Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Flores.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my circus career in 2004 at the Triton Trouper’s Circus in Chicago, Illinois, where I performed as a Trampolinist, Spanish Web and Solo Swinging Trapeze Aerialist. After moving to California in 2005, I was freelance performing and teaching gymnastics. I was approached by the owner of one of the gymnastics gyms I worked for to teach an aerial class. I started a class there at the gym and it was great because I could also train for free. The class grew in popularity and I met many other local circus and performing artists. We eventually outgrew our space and I knew we could keep it going if we had a bigger space. I dreamt of opening a multi-disciplinary training space that would provide the opportunity to train like an acrobat without any bias toward people who had no experience. We opened our first studio in October of 2010 in Linda Vista. The classes were so popular that we grew into a schedule of over 125 classes per week! We recently upgraded and moved to a larger studio in Kearny Mesa near the Convoy district. I am now a very experienced teacher of the circus arts for over 20 years, but I am also also a certified yoga teacher (E-RYT-500), personal trainer, and USAT level 1 triathlon coach. I developed the SkyBound Aerial Yoga System and have written a manual for teacher training. I have traveled across the country teaching this certification that is recognized by Yoga Alliance. We started a Competitive Team for youth at Aerial Revolution, and this has been the highlight of my career. Our team has become a strong force, and I have enjoyed helping our students become champions at events across the country including Viva Fest in Las Vegas. I hope to create a platform for my students and fellow performers to gain the experience and confidence they need to become professional circus performers, but I also realize the impact this type of athletic discipline can have on a person’s life even as a hobby. I am retired from practicing and performing circus acts, but I specialize in coaching high level, dynamic skills on Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Chinese Pole, and Hand balancing..
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy to own a business, especially because I had no real business education or degree. I learned everything along the way, and still find it challenging as time goes on. When we opened our business, there weren’t many other gyms like us, so we had nothing to model it after. We created curriculums, learned about demographics, and tried to understand the rhythm of the finances. There were many times I thought we wouldn’t make it. We had financial problems, floods, fires, drama between coaches…you name it! We survived through the covid lockdowns, and I think that was a turning point for us. It really made me reevaluate what I was doing with the company and look at long term outcomes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Aerial Revolution Studio, located in beautiful San Diego California, inspires revolutionary workouts where you can sweat, explore your artistic side, find your inner grace, rhythm, balance, flexibility, and perform all in the same space! AR is a welcoming community, where the staff and students know one another and often form lasting friendships. Our safe and spacious studio environment comes complete with all the equipment you need to explore Circus Arts and Movement classes. All are welcome, and we offer classes for the first time beginner to the advanced professional. Our instructors are highly trained performers and athletes with years of experience in their specific specialty. .Aerial Revolution is the original Cirque Aerial Arts studio in San Diego. Our competitive teams are highly successful, and our recreation program offers something for everyone regardless of skill or experience. We are a multidisciplinary studio, but we are best at instructing progressive, specialty aerial arts classes. We are highly skilled, talented professional performers and athletes who have dedicated our lives to our passion of art through movement. Our philosophy is to provide a safe, welcoming space to share our passion with friends from all walks of life. Aerial Revolution also has a special events department! We are available for hire for occasions of all sizes, such as corporate event entertainment, private parties, festival entertainment, nightclub performances and more! We have helped to plan events all across the country! With decades of combined experience that includes work with Cirque du Soleil, Sea World, Disney, and more, our team has the knowledge and skill to both delight audiences and provide a platform to train students from novice to champion competitor, and aspiring professional.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I live a completely separate life outside of aerial arts. I have three kids, several animals, and train for Ironman events so much that it’s almost another full time job. I have recently started coaching triathletes as a side hustle, and I am really enjoying adding another discipline to my lifetime of fitness coaching knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aerialrevolution.com
- Instagram: @aerialrevolution
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/aerialrevolution
- Twitter: @sdaerialists
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aerialrevolution3464
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aerial-revolution-san-diego-3
