Levity Circus Collective was established in 2018 by our four original founders. It was born out of the desire to have a space where they could build community, train circus arts in a safe and inspiring environment, and make art with with friends. We offer group aerial classes, private instruction and open training sessions. Our experienced coaches offer a wealth of knowledge, varied perspectives and infectious enthusiasm to help students take flight. We find it important to combine instruction with open training time to complete the numerous repetitions it takes to achieve your goals. Plus it’s fun to join open training to meet new friends, share the joy and struggles of the circus discipline journey, and build community. After learning and training comes performance, the most challenging and rewarding stage in becoming a circus artist.  We produce two studio showcases a year to give our community opportunities to shine under the stage lights. Combining hard work and play anyone can find a place in or above the circus ring, we want to help you find yours.

The “us” in Circus

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Our Team

Ty Vennewitz

Ty juggles jobs and tours around in a wheely big ring.  With a degree in dance and a diploma in circus arts from the National Circus School in Montreal he’s over edumucated and wants you be too.  He has toured China with L'Arsenal Musique, Canada with Cirque Jean Coutu, and the US with Acrobatic Conundrum. When he's not touring Ty enjoys teaching gymnastics and circus to people of all ages here in the Rogue valley.

Founder & Coach
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Maureen Monroe

Maureen Monroe began her skyward exploration in 2012 when she moved to Ashland and became captivated by the beauty and athleticism of aerial circus arts.  She came from 14 years of rock climbing and found an incredible community of artists in circus. She has toured with the New Old Time Chautauqua,  the Acrobatic Conundrum  and annually graces the stages of the Oregon Country Fair.  Maureen also runs her own Pilates studio, Ashland Authentic Pilates.

Founder & Coach
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Julia began training in Aerial Arts in 2016. Finding aerial was the missing link connecting her passion for creative movement, that stems from her dance and theatre background. She performed with the Tahoe Flow Artists performance company. She has shared her love for performance arts at festivals, productions and events in Lake Tahoe/Reno and in Ashland. She is thrilled to be teaching aerial Lyra and Silks and supporting the performing arts here in Ashland since 2019.

Aerial coach

Julia Brown

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Sam Veres

Sam Veres has trained in aerial arts for over seven years, with a focus in aerial silks. She comes from a background of competitive gymnastics, tumbling, and cheer. Sam has been an aerial instructor for five years, and has completed the Level 1 Silks teacher training program with Paper Doll Militia. She is passionate about movement and building strength in every body.

Aerial coach
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Anna Thomas-Henry

Anna's training started in gymnastics, dance and fitness gyms. Then an interest in theatre took off and eventually, circus arts. She specializes in silks, aerial net, hand balancing, and duo aerial acts. She served as the Principal Aerial Coach at the Professional Prep Program of SANCA Seattle, held the first Teaching Artist in Residence position at Body & Pole NYC. She was awarded 1st place at the 2015 U.S. Aerial Championships for silks. She has performed with The Acrobatic Conundrum, acts with Tyler & Anna Circus Duo and worked with a dozen of New York City's private event producers. 

Aerial& Handstand Coach
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Shalako Lee

Shalako Lee brings over a decade of aerial performance and five years of teaching to her work as both artist and instructor. Specializing in aerial sling with Levity Circus Collective, her work blends strength, fluidity, and expressive storytelling. With a background across multiple apparatuses, she brings a sharp, versatile approach to her teaching, emphasizing seamless transitions, bold shapes, and building strength both on the ground and in the air. Shalako is passionate about cultivating confidence, resilience, and artistry, while fostering connection and collaboration within the circus community.

Aerial coach
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Hanna found her passion for dance at a young age. She studied dance performance and choreography at Elon University with a focus on Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, and Jazz. After college she began teaching dance to all ages, performing with various companies on the west coast and in New York City. She booked a tour “Troyboi”, in 2017, as a dancer and violinist, and toured with him for 2.5 years. Here she learned a duo aerial act and fell in love with circus. Since then, circus has been her main pursuit. She specializes in Silks, Sling, and Duo Acts! 

Aerial & Dance coach

Hanna Moore

A woman performing aerial silk acrobatics on stage under blue and purple lighting.

Barbra Kenyon

Barb loves aerial!  When she was an instructor she brought a lighthearted approach to her classes and a passion for helping people find success and freedom in the air. Now she is full time in southern California with her beautiful family but still supports the endeavors of the Levity Circus Collective from afar.

Founder