2-4 Week
Summer Aerial Intensive
Circus Residency
2026
June 13-27 – 2 Week Aerial Intensive
June 27-July 11 – Supported Training & Creation
at Casa Chango, Mexico
Aerial Skills, Flexibility, Artistry, Dance, Acrobatics, Performance
Perfect for aerial students at the strong beginner to high intermediate level.
CIRCUS RESIDENCY MEXICO OVERVIEW
Immerse yourself in learning & practicing aerial skills, flexibility, dance, artistry, act creation, floor work, acrobatics, & performance.
Live in a creative, supportive, inclusive community where you can truly be yourself.
Swim in the pool & the sea. Soak in the jacuzzi. Cold plunge anyone?
Eat delicious, fresh meals served daily.
Work/study online remotely.
Practice Spanish.
Partial work trade discounts are available. To apply, please fill out this application.
circus residency Mexico Summer 2024 circus residency Mexico Summer 2024 circus residency Mexico Summer 2024 circus residency Mexico Summer 2024
ABOUT THE COURSE PROGRAM
This Summer Aerial & Circus Intensive is a wonderful opportunity for aerial students and professionals to immerse themselves in training, creating, and living in community with other weirdos. The program is all inclusive intensive, allowing aerial students to learn and develop skills in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
The first 2 weeks, June 13-27, is an intensive workshop that will set the course of the whole program. There will be 5 mornings per week of aerial classes which include aerial skills classes and creative development classes. Each student can choose a primary apparatus of silks/rope or lyra/hoop. Sling/hammock will be available for all students cross-training. Other classes include flexibility, dance, floor work, injury prevention, functional anatomy, and ensemble work. Students will be also guided to create group and solo aerial sequences using the skills and choreography developed in classes.
The second 2 weeks, June 27-July 11, will be focused more towards students’ individual technical and creative goals and desires (that they defined and clarified in the first half of the program) with support from teachers and peers. Classes and supported practice will be customized for each student to help them develop a practice that serves them. This will also help prepare students to bring their practice home with them after the program.
The program will end with a presentation of material, skills, & sequences we create in an informal showing and video shoot. The program is designed to be a full experience of learning and growth for students.
OPEN TRAINING & DOWN TIME
Open training in the gym is available whenever there are no other classes in session. Down time can also be spent resting, working on other creative projects, and exploring! Down time can be spent relaxing by the pool, going to the beach, markets, nature excursions, writing, salsa dancing, nightlife, creative projects, exploring the surrounding areas, and practicing Spanish.
If you are a professional artist wishing to use the space for your own creative projects, click here.
Circus Residency Mexico
I cannot say enough how incredible my time at Sweet Retreats was! The training was exceptional, the community inclusive and supportive, the food delicious, and of course the settings were beautiful. The residency program changed my life and I am forever grateful.Lily Rubin-Miller 2022
Kerri is the best aerial teacher I have ever had! Julia Glünkin, 2022
Aerial Skills, Technique & Sequences
This is a goal focused, circus school style training program for recreational and professional track aerial students. We create a welcoming environment for people who want to dive into aerial training and make progress toward their goals. In aerial skills classes, students will learn and understand technique, build and link skills to make creative sequences, work toward physical goals, and take their training to the next level.
This program supports building strength and flexibility to execute tricks with excellent technique for safe and effective training for all types of bodies. We encourage students to move at their own pace and listen to their bodies.
Students choose a primary and optional secondary apparatus to focus their training on. Open gym training is available daily.
Students with professional goals can book private lessons with instructors or apply for our Aerial Mentorship Program.
Flexibility, Dance, Handstands, Acrobatics
Ground classes include dance, floor work, flexibility, handstands, Pilates and acrobatics which provide a foundation for aerial work as well as cross training for injury prevention.
Students will learn dance and floor work technique & sequences that will be made into group performance pieces. We also explore improvisation and theatrical ensemble work.
Focus will be on freedom of expression, play, exploring and developing new movement pathways and supporting each student to fully understand and connect with their bodies.
Flexibility classes are focused on active flexibility that will support their aerial and floor work training.
Floor work, acrobatics & handstands classes focus on useful skills for everyone as well as providing support for each student’s specific goals.
Creative Exploration & Act Development
In the creative development classes, students will learn creative tools for movement quality, discovering new movement pathways, a deeper sense of presents and somatic connection, musicality, and performance skills.
Focus will be on choreography, transitions, musicality, character, emotion, dynamics, personal style, & refinement as well as group collaboration.
We create a culture of inclusion and curiosity and encourage students to explore and lean into their creative ideas and develop their personal movement style. Judgement and shaming are never tolerated.
Theatrical ensemble work, and improvisation are integral in creating our group presentations. In addition to classes students will be encouraged to do their own creative research.
Students will be invited to perform in our public show.
INCLUSIVE CULTURE
It is our priority to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all aerial students. Since all residents will be living in community during this program, it is important that each participant has a willingness and desire to grow as a human. We encourage self-reflection, kindness, & clear communication skills.
We support each participant to experience a deeper connection with and understanding of their body, and create a safe space for personal expression. Students are encouraged to listen to their bodies, ask questions, and enjoy the process.
Suggested Reading:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg (recommend listening to the audiobook)
Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron
Listen to Dr. Sarah Lewis’ TED talk about Mastery vs. Success
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts by Emily Scherb
Taking Route to Fly by Irene Dowd
Prerequisites
The course program is best suited for aerial students at the strong beginner to high intermediate level.
If you are a beginner, please contact us for options.
Silks
- Climbs – Russian or French
- Bent arm hold 10 seconds
- Straddle invert off the floor
- Inverted pencil hold
- Catchers lock
- Any foot wrap
- Hip key
Lyra
- Invert – straddle and/or tuck
- Knee hang
- Front hip hang to sit
- Sitting to front hip hang
- Front balance
- Sit to stand on bottom bar
Circus Residency Mexico
ABOUT YOUR TEACHERS
Artistic Director & Head Coach
Kerri Kresinski, founder, director, and head coach at Sweet Retreats, is an aerialist, dancer, choreographer, and coach. She has been performing and teaching acrobatics, dance, and aerial arts for over 25 years. Her life’s work, as an artist and teacher, has been to develop and deepen her study of the body—physically, emotionally and spiritually. She is truly a unique performer, coach and mentor and her students’ biggest cheerleader.
Kerri has always been the most passionate about movement. She has dedicated her life (since age 3) to studying movement arts including dance, theater, acting, music, circus acrobatics, flexibility, fitness science, personal training, and of course aerial arts. She has studied extensively and now teaches functional anatomy for aerialists and movers, and is passionate about helping people understand how their bodies work. She has also studied holistic health, herbalism, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, massage, and nutrition. Her professional career as a multi-disciplinary performer has brought her to shows and festivals all over the world.
Technique and physical strength never came naturally to Kerri’s body, but her insatiable appetite for understanding the body helped her to figure it out. She believes this is why she has such a passionate gift for teaching. Kerri’s technical expertise comes from working with students of all kinds to figure out the best training for each individual. She has learned that anything is possible with patience, discipline, self-awareness, and a positive attitude.. Kerri’s is one of the most masterful coaches of her time.
Kerri teaches her students how to own their practice going beyond teaching skills and sequences. Through encouraging a strong and committed movement Practice, she teaches how to identify, alter, and create skills and sequences, and how to fully embody the movement of each skill in a satisfying way. Kerri’s technical expertise comes from working with students of all ages, shapes, sizes, and challenges.
You can find Kerri’s performance videos here and Circus Fit free online tutorial videos here. Find Kerri on Instagram @SweetCircusKerri.
Student Testimonials
“Kerri’s teaching is accessible, creative, and empowering. This retreat was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. I can’t wait to go back. Taking what I’ve learned here and applying it in my home studio has inspired me to level up my aerial game; advancing my technique, my understanding of theory, and my creativity and intentionality. I cannot say enough good things about how enriching and powerful this experience in Mexico is, including the people I met along the way.’
Kieran Stilson, 2022
“Kerri is hands-down the best aerials instructor I’ve ever had. In our retreat, we had some students with 3 months of experience and some 7 years, and somehow she gave us all personalized attention and narrowed in immediately in each of our needs. She has an unparalleled knowledge of the human body and how to create a safe, sustainable aerials practice. Whether you are just getting started, or having been practicing for years, Kerri helps take your practice to the next level and teaches wrap theory in a way that makes learning new moves at any studio more feasible. All her classes are energetic and fun, often featuring easy cardio dance routines that double as specific muscle warmups. After working with Kerri in one residency, I was so hooked I came back for a second. She is a one-in-a-million teacher, who really lives eats and breathes her craft, and it shows!”
Sophie Sandweiss, 2022
“Kerri has a gift for explaining things in ways that actually make sense – and sticks. She uses the most fun, creative imagery to break down complex moves, and it totally works… because weeks later, that image will just pop into your head and suddenly your body remembers what to do.
Kerri presents things in a sequential order so that everything feels connected. Instead of collecting a new random skill in each class, you learn things in groups that flow from one skill to the next. She builds your readiness for new skills by starting with body awareness and foundations. She teaches the wrap theory behind the moves so you really understand how things work. And then the new skills actually make sense and flow into variations and transitions. And, in the end, you end up with a whole group of related skills that make sense together.
And then there’s the performance and expression side of Kerri’s teaching, which takes your individual skills into sequences and choreography that you can actually use for performances. Kerri has a way of showing you how a very simple move can be absolutely stunning – and how it’s not necessarily about doing the hardest skill, but more about how you move through that skill. She shows you how to play with the little details and transitions in each movement. “
Alara Rosenberg, 2026
“I attended the one-month aerial retreat, which has long aerial sessions five times a week and creative sessions after aerial practices. It changed my practice completely. I was already strong but was only working on new tricks, cool drops, etc. I never knew what “being advanced” might actually mean.
This journey has taught me lots of technique and how to allow myself to create. I never understood what creating would look like in terms of aerials. During this retreat, we had to put together two real-life aerial shows, and it was going to be my first time on stage. Kerri being my mentor was such a bliss.
My practice after the retreat has changed forever. Now I am more interested in perfecting my routines and discovering how to use my body differently, how to dance to music. It became an art form, a form of expression for me. It also changed how I teach my students. I don’t want to overlook the technique I learned. Staying there for one month, I learned the basics of dynamics and fabric theory.
I recommend it to everyone who is interested in finding out more about their practice. Thank you, Kerri. You will always be my inspiration.”
Deniz Cilinc, 2024
“Not only did I learn how to manage Ariel math and exploration, but I learned about what muscles to use and how to engage them. We also spent a significant amount of time learning how to use our bodies artistically through dance and the importance of proper strength and flexibility. Kerri is an incredible teacher. I plan on attending regular retreats.”
Elizabeth Rillera, 2022
I really liked learning theory – how the s wrap and z wrap are connected, the harness, c-shaping, how to hold my body for a windmill or for bell beats. Choreography and movement exercises were a lot of fun and made me feel really free to move in unexpected ways.
Adrienne Gispen 2025
“Kerri’s enthusiasm is infectious; she is a master teacher who generously shares all her wisdom accumulated from years of practicing her art and craft.”
Linda Huang – San Francisco, Ca 2022
Kerri imbues her classes with a really sweet combination of focused work, zany playfulness, and an earthy and body-positive sensuality. I walked away from my time as Kerri’s student more capable, skilled, and excited not just about aerial, but about the journey to reaching my goals. I typically have given myself a hard time– about a number of things in life– including my journey with aerials. Kerri is skilled and optimistic, is genuinely there for you, and 100% rooting for you to “get that thing” and if you’re not there yet, can show you what needs to be done to get you to progress. She knows the value of the hard or ugly work, but she knows how to do it in a way that is fun and full of compassion for yourself and your journey. I truly appreciate this woman and friend, and I now know that my time at Sweet Retreats was a workshop on many levels, and not just in the air.
Elizabeth Ferretti, 2019
Kerri is an amazing silks teacher that really helped me to understand silks in a way that never made sense to me before. She has such a wealth of knowledge to share from silks theory, progressions, etc. Deborah Oh, 2021
Photo Shoots
What’s Included:
- Ground transportation from the Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) to Casa Chango if participants arrive to PXM on the specific arrival/departure dates listed.
- 2 Week Intensive Only – Arrive on June 13. Depart on June 27.
- 4 Week Intensive – Arrive on June 13. Depart on June 27.
- Private or shared accommodations at Casa Chango eco-chic resort. Click here to take a look at your options.
- Daily cleaning service.
- 3 nourishing meals a day, 6 days a week in our beautiful open-air kitchen.Click here to learn more about meals.
- Breakfast: 7:30-9:30am
- Lunch: 1-1:45pm
- Afternoon snack and ice coffee/tea 3:45pm
- Dinner: 7-7:45pm
- Communal space for personal food storage in our kitchen.
- One eventing per week you have the option to go to town to enjoy local cuisine or stay at Casa Chango to eat a simple dinner.
- Use of all community areas:
- Swimming pool & hot tub
- Lounge with couches, books & a movie projector
- Kitchen & dining area
- Amazing 2000 square foot open-air Circus Gym
- Dance studio
- Hammocks for lounging
- Private hiking trail down to the Colotepec River
- Up to 15 Weekly Classes:
- Aerial skills
- Creative Development / Act creation
- Flexibility
- Dance & Floor Work
- Performance skills
- Pilates & Core Conditioning
- Anatomy and injury prevention workshop
- Opportunity to create and perform in a live show
- Aerial photo shoot (w access to up to 15 photos)
- Certificate of Completion of training program
- High Speed Starlink Internet
- Access to our network of Spanish teachers who provide private or group classes on-site.
- Access to our on-site massage space and network of body-work practitioners for hire who come on-site.
- Recommendations and guidance to enjoy all that Puerto Escondido has to offer. Beaches, nature excursions, tours, surf lessons, networking events, dance classes, and so much more. Click here for an idea of what you have to look forward to.
- On-site events: Expect dance parties, pool parties, and fun hangouts with new friends. It’s never a dull moment at Casa Chango!
Not Included:
- Transportation
- Click here for travel tips and recommendations on booking flights.
- Taxis, ‘colectivo’ shuttles, and motorbike/car rentals make it easy to explore are all available locally.
- Massages, Spanish lessons and other excursions are booked separately and directly with the providers as needed.
Tuition:
Prices are listed in USD and are per person with the early bird discount.
Early bird discount ends March 1, 2025. After March 1, prices increase by $300.
| Accommodation | 1 week only June 13-20 | 2 weeks only June 13-27 (includes video shoot) | 3-4 weeks (includes showcase & video shoot) |
| Shared Dorm (gender mixed) | $2000 | $3800 | $4200 |
| Shared Room w shared bathroom (one king size bed or 2 individual beds) booking with a friend | $2200 | $4000 | $4400 |
| Shared Room w private bathroom (1 king size bed) booking with a friend | $2300 | $4200 | $4600 |
| Private Room w Shared Bathroom | $2500 | $4800 | $5200 |
| Private Room w Private Bathroom | $2800 | $5400 | $5800 |
| Private Room w Private Bathroom & Air Conditioning | $3200 | $6200 | $6400 |
Rates refer to cost of one person’s tuition. Listed in USD.
To get the early bird price, you must pay in full by April 13.
After that, the price increases by $300. Full tuition is due by May 13.
$1000 deposit is required to secure your spot.
All shared rooms and bathrooms are gender mixed.
Ask us about our significant other prices.
Need a payment plan? Email us at SweetRetreatsMexico@gmail.com and we will set that up for you.
Circus Residency Mexico
If you are a professional artist wishing to use the space for your own creative projects, click here.
Links for more information
- Accommodations
- Meals and Food
- Travel info – our advice on booking your travel
- Internet Quirks
- Testimonials
- Weather in Puerto Escondido
- Excursions
- Professional Mentorship Program
- Registration FAQs
See what people are saying about Residency
Circus Residency Mexico
More Testimonials
Doing an aerial residency with Kerri was LIFE CHANGING. She is an amazing teacher, friend, mentor, aerialist. The people I met during the retreat are now lifelong relationships and I feel so grateful for the amount of healing, growth, and change I experienced. It reminded me how delicious and nourishing fresh food can be. I also appreciated the many protein options alternatives available that allowed me to experience a more plant based diet. I really miss eating and living together with our group! :’) I learned an incredible amount about the fundamentals of aerial, developing a daily practice, creativity, anatomy, and taking care of myself during a rigorious training. Training with Kerri has changed my aerial understanding, experience, and life in a way that is indescribable. Can’t wait to return for another residency in the future!
Catherine Wong – 2022
This place is Aerial Heaven on Earth. A warm tropical breeze bringing the crash of ocean waves up to your own open air training paradise, overlooking the river canyon, blessed with fruit trees and kind hearts. This place is strength, sweetness and play. A plethora of options to move, create and grow, balanced with a serene and quiet hammock to rest, a pool for delightful refreshment, nourishment from delectable local natural foods. This place is circus magic, freedom and love. Love for nature, love for movement, love for one another. Freedom to move. Freedom to be you. Freedom to explore the apparatus, the mind, the air. Ask anyone who has been and I trust they will confirm, this place is Aerial Heaven on Earth.
Julie Patrick – 2023
“Kerri imbues her classes with a really sweet combination of focused work, zany playfulness, and an earthy and body-positive sensuality. I walked away from my time as Kerri’s student more capable, skilled, and excited not just about aerial, but about the journey to reaching my goals. I typically have given myself a hard time about a number of things in life. Kerri is skilled and optimistic, is genuinely there for you, and 100% rooting for you. She knows the value of the hard or ugly work, but she knows how to do it in a way that is fun and full of compassion for yourself and your journey. I truly appreciate this woman and friend, and I now know that my time was a workshop on many levels.”
Elizabeth Ferretti – 2019
Going on an aerial residency at Sweet Retreats is one of best decisions I’ve ever made. The weather is perfect, the location beautiful and the training is absolutely top notch. But it’s the atmosphere, friendships, jokes and community that essentially make Sweet Retreats a summer camp for adults. Apart from that, it should be mentioned that Kerri, Stu and Erin create the sort of experience you get in a 5 star resort. It’s incredibly organized and well managed. Everything is taken care of, and I cannot remember the last time life was so stress-free.
The gym and conditioning palapa are beautiful, a really special place to train.
Nora McFarland, 2021
The residency program at Sweet Retreats has given me dear new friends and many fond memories. I have learned so much from the coaches and felt supported and seen. Sweet Retreats offers more than just a training opportunity, it is a community and a family. I couldn’t recommend it more.
Erin Bratkovich – 2021
Sweet Retreats is always an amazing experience- I’ve been to multiple retreats. I was part of the Fall 2020 Aerial Residency Program which was an amazing experience. I was very nervous about traveling given the pandemic but the COVID protocols Kerri and her team had in place made me feel very safe – social distance and mask wearing where constants the first few weeks. Once we were out of quarantine, we continued to wear masks whenever we left the property/went out into the world.
The residency program was wonderful – the food was amazing, the people were great and the training was wonderful. All of the coaches are great at what they do and provide incredibly supportive classes. Kerri creates a great space for artistic growth and development – I produced a short film during my time there which was a huge achievement for me.Sarah Hluchan – Arlington, VA 2020
Kerri is the most amazing coach—She encourages everyone to live in their own body, and recognizes the strengths and limitations of each person, with no judgement, and a clear focus of how to help you meet your goals. Teaching here is not one-size-fits-all: Kerri tailors training to the individual.
I have already made so much progress in my aerial practice.
I feel confident in exploring new pathways and movements with my body.
I am developing a sense of musicality and performance.
I am starting to break bad habits.
I feel as though I am on the pathway to becoming an artist .Sallie Chedburn – June 2020
Kerri’s aerial artistry workshop was soooooo rewarding! Kerri creates a welcoming, encouraging environment just by being herself, and in turn I was able to let myself be more free, more silly, more open, more EVERYTHING. Just MORE. Angela Jackson – Halifax, NS. 2017
Read more about our Aerial Mentorship Program here.
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