Lyra Vida!
Mini Lyra and Lyra Explorations
with KC Hyland and Cola Claret
March 28 – April 4, 2026
Casa Chango Mexico, Puerto Escondido
BIPOC Half Scholarship Available. Apply here by January 1, 2026.
Take your lyra practice to new dimensions! Enjoy two classes each day where you can choose to focus on one or both apparatuses. The morning classes include creative and technical training on aerial hoop/lyra, including dance-inspired sequences, musicality, and and a myriad of spin styles to keep the breeze flowing. Cola will focus on her ethereal hoop style, full of twisty, geometric shapes and flow that appears effortless.
Afternoon classes will be mini lyra with KC time! Class time will be packed with mini lyra sequences, skills, and transitions. KC will focus on introducing the mini lyra and teaching interesting shapes and tricks on this novel apparatus. It’s not just doing lyra on a small hoop- we’ll treat this apparatus as its own entity and discover what magic it has to offer!
Students can focus on one or both apparatus during their time, and there will be an optional showcase of work at the end of the week. This retreat will be special in its emphasis on discovery and exploration of overarching themes in the aerial hoop universe, applying them across different structures and configurations, and especially accentuating musicality and freedom of movement.
The rest of your time will be spent eating delicious food, swimming in the pool, lounging in hammocks, and enjoying being in nature. There will be time to explore local markets and beaches as well as the local night life.
This retreat is for intermediate to advanced level aerialists with at least 2 years of ongoing practice. It is great for aerialists who want to learn Mini-Lyra-Specific vocabulary, advance their repertoire of aerial hoop skills, grow their artistic sequencing and musicality, and learn from two fun, creative, experienced instructors with a wealth of knowledge to share and a shared gift for coaching.
Spend a WEEK in PARADISE with new friends, the beach, delicious, fresh, local food, and learn new lyra skills of all shapes and sizes!
Morning Classes:
Find Your Flow, Find Yourself: The morning classes include creative and technical training on aerial hoop/lyra, including dance-inspired sequences, musicality, and and a myriad of spin styles to keep the breeze flowing. Cola will focus on her ethereal hoop style, full of twisty, geometric shapes and flow that appears effortless.
Afternoon Classes:
All The Small Things: Afternoon classes will be mini lyra with KC time! Class time will be packed with mini lyra sequences, skills, and transitions. KC will focus on introducing the mini lyra and teaching interesting shapes and tricks on this novel apparatus. It’s not just doing lyra on a small hoop- we’ll treat this apparatus as its own entity and discover what magic it has to offer!
Daily Schedule Sample:
- 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Tea, Coffee and Breakfast
- 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Warm Up, Lyra Class
- 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
- 2:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. – Free time (pool, hammocks, massages, naps)
- 3:30 p.m. – Afternoon snack and beverage
- 4:30 – 6:30p.m. – Mini Lyra Class
- 6-7pm – Sunset photos and videos (in the gym and by the infinity pool)
- 7:00 p.m. – Dinner
- 8:00 p.m. – Free time, jacuzzi, and evening activities
We will take you to our favorite beaches for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and releasing baby turtles into the sea. Optional evening adventures include a bioluminescent lagoon & local night market.
Read more about our excursions here.
Ask about our significant other / BFF rates!
Aerial nerds can indulge in all of your aerial desires while friends and family can enjoy the retreat environment, delicious, healthy food, surfing, swimming, relaxing, and get into their bodies.
Prerequisites:
This retreat is open to all level aerialists, however it is recommended you have at least one year of aerial experience and the ability to invert (need not be “perfect!”). If you have ay doubts about whether the retreat is the right fit for you, please email hylandkc@gmail.com and colaclaret.aerialist@gmail.com !
Your coaches:
KC Hyland
KC Hyland is an aerialist, actor, personal trainer, research scientist, snake-whisperer, filmmaker, and all-around oddball performance artist specializing in unique aerial acts on her custom Mini Lyra. She has trained under Elena Panova at the San Francisco Circus Center, Camille Swift at Aloft Circus Arts, Enya White of Cirque du Soleil, Shannon Gray, and others. Her performances represent an eclectic mix of productions showcasing her passionate physicality and penchant for complex storytelling. KC works most often with Bay Area companies such as Cirque de Luna, Supernova Variety and Talent, Upswing Aerial Dance, and Circus of the Moon. With over 10 years of teaching and coaching experience, KC brings an analytical mind and scientific approach to make her coaching efficient, adaptable, and proven to get students closer to their goals. The Mini Lyra has been the subject of KC’s near-obsessive research and exploration since 2018, and she is excited to bring what she’s crafted to a wider audience.
Cola Claret
Cola Claret is a multidisciplinary aerialist and dancer born and raised in the Bay Area. With over 20 years of performing experience, she has performed domestically and internationally to critical acclaim. Specializing in lyra and chains, Cola brings powerful presence and raw movement to the stage. She is known for her dynamic spinning, graceful expression, and sharp technique. From Coachella Music Festival to Festival d’Avignon, Cola is honored to have worked with a wide variety of companies including Cirque de la Luna, The Do Lab, Le Cirque de Boheme, DAM Circus, Supernova Variety and Talent, House of Mab, Circus of the Moon, Misfit Cabaret, and others. She is currently teaching multiple disciplines at Inspiration Studios and loves to watch her students grow and help them discover their own unique styles.
Student Testimonials
“Cola is one of the best circus coaches I have ever had the opportunity to learn from. She explains complex movements clearly and works with students to problem-solve challenging transitions, always in a supportive and affirming learning environment. My aerial practice has improved dramatically under Cola’s guidance, thanks to her her sharp eye for technique and attention to artistry.” -Camilla H.
“One of the best aerial instructors I’ve ever had and my favorite in Northern California. Super attentive and able to break technique down into words anyone can understand.” -Helen Y.
“Cola is a very encouraging teacher, offers great demos and verbal instruction for the class, and also ensures that each student gets individualized attention. Incredibly skilled at noticing why people might be having trouble with a pose or sequence and offering correction or modification as needed.” -Eme O. “
“Cola is a brilliant performer and a talented teacher who goes above and beyond to coach students to their highest capabilities. Even if you take one class, you will walk away with technique, artistry, and strength that you did not have before.” -Auryana R.
“Training with Cola has been an incredible experience! I’ve been taking aerial hoop and hammock classes with her for over 10 years, and she’s truly one of the best instructors I’ve had. Cola has a unique ability to make even the most complex moves feel achievable, breaking things down step-by-step with clear, encouraging guidance. What I love most about her classes is the perfect balance she strikes between fun and challenge. She helps you build strength and confidence while also emphasizing clean technique and creativity. Her flow sequences are beautiful and thoughtfully constructed—she encourages you to express yourself while also keeping safety and body awareness front and center.” -Kitty P.
“KC is a master of her craft and an excellent instructor. Not only does she demonstrate skills well, she does an incredible job of breaking down each skill. I always walk away from her class feeling successful. She’s also encouraging and fun!” – Sarah Stonerock, Beloved Little Circus
“KC is able to break down aerial skills in a way that makes learning new skills and sequences fun! She is able to meet students at their level and help them achieve their aerial goals in a thoughtful and supportive way. Her ability to bring creative solutions to help a challenged student continues to amaze me.” -Summer B, student
“KC always does a thorough and intentional warm up with a focus on strength building and active flex. This helps prevent soreness after training.” -Asia S., student
“I’m always impressed by KC’s knowledge of anatomy and ability to give targeted exercises for particular muscles I need to work on.” -Jake S., aerial instructor
“KC’s classes are fun and challenging at any level of experience. She is excellent at helping students troubleshoot problems and she has great ideas for cross training to address the problems.” -Mackenzie M., student
Retreat pricing:
Per person pricing in USD
Prices listed are the Early Bird Prices which are $300 discounted. Full price is $300 more than the prices listed. Early bird discount ends Dec 28.
Need a payment plan? Email us at SweetRetreatsMexico@gmail.com and we will set that up for you.
| Your choice of accommodations: | Early Bird Price | Full Price |
| Shared Dorm (mixed gender) | $2000 | $2300 |
| Shared Private Room (2 friends sharing a room) 1 king size bed or 2 individual beds | $2200 | $2500 |
| Shared Private Room (2 friends sharing a room) 1 king size bed or 2 individual beds | $2300 | $2600 |
| Private Room w Shared Bathroom | $2500 | $2800 |
| Private Room w Private Bathroom | $2800 | $3100 |
| Private Room w Private Bathroom & Air Conditioner | $3100 | $3400 |
$500 Deposit is required to secure your spot.
Early bird price ends Dec 28.
Full tuition is due by one month before the first day of the retreat.
Rates refer to cost of one person’s tuition.
Couples must sign up together.
Significant others and friends who are not taking classes are welcome at a special price.
Dorms are mixed gender.
Click here for room descriptions.
What’s included:
- Ground transportation to/from the Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) to our accommodations*
- Arrive on March 28. Depart on April 4.
- Accommodations for the duration of the retreat
- Daily meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, & desserts and treats!
- 2 daily classes
- Aerial photoshoot
- Evening activities
- Trips to a local beaches and night market
- 24 hour use of swimming pool and community space
- Evening Jacuzzi soaks
- Ice Bath
- Starlink Wifi Internet
BIPOC Scholarship Available.
Links for more information:
- Casa Chango accommodations – room descriptions
- Meals and Food*
- How to get here**. Info and advice on booking your travel
- Weather in Puerto Escondido
- Testimonials
- Excursions
Discounts:
- Book and pay early and save $300!
- Refer a friend to any of our retreats and save $100 with our referral discount.*
- Sweet Retreats Alumni discount $200.
Questions? Email us at SweetRetreatsMexico@gmail.com
*Food service begins with a snack and dinner on arrival day, and ends with breakfast on departure day. All meals are provided. The food is amazing! ** Your taxi to/from the PXM airport is included if you arrive/depart on designated days. Click here for info about getting to Puerto Escondido.
Cancellation Policy:
- No Refunds.
- Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
- Cancel more than 60 days before 1st day of retreat: 50% of your tuition paid can transfer toward a future Sweet Retreat within 18 months of cancellation.
- Cancel 30-60 days before the 1st day of retreat: 25% of your tuition paid can transfer toward a future Sweet Retreat within 18 months of cancellation.
- Cancellations up to 30 days before the 1st day of the retreat will not be credited or refunded for any reason.
- At the time of payment for your retreat, we strongly advise purchasing a travel insurance policy. Make sure your policy covers the full cost of the retreat fee, as well as unexpected cancellation, trip delay, losses and other risks. Also, consider protection for canceled or delayed flights, lost luggage, medical needs while traveling. Please bring the policy with you in case of emergency. Click here for IM Global Insurance. Click here for WanderWell Insurance.