CIRQUE Alaska INSTRUCTORS
Owner / Instructor / Personal Trainer
Bethany has been instructing in the Fairbanks community since 2007. With over a decade of experience and a range of training styles, she is a versatile and knowledgeable teacher and trainer. Bethany's first venture into the fitness world was in 2006 when she took her first core class. She was humbled by how challenging it was and amazed by how much stronger it made her. Since beginning to teach Core in 2007 she has gone on to teach many other classes and pursue a variety of certifications. Core, however, has remained her first love. Involving core has become her signature style and influences all of her other teaching and training pursuits.
In 2014 Bethany Discovered Aerial Silks and a new passion for performance art. Since embarking on her Aerial Journey Bethany has pursued training on Lyra (Aerial Hoop), Trapeze, and Aerial Sling. In 2017 Bethany received Level 1 and 2 Aerial Teacher Training at Aerial Physique with Jill Franklin. She has since pursued further education by traveling to train with noted coaches across the country. In 2021 Bethany attended Level 3 Aerial Teacher training at Aerial Physique and followed with Comprehensive Lyra Teacher training (Level 1 and 2) with Soar Aerial Dance. Bethany continues to strive to bring the best coaching possible to the Fairbanks Community.
Bethany is a certified NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) personal trainer who specializes in working with individuals recovering from injury or are learning to move their body in a safe and efficient way.
In her personal life Bethany is a wife, mother, coffee and wine enthusiast, and she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends.
Instructor
Chelsea began her pole fitness journey in Augusta, Georgia and not long after, moved to Atlanta where she was introduced to many of the different styles the wonderful world of pole has to offer.
Chelsea is a true student of pole having studied and trained with legendary contemporary pole artists such as Amy Hazel and Natasha Wang. She was able to solidify her passion for pole when she signed up for Semester At Sea, a study abroad program that circumnavigated the globe and where she was able to drop into pole classes in several different countries. Almost two years later she was inspired to teach English in China which gave her the added benefit of occasional travel to surrounding Asian countries while pursuing her passion for pole. China is also where she fell in love with exotic pole dancing and continued her studies in aerial hoop and sling. During her time abroad, Chelsea attended workshops from pole stars like Vika, Carlie Hunter, and more. Upon returning to the states she took an intensive with Carmine Black, whom she credits with influencing much of her low flow style.
Chelsea is now a pole teacher at Cirque Alaska and crafts each class with a blended approach of her own creative dance routines and those of the greats who inspire her every day. Additionally, she furthered her instructor training with an Aerial Hoop Teacher certification from SOAR Aerial Dance which she will use to occasionally sub lyra classes.
Certifications:
Ecole De Pole Pole Master Training Course
SOAR Aerial Dance Teacher Training
Instructor
Choochy began as a competitive rock climber in Fairbanks, which led to her discovery of aerial acrobatics. What began as a self taught journey in the world of aerial silks, evolved into a lifestyle of training and performing with the circus artists of Fairbanks. For four years Choochy trained with the local circus community, primarily on aerial silks. She decided to further her training and attended one of the best circus schools in the country, New England Center for Circus Arts. Choochy attended NECCA’s pro track program for two years where she double majored in Cyr Wheel and Rope, with a minor in Hand-Balancing. She is so excited to bring cyr wheel to Fairbanks and encourages as many people as possible to try it out. It's something that looks impossible but is so much fun, and in fact, possible for anyone to achieve! She hopes to see you in class!
Instructor
Cora DeLaca is a born and raised Alaskan who grew up on a farm just outside Fairbanks. She began her Aerial journey with silks at 11 years of age. Cora continued to train with multiple Alaskan based studios throughout the nine years she has been in the aerial community.
Cora is known for her dynamic choreography on apparatus such as lyra, sling, and silks. She is now sharing her knowledge with the next generation of upcoming aerialists at Cirque Alaska.
When Cora is not hanging out at the studio you’ll find her rock climbing and skiing around Fairbanks with her trusty sidekick “Leo the adventure cat”.
Instructor
From a young age, Jennifer has had a passion for dance and the beauty and emotion that is conveyed and shared through it. Physical fitness and health are core to Jennifer's desire for a healthy lifestyle, and this has led her to many different styles of movement. When Jennifer discovered pole, she found that it combined her passion for movement and expression with physical fitness. She became a certified pole instructor in levels 1-3. Jennifer loves the challenge and beauty of pole, and the opportunity it provides for different styles of choreography. As an instructor, she is always increasing her awareness and understanding by taking courses and learning from others. Her favorite way to teach is by combining her knowledge of dance with pole skills. She endeavors to make pole accessible to everyone so that others can feel confident and capable through pole too! Jennifer is an elementary school teacher by day, and she enjoys working with kids and helping them discover their strengths.
Instructor
Jessica has loved Pole Dancing since she first stumbled into the club when she was 18 years old. Since then she has rocked the pole for over a decade in various clubs throughout Alaska and Nevada. She is passionate about Music, Dance, Fun Costumes, and of course Sexy Heels!
After coaching new girls at the club for years, Jessica (AKA “Dani”) decided to officially become a Pole Dance Instructor. She trained with the “OG” of Pole Dance Instructors, Fawnia Mondey, at Pole Fitness Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has completed Instructor Certifications in levels 1-4 of Pole Dance, as well as Beginner and Advanced Chair Dance.
She has also done a variety of workshops and classes including “Twerkshop”, Floor Work, and Sexy Heels.
According to Jessica, Pole really is one of the best workouts you can do. It’s cardio, strength building, and flexibility all in one, not to mention a major confidence booster! Jessica says she loves to teach and empower her students to feel sexy and confident in their own skin. “I love seeing the look on a student's face when they conquer a new pole trick or kill their latest dance routine. There’s no better feeling as an instructor”
Outside of the studio Jessica is a loving wife, and mother of 2 boys, a 22 year old and a 1 year old who keeps her on her toes. She loves wine, coffee, chocolate, and also enjoys traveling with her family, usually to the beach in Hawaii!
Instructor
What can be said about Max? Seriously, we don't even know that much about him. There are rumors that he used to tame dragons (really?), out riddled sphinxes (what?), sailed between the horns of Africa by himself in a kayak (blindfolded he claimed and plural? yes, we have questions too), and bested a gorilla in a banana eating contest and subsequently a wrestling match and subsequently after that a foot race (he is no longer welcome at the local zoo). People even say he once managed to NOT spend his PFD check all at once.
The point is we're not sure where myth and legend end and the man begins. We let him teach Intro Silks for Adults because as he says "children are gross and annoying" and this way he can blast heavy metal and swear appropriately for emphasis when needed.
One thing we know is that Max has traveled to the far off lands of Los Angeles to train with Aerial Physique’s very own Gabe Hilden-Reid. If you are an adult looking to start a new aerial silks quest…Max is your man.
Instructor
Roxie is notorious for her beautiful smile, enthusiastic attitude, and passion for health and fitness. She spearheaded the Step program at Cirque Alaska with classes that are upbeat and sure to get you sweating!
Roxie obtained her Step Aerobics Certification in 2021 through the American Sports & Fitness Association. She is a yogi and has been practicing for several years. In 2019 she became a Certified Yoga Instructor through Fairbanks Yoga’s 200 hour Teacher Training program.
In addition to Step, Roxie loves softball, is passionate about cannabis, and loves meeting new people (especially cute boys)!
Instructor
Shannon has been practicing Yoga since 2009. Her personal Yoga journey, while unconventional, has empowered her to become healthier, more confident, and lead a happier life.
She decided to get certified to teach Yoga in the summer of 2018. In the summer of 2019 Shannon received a Hatha Yoga Certification from the Aura Wellness Center. In the summer of 2021 Shannon also completed her Restorative Yoga Certification from the Aura Wellness Center.
Shannon feels representing a full-figured body type in fitness is important. Her teaching methodology is Yoga accessible to all fitness levels, and body types, while highlighting modifications to honor your own body's path.
Outside of the studio Shannon enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, and rescuing animals. Shannon and her husband’s life is heavily centered around their rescued dog’s wellbeing and trying to match their zest and positive attitude for life.
Instructor
Sarah Goetz spent the first 18 years of life here in Fairbanks, Alaska studying ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and pointe. Once she graduated from high school in 2011 she joined The Young Americans Performing Arts College where she traveled the world performing and teaching music outreach for three years.
Sarah moved to Australia in 2016 and was accepted into the Aerial Angels Professional Academy. She spent the next three years training and performing aerial arts with some of the industry's best.
Sarah moved back to Fairbanks in 2020 and has been teaching at Cirque Alaska and Fairbanks Yoga. She also has her 500 RYT, a certificate in barre, certificate in Aerial Yoga, and is teacher certified with the American Ballet Theatre. Her classes are upbeat, positive and you can feel the passion she has for teaching both children and adults!
Studio Manager / Assistant Instructor
Shay began her Aerial journey with pole classes. In 2017 Shay took her first Lyra class and has been hooked ever since. She dabbles in several Aerial apparatus such as pole, sling, silks, and lollipop, but Lyra has remained her focus. In 2022 Shay attended in person Comprehensive Lyra Teacher training with Soar Aerial Dance (Level 1 and 2). She can be found assistant teaching Lyra at Cirque Alaska.
In addition to her role as an Aerialist, Shay is also the studio manager at Cirque Alaska. She wrangles teachers, responds to your messages and questions, as well as keeps us running smoothly.
Studio mascot/Motivator/Kisser of students
Rosa is seven years old and was adopted into instructor Shannon Simpler's home April 12, 2013. She graduated obedience school in 2013. Rosa a Bully breed ambassador who loves snuggles, pets, and squeaker toys. When she is not spending her time making Cirque Alaska students feel loved and welcome she enjoys naps and watching "Frasier " on Netflix.