Aerial Residency Mexico

Fall 2021

Creative & Technical Development in Aerial Arts

at Casa Chango Mexico

This residency is now full.
Check out our winter 2022 residency here.

Course Program
4 week program – Oct 10-November 7
12 week program – Oct 10-January 2

12 week course program includes an optional Aerial Teacher Training.

Come quaran-train with us.

Immerse yourself in aerial arts at our circus retreat center by the beach. Advance your skills, meet your goals, and develop yourself as an artist. Eat delicious, fresh food, learn Spanish, and absorb the tropical climate. Meals, accommodations, activities, and classes are all included.

Working from home? We have wifi!

Culture

Experience Mexican culture in a safe, friendly environment. Learn Spanish too!

Creative Development

Explore the creative process and develop yourself as an aerial artist.

Physical Development

Advance your technical skills, strength & flexibility.

Nature

Swim, surf, waterfalls, hot springs, baby turtles, bioluminescence, and more.

Immersion

Live in a creative community. Work/study remotely. Eat better than ever!

Accommodations, meals, and classes

We have everything we need inside our Casa Chango Retreat & Training Center facility located 4 blocks from the beach. Accommodations options include a large shared house, private studio, or a 2 bedroom casita. Classes are held in our beautiful open air gym. All meals are included, and you will never eat so well as when you are here. There is plenty of time to relax, work/study remotely, and enjoy the swimming pool. Spanish classes anyone? We are never in a rush, and we have all the time we need to reach our goals.

This residency is now full.
Check out our winter 2022 residency here.y

aerial residency Mexico Fall 2021 aerial residency Mexico Fall 2021 aerial residency Mexico Fall 2021

COVID 19 – How we create a safe space

Read our complete COVID Policy here.

It is our first priority to make the residency program safe, fun and sustainable, and create a haven for people to feel healthy, active, and productive during this time. We are taking this global situation very seriously, and are enforcing extra safety policies for residency.

As long as COVID is an issue, our residency program will continue to follow the following safety guidelines. Residents will be a pod and have limited interaction with the local community. Nature excursions, social distancing walks to/on the beach, trips to the river, and outings to local outdoor markets will be approved. We will stay away from local events, restaurants, bars, etc.
All meals and food will be provided.
Our gym and community areas are open air, so we have plenty of air flow, space and sunshine. We have nature on our side, and a swimming pool!
These rules will update according to scientific evidence of the state of the pandemic at any given time.

Your responsibility before traveling to Casa Chango – Fully Vaccinated Participants

All participants are ENCOURAGED to get a COVID VACCINE before coming to the fall residency. This will help ensure the safety and health of the whole group and our surrounding communities.
We ask each resident to bring 2-4 home antigen tests to residency. These can be helpful if a resident shows any symptoms of covid. You can find at home antigen tests at most drug stores in the US or order then online.

Your responsibility before traveling to Casa Chango – Un-Vaccinated Participants

We ask everyone to quarantine as best as possible for 1 week before your trip to Mexico. This means limiting your exposure to other people outside your household and being extra vigilant about wearing masks. This is to lessen the chances of bringing COVID on the airplane and to our community in Mexico and at Sweet Retreats.
We ask each resident to bring 2-4 home antigen tests to residency. These can be helpful if a resident shows any symptoms of covid. You can find at home antigen tests at most drug stores in the US or order then online.
We REQUIRE each unvaccinated person to get a PCR test the day before traveling to Casa Chango. You will be required to show your test results upon arrival.
Residents who arrive unvaccinated are REQUIRED to get and pay for a PCR test locally 5-6 days after arrival to Sweet Retreats. The test costs $1900 MXN / $95 USD. We will schedule appointments for you and take you there.

New arrivals

Upon arrival residents will go through a 1-2 week newbie period of social distancing quarantine from the rest of the residents and staff.
During this time we will all act as if one of the residents has been exposed to the virus. You may be asked to wear a mask during community gatherings and classes.
Meals will be served in our outdoor eating area. Residents can also eat in the pool area.
The new arrivals must wear masks and keep 6 feet distance from each other at all times during the newbie period.
During the first week of classes, classes will be kept small. We will share apparatuses, but do our best to share wisely and keep everything clean. Students and teachers will be required to wear a mask.
Residents who arrive unvaccinated are REQUIRED to get and pay for a PCR test locally 5-6 days after arrival to Sweet Retreats. The test costs $1900 MXN / $95 USD. We will schedule appointments for you.
When all tests come back negative, residents can integrate into a pod.
- If someone receives a positive test, our covid action plan will begin. The resident who receives the positive test will be cared for. If no symptoms occur, the resident must re-test a few days later.
Arrival dates. Everyone must arrive on October 10, 2021.
Although everyone will have rules about leaving the complex, all unvaccinated residents will have to follow stricter rules in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.
If any resident gets any symptoms that may be COVID, they will be required to get a PCR test at your their cost ($100 USD). You may be required to get more than one test.
If you get COVID while on residency, you will be required to isolate from the group which may require you to pay for a private accommodation for the duration of the time you are unwell (at least 10 days).
When in doubt, put on your mask, stay outdoors, and distanced.
Read more about our COVID policy here.

During this residency, we will have classes for local children on 1-2 days per week taught by one or 2 of our resident teachers. Teachers and students will wear masks, but please note the local children will not be part of our COVID pod.

Aerials. My main driving force to get here—I knew without aerials I would struggle physically and mentally in lockdown. Kerri is the most amazing coach—She encourages everyone to live in their own body, and recognises 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

Video Testimonials

Living in Community

See about what it is like to live in community at Sweet Retreats.

Get a glimpse of the Residency Program

Warning: This will make you want to come.

Classes & Training

Quick summary!
1 minute

See more testimonials here.

Sample Schedule

Subject to changes.

Wed/Fri/Sun

7-9:30am Self Serve Coffee, Tea and Breakfast
10-11am Open Gym
11-12:30pm Flexibility Class (Wed & Fri)
1pm Lunch
1:30-4pm Siesta/Pool/Study
4-7pm Course Program Skills Classes
7:30pm Dinner

Thurs/Saturday

7-9:30am Self Serve Coffee, Tea and Breakfast
8:30-10:30am – Open Gym
10:30am-12:30pm Course Program Artistry/Act Creation Class
1pm Lunch
1:30-4pm Siesta/Pool/Study
4-7pm – Open gym
7:30pm – Dinner

During the Aerial Residency Mexico Program, open training is available whenever there are no other classes in session. The course program has 2 days off per week for resting, open training and exploring! We will bring you to local beaches, nature adventures, hot springs, bioluminescence lagoon, markets, and release baby turtles into the sea!

About the Aerial Residency Mexico program

Lyra, Silks, Straps!

Creative and Technical Development Course Program
1 month program – Oct 10-Nov 7 – Technical and Creative Development
3 month program – Oct 10-Jan 2 – Technical and Creative Development + Aerial Teacher Training

Residents must arrive on Oct 10.
Technical classes include aerial silks/tissu/rope and hoop/lyra w supplementary work on, straps, trapeze, and sling.
Read more about our Aerial Teacher Training Program here.

Technical Development

Strong Beginner to High Intermediate Level Aerial Students

Course Program

This program is a goal focused circus school style training program for recreational or professionally driven aerial students. We create a welcoming environment for people who want to dive into aerial training and achieve their goals. Students will learn technique and skills, work on their own goals of skill, strength, and flexibility, and have lots of fun! Learn how to train safely and efficiently, make improvements, and take ownership of your aerial practice.

Circus and aerial arts can be applied to any body type. Some bodies adapt to the physical challenges differently than others. This program supports all bodies to build strength and flexibility, and execute tricks with excellent technique for safe and effective training.

The course includes 3 group aerial skills classes and 2 flexibility classes per week. Apparatuses for technical class training include silks/tissu and lyra/hoop with supplementary classes on straps. Students are required to choose one apparatus to focus on in skills class. Open gym is available every day, and aerial jam sessions encourage students to try new things.

Students can also book private lessons with instructors.

Creative Development

Strong Beginner to High Intermediate Level Aerial Students

Course Program

This program is designed for people who want to experience the creative process, develop their personal style, create an act or personal sequence, and be challenged outside of the typical class structure.

Students will transform their technical skills, and work creatively, learning how to make tricks look different, unpredictable, and dynamic. Focus will be on choreography, transitions, musicality, character, emotion, dynamics, personal style, and refinement.

The course includes 2 group classes per week. Students will regularly share their work to receive support and feedback from the group.

In addition to classes students will be encouraged to do their own creative research.

The first part of the program will focus on creative tools, developing personal style, and fluidity, musicality, and improvisation. Act Development will be an optional focus of this course during the second part of the program.

Students will be invited to perform in our online public shows and other video performance opportunities.

Professional Artist Residency

Advanced to Professional Level Aerialists

Open Gym Only
No Classes

This program is for professional and pre-professional aerial artists who wish to further develop their craft in a supportive and immersive environment. Artists must be self motivated and directed.

Each artist can train in our aerial gym/studio (when classes are not in session). There will be peer support, and the opportunity to show their work in a public setting.

This program does not include classes, but residents are encouraged to motivate and support each other. Professional residents can request private and group classes at an additional cost.

As part of community connection with the other residents ,all professional residents are required to teach one weekly supplementary class in one of their personal specialties. Some examples may include pilates, gyrokinesis, flexibility, dance, choreography, performance, etc.

Participants will be invited to perform in our online public shows and other video performance opportunities..

Total Course Program includes 6 weekly classes (3 technical, 2 creative, and 1 flexibility), 3 weekly guided study group training sessions, applied anatomy and injury prevention workshops, and 1 monthly teacher check in.
As part of the program, each resident will be required to do 1-2 hours of community service per week including keeping the living, eating, and training areas clean.

Students in the 3 month program will complete a video project showing the work they created during the Aerial Residency Program. There will be performance opportunities throughout the residency to show work.

If you want to experience enormous progression in your skills and start to become an aerial artist, we highly recommend taking the full 3 month course program.

The course program is best suited for aerialists at the intermediate level wishing to advance their skills. You will leave the program with a better understanding of how to train to get results, create a unique act, develop your own training practice.

Aerial Teacher Training
Students have the option to join our Aerial Teacher Training in addition to the ongoing course program technical and creative classes. The Aerial Teacher Training will focus on teaching level 1 aerial silks, conditioning, injury prevention, anatomy, cross training, basic rigging, and includes plenty of time for teaching practice. We recommend the Aerial Teacher Training for aerial students who do not have to work during the course to ensure plenty of time to commit to the classes. Read more about our Aerial Teacher Training Program here.

Required reading for ATT:
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts by Emily Scherb
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Suggested Reading:
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts by Emily Scherb
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
Taking Route to Fly by Irene Dowd
Cultivating a Satisfying Aerial Practice – article by Kerri KresinskiAerialist’s Guide to Achieving Physical & Creative Goals – article by Kerri Kresinski
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

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

Space is limited. Sign up now!

This residency is now full.
Check out our winter 2022 residency here.

Aerial Residency Mexico Program

About your teachers

Kerri has been performing and teaching acrobatics, dance, and aerial arts for over 20 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 has learned that anything is possible with patience, discipline and a positive attitude. She is truly a unique performer, engaging, thrilling, and moving audiences with her skills, style, and heart.

Kerri teaches her students how to own their practice. Focusing on fundamental elements of technique, anatomy, and the physics of movement, her students learn how to train. Kerri goes beyond teaching skills and sequences. She teaches how to identify, alter, and create your own skills and sequences, and best of all how to fully embody the movement of each skill in the most satisfying way for the doer and the viewer. Technique, balance, stability, mobility, movement pathways, creativity, 360 degree movement, musicality, originality, intentional movement, elements of surprise and awe, and a deep connection to humanity is what you will get if you work with Kerri. She is truly one of a kind.

Kerri’s technical expertise comes from working with students of all ages, shapes, sizes, and challenges. Kerri’s knowledge of anatomy, physics, injury prevention, creative problem solving, and realistic goal setting makes her one of the most masterful coaches of her time.

You can find Kerri’s performance videos here and Circus Fit free online tutorial videos here. Find Kerri on Instagram @SweetCircusKerri.

Guest Teachers TBA

“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

Tuition for Aerial Residency Mexico Course Program– Oct 10 2021-Jan 2, 2022

For Strong Beginner to Strong Intermediate Level Aerial Students

Rates refer to cost of one person’s tuition. Listed in USD.
$1000 deposit is required to secure your spot.
Arrival day for fall residency program is October 10, 2021.

We strongly recommend the 12 week course program for students who want to transform their training and become aerial artists.

Prices listed are Early Bird Prices.
To get the early bird price, you must pay in full by July 1, 2021.
After June 1, the price increases by $300. Full tuition is due by August 15, 2021.

Accommodation	4 weeks	12 weeks
Shared Room (2-3 people)	$3990	~~$6290~~ Sold Out
Single Occupancy w less privacy and shared bathroom*	N/A	~~$6900~~ Sold Out
Private Room w shared bathroom in shared house	N/A	~~$7460~~
Private Room w shared bathroom in 2 bedroom casita/apartment	N/A	~~$7960~~
Private room w private bathroom in shared house	N/A	~~$7960~~ Sold Out
Private Cabana	~~$4900~~	$8500
Deluxe Penthouse Apartment	N/A	~~$9600~~

Ask us about our significant other and family prices. Space is limited.

Prices for the Course Program include:

Ground transportation to/from the Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) to our accommodations*
Accommodations in a shared house or 2 bedroom casita
Daily meals
- Breakfast – We stock the kitchen with breakfast essentials for you to make what you like.
- Lunch & Dinner – Simple, healthy, and delicious food is prepared for you to enjoy without having to cook.
- Residents can purchase specific food/drink items from our home store (beer, wine, special snacks, toiletries, medicines, etc.).
6-7 weekly classes
study group sessions
anatomy and injury prevention workshops
Aerial Teacher Training
Open Gym/Studio (when classes are not in session)
Photo and video shoots (w free access to photos and videos)
Adventures to local beaches and nature excursions
24 hour use of Swimming Pool and wi-fi
Opportunity to create video art projects
Impromptu dance parties, pool parties, and hanging out with new friends.

*Airport transportation is available if you arrive/depart on designated days.

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

Extras:

Spanish Classes – daily and weekly packages available
Massage and Acupuncture – $25-$60/hour
Various nature excursions – $20-$80
Surfing – packages available

Work for a discount

Work Discount Positions and/or apprenticeships may be available. If you have skills in photography, social media, management, food prep, customer service, you may be eligible for a work position for a discount on your residency tuition. Please email us at SweetRetreatsdr@gmail.com for more info.

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