More about us

circus strong

We started in 2021 when our fabulous founder Holly had enough of the corporate 9 to 5 world and as a transgender women she had experienced plenty of judgement in traditional gyms and always found them rather boring. 

  • So . . . having spent 5 years training aerial
  • competing (and winning a lot he he)
  • and performing professionally

she decided it was time to turn her passion into a business.
Creating a fun, sociable, safe & judgment free organisation that welcomes people and provides an alternative to the gym. She collaborated with Nat to bring some creative insights into the business and create the brand that lives and breathes it’s ethos.

 

So with this in mind Circus Strong was born!!

 

we first started with running online classes in strength and conditioning and flexibility that allowed people to get their workout fix during covid-19 pandemic. with time, we managed to secure funding and rent out a sports hall in nottingham where we started to run our first aerial classes (and had to travel back and fourth with a-frames between our faces!) 

Then in 2022 we wanted to push further, that’s when we found our permanent home in ashbourne !

WE HAVE 5 KEY AIMS THAT GUIDE US IN EVERYTHING WE DO

  • ALWAYS ENSURE OUR ATMOSPHERE IS FRIENDLY, FUN, SAFE, SUPPORTIVE AND JUDGEMENT FREE
  • ACTIVELY WELCOME MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, PEOPLE SUFFERING WITH DEPRESSION/LONELINESS
  • KEEP OUR PRICES AS LOW AS POSSIBLE SO IT'S AFFORDABLE FOR AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. DON'T WORRY THOUGH, WE STILL PLAN TO KEEP THE QUALITY EXTREMELY HIGH!
  • OFFER LOW COST WAYS FOR PROFESSIONAL AERIALISTS TO DEVELOP
  • OFFER A GREAT SPACE THAT PROVIDES YOU WITH THE HEIGHT AND SPACE YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE AERIAL ARTS PROPERLY

meet our directors

I'm a proud transgender woman. I started aerial in 2017 when I started transitioning. You see, before I started aerial I was a really angry person. Suffering from depression, feeling suicidal and just an arsehole.

That all changed when I took my first aerial silks lesson. I finally found something I was good at in life and met the friendliest, non-judgemental people ever.

So, I kept training, then I started competing and then I started getting gigs, and well, aerial is just in my blood now!

Holly Hutchinson

Fundraising, Grant Management, Accounting, Qualified First Aider, Head Aerial instructor & Business Manager

I'm a proud transgender woman. I started aerial in 2017 when I started transitioning. You see, before I started aerial I was a really angry person. Suffering from depression, feeling suicidal and just an arsehole.

That all changed when I took my first aerial silks lesson. I finally found something I was good at in life and met the friendliest, non-judgemental people ever.

So, I kept training, then I started competing and then I started getting gigs, and well, aerial is just in my blood now!

Nat has been with Circus Strong from day 1 and is key to its everyday running. She's a marketing wizz who helps Holly take her thoughts from idea to a visual concept that everyone can see.

"I've been training different aerial disciplines since 2019, but I am definitely a hoop person through and through!

I believe that everyone has the right to be themselves regardless of their gender, sexuality or race. Having seen first-hand the effects of marginalisation and discrimination getting involved with Circus Strong allows me to make a difference and bring about positive change in a community that I feel passionate about and want to help."

Natalia Winnicka

Marketing Manager, Community Outreach Manager, Youth Leader, Kids Classes Instructor, Website & Graphic Designer

Nat has been with Circus Strong from day 1 and is key to its everyday running. She's a marketing wizz who helps Holly take her thoughts from idea to a visual concept that everyone can see.

"I've been training different aerial disciplines since 2019, but I am definitely a hoop person through and through!

I believe that everyone has the right to be themselves regardless of their gender, sexuality or race. Having seen first-hand the effects of marginalisation and discrimination getting involved with Circus Strong allows me to make a difference and bring about positive change in a community that I feel passionate about and want to help."

meet our board

Jennamari Terava

Board Member

chris rider

Board Member & lgbtq inclusivity advisor

shiri pixie

Board Member

Jane McMullan

Board Member / dance & fire instructor

faith morgan

volunteer support spotter

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram

SIGN UP FOR OUR AWESOME NEWSLETTER

CIRCUS STRONG CIC


COMPANY NUMBER


13150175

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS:

Help us fund a permanent home,
known as 'The Ring'

Being a community interest company ltd by guarantee mean we are a not for profit organisation and don't issue shares to our staff.

Any profits are reinvested in the community we serve and used to improve Circus Strong's offerings.

Donate