What can I expect at a circus workshop?
Dr. Sherry will create a safe space for grief and joy—the complicated feelings, the difficult relationships, the people we miss most, and yes, the way we hold those experiences in our bodies.
You will be invited to participate in a variety of exercises, including the lyra (circus hoop), flying trapeze, aerial sling, partner balancing and aerial silks. Individual reflection time and small group conversations are also encouraged.
It would be ideal to wear stretchy athletic clothing, preferably capris or pants that cover the back of the knees, and shirts that tuck in for turning upside down. Light athletic shoes are recommended.
Interested in the Circus for the Brokenhearted?
We’re always working on new circus workshops designed to heal through movement. Get ready to explore the transformative power of circus arts in a supportive and inspiring environment.
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Past Workshops
Family Play Day at the Circus
Join us for a full day of rotating activities and creative circus play. We'll get you moving—heart, mind, and body—with plenty of opportunities to have fun, create, and go deep together. No experience needed—our Professional Coaches meet each individual at their level and make every activity empowering and fun for all to succeed! Just bring your curiosity and your people. Children (8+) are VERY welcome.
Circus Arts Include: Flying Trapeze, Lyra, Triple Trapeze, Globes, Low-Wire, Acro-hand-balancing, Trampoline, German Wheel, Bike.
Workshop includes tickets to Touching Two Worlds: Familia circus show on May 24th, 2025.
Circus For The Brokenhearted
An aerial practice is many things: a performance art, a form of exercise, and a source of community. It can also be a healing practice. In this very special workshop, Dr. Sherry Walling will help us explore how physical movement and artistic expression can support our wellbeing and emotional healing. You will be invited to participate in a variety of embodiment exercises, including options to work with the lyra, trapeze, sling, rope, or silks. No experience necessary.
Open to adults 18 and older. Limited to 12 people.
Want to get a better sense of the experience? Check out this media feature about the workshop.
Why Circus and Grief?
Why a grieving psychologist joined the circus
Sherry began training as an aerial artist as a form of therapeutic movement. Using aerial silks and flying trapeze, Dr. Walling experienced a powerful way to integrate movement into healing. As a psychologist, Sherry makes a case for expressive movement as a core part of mental health.
Circus for the broken heart: How movement can help you work through grief
Flying through the air, eyes locked on that trapeze, has become part of a weekly routine for Dr. Sherry Walling. She wears more hats than most as a clinical psychologist, an author and an amateur circus artist.
