Who We Are
Whether you’re looking to build strength, express yourself, or simply have fun in the air, there’s a place for you here. Come fly with us!
Locations:
Angela Bates 5129 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073
Zen Studio at Healing Energies 463 W Ridge Pike, Royersford, PA 19468
Where The
fantastical
is a reality
Our story
Karen (Wren), our founder, always had dreams of flying —where she could soar and leap without boundaries. She explored that with work on Broadway in NYC, and touring around the world with companies like De La Guarda, Cirque’s Cavalia, Pilobolus, Momix, and many others. She received her Masters degree in Dance Education from NYU.
When it was time to investigate her voice, she set off on a rock-climbing trip, which became her stage for exploring aerial dance. She developed her choreography and concepts among the sky on the side of a cliff in Yosemite National Park. Continuing her love for aerial dance, she brought it back to the East Coast and then offered it to the world. (90 different countries to be exact!)
After performances, audience members often say, “That looks so fun! I want to do it!” That was the inception of the classes. We make it accessible for all types and levels. Our oldest flyer is 101 for a local senior home, and our youngest flyer starts around 6 or 7 years old.
Play. Investigation. Authenticity; Our driving forces.
The Grounded Aerial team invites you to join us on our journey. It takes bravery to leave a place of comfort and stability. We hope our classes, shows, and trainings inspire you to take flight in mind, body, and spirit.
Let’s fly.
OUR TEACHERS
Rhonda Thullen Barreto
Bungee and Aerial Yoga
Rhonda has been teaching movement her entire adult life. She has a BS in Education and Dance and multiple certifications in yoga and bungee dance. She has spent many years as a choreographer in musical theatre and dance for all ages. She joined Grounded Aerial in 2021 as a Bungee Instructor. The following year she brought Aerial Yoga to the adult curriculum. Aerial Arts has been joyous and life changing. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students let go and discover their authenticity and bliss. Turn your perspective upside down and come fly with us!
Alex Nikko
Mix App, Aco and Flex/Conditioning
Alex Nikko is a multidisciplinary circus artist based in Philadelphia, with over a decade of experience in acrobatics and movement. He trained in competitive gymnastics for 12 years and studied various styles of dance for 7, creating a strong foundation of strength, control, and artistry. Since committing to circus full-time in 2022, Alex has developed a diverse skill set, specializing in corde lisse, suspended lyra, hand balancing, and ground tumbling, while also working in aerial straps, duo work, and physical theater. His work blends technical skill with creative expression, and he’s passionate about sharing movement as a powerful and personal form of comfort and connection.
Isla Bartholomew
Mix App, Silks and Flex/Conditioning
Isla is a circus artist specializing in aerial rope, silks, and flying trapeze, combining strength, fluidity, and dynamic movement in her work. After taking classes regularly regularly at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, she fell in love with circus and went on to perform and coach various aerial and flow arts at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts. Currently, she coaches at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, Grounded Aerial, and Wahoo Trapeze. She loves sharing the magic of circus with anyone curious in learning!
Jasmin Cicchino
Mix App and Silks
Jasmin Cicchino is a professional dancer and aerialist. Trained in Italy, in disciplines ranging from ballet to aerial hoop (her specialty), she now lives in the US where she actively works throughout the three state area with companies such as “Incanto’s Productions” in NYC and “KCBC” in Philadelphia. Her most recent appearance was in “The Ghostly Circus” presented at Fringe Arts in Philadelphia.
