-2:30pm
pre-approval required
You’ve got a tight bridge — now let’s bend it further. This advanced back flexibility workshop is for students who are already comfortable in a tight bridge and are ready to explore deeper ranges and more dynamic movement. We’ll work toward advanced shapes, with a focus on technique, balance, and control.
⚠️ Important Requirements:
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Students should already be comfortable in a solid tight bridge.
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Ability to bridge from standing and return is helpful, but not required.
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Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early to warm up thoroughly on their own.
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Pre-approval by Coach Elisabeth is required prior to registration. You may drop by on any Tuesday between 5-6pm or on July 12th between 12:45-1pm to be evaluated.
Bring your spine, your grit, and your goals — this one’s for the bendy beasts.
Get Your Splits: Advanced Edition
July 26 : 2:30-4:00pm
pre-approval required
Already flat in your splits and ready for more? This advanced workshop is designed for students looking to deepen their range, refine technique, and push into oversplits with control and safety. We’ll focus on active flexibility, joint integrity, and building strength to support extreme range of motion.
⚠️ Important Requirements:
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Students must already be comfortable in flat splits.
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Students are expected to arrive early and complete a full 15-minute self-led warm-up before class begins.
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Pre-approval by Coach Elisabeth is required prior to registration. You may drop by on any Tuesday between 5-6pm or on July 12th between 12:45-1pm to be evaluated.