Carrie Heller
When I first came to Atlanta in 1988, I began introducing juggling and balancing into the therapy room where I worked at the Bridge.
About the same time I opened up my circus classes to families and I began to see what I call the “bonus” therapeutic benefits. A one-hour circus class with a family seemed akin to several hours of talk therapy. I was amazed at how the simple act of touching more, laughing together more and physically interacting in circus class together translated into a family being more playful after class. I noticed subtle changes in family dynamics and improved communications patterns from week to week. I also noticed a marked improvement in children’s self-esteem from one class to the next.
When children learn the skills that are offered in circus arts therapy, they gain confidence in their physicality. They also begin to mentally view themselves in different, more positive ways. These are traits that translate favorably into their everyday lives and interactions. When children’s confidence increases, this will help them develop coping skills, as well as better decision-making skills as they mature.
My favorite story is of a parent whose child would not try out for baseball—she thought she would fail and was afraid to do so. Although this was not something that we ever talked about, the child’s father reported to me that after doing circus arts for about six months, his child spontaneously decided she would try out for baseball…and did so with great self assurance.
I have complemented my own observations and studies with learning as much as I can from others in the circus and therapy worlds, including CircusYoga which works experientially on family relationship-building, as well. I am learning more and more each day about how the physical activities in Circus Arts benefit children, adults, families and groups including "at risk" teens, as well as, many special needs children.
I am grateful to be doing something I love and that I have the opportunity to share it with others.
with peace and flight,
Carrie
CYTT: Level 1
hometown: born in Canada, grew up in Florida and now consider Atlanta my home.
current residence: Atlanta, GA
teaching area: Atlanta area
current teaching: Circus Arts Fitness classes, private lessons; Fitness using the trapeze Spanish Web and Circus Rings as well as ground equipment.
education/training: BS in Psychology from University of Florida; M.S.W. from Tulane; life-long circus training beginning at age eight with the Florida State University Flying High Circus; studied with many aerial teachers along the way; other movement educaiton in ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, martial arts; licensed clinical social worker specializing in experiential therapies.
experience: more than 30 years experience in the world of circus arts and more than 20 years of working with children, including those with special needs children both inside and outside of the therapy room; Circus arts teacher since 1988; founder of Atlanta Circus Camp in 1993 and The Circus Arts Institute (CAI) in 2006. Author of the Aerial Circus Training and Safety Manual (now in its 3rd edition), experienced lecturer on topics relating to both circus and therapy and a trainer for Cirque Du Monde—a Cirque Du Soleil Outreach Program.
influential teachers: My Father, Beth McEvoy Brinson who was one of my first aerial teachers, Tony Steele and many others along the way.
current studies/adventures: The continued application of Circus to the world of Therapy including the effects on children that are on the autistic spectrum as well as others with behavioral, physical, attention or other challenges; My other current areas of study include Bungee jumping and tissu. My greatest adventure at this time is starting this new incarnation of the work I do and all that that entails....
contact me:
Carrie Heller's Circus Arts
206 Rogers St. N.E., Suite 214
Atlanta, GA 30317
(404) 549-3000
my teaching schedule
weekly classes:
Circus Arts Institute, Atlanta, GA
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Circus Arts Fitness... for info
workshops:
Circus Arts Institute, Atlanta, GA
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Circus Arts Sensory Play... for info
summer programs:
Summer Therapy Group Program, Atlanta
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Move, Feel, Learn, Live It!... for info
private instruction:
Circus Arts Institute, Atlanta, GA
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private and semiprivate Circus Arts Fitness instruction available by appointment;
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child teen, adult, couples, and family Circus Arts Therapy available by appointment.
My Story
