People who want to learn to jump, twirl and juggle will soon have a chance to do so in downtown Windsor.
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association is welcoming the addition of the Windsor Circus School to the historic Chelsea Building on Pelissier. Larry Horwitz of the DWBIA says it will be an innovative option for those wanting to learn something unconventional.
"We're very excited to have another school, another institution, something so very cool and exciting for families, for students, for seniors, for everybody," says Horowitz.
The school is setting up in one of the large studio rooms of the building with the entire establishment covering 4,200 sq ft. A recent preview for media showed large rings being set up as well as long purple silk strips dangling from the high ceiling. Tia Nicoletti, one of the operators of the school, says they are ready to offer Windsorites a new way to stay active.
"We'll be doing silks, we'll be doing aerial hoop," says Nicoletti. "Getting some good pilates classes in here, functional fitness stuff. I'm really excited to bring fitness to a different level in Windsor."
Starting in the beginning of May, the circus school will offer classes, workshops, seminars and private parties, supporting their mission to promote physical literacy and healthy habits in a safe and open environment. Nicoletti says the DWBIA has been more than accommodating to the school and that the Chelsea Building was an ideal place to set up shop.
"Because it's such an old building, the ceiling beams are stable enough to finally hook into somewhere," says Nicoletti.
In addition to aerial hoop, silks and pilates classes, the school will be offering courses in juggling, inversions and other disciplines. Open gyms, morning preschool playtime and youth courses are also among the class options. While the school is not the first of its kind anywhere, it is certainly the first in southwestern Ontario.
The school's official grand opening is not until August, but people can begin to register for May classes by calling (519) 800-4414 or going online at www.windsorcircusschool.com.