Studio Policies

Circus Complex is a 501 C3 Non Profit performing arts circus studio dedicated to inspiring creativity, athleticism, and self-confidence in people - regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or abilities. Some general guidelines for all our community members are as follows:


GENERAL STUDIO POLICIES

Circus Complex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students, participants, instructors, staff, parents/guardians, visitors, and guests.

For the purposes of these policies, participants refers to anyone participating in a Circus Complex activity, including students, class attendees, private lesson clients, workshop participants, and open studio users. Studio community members refers to anyone entering Circus Complex, including participants, parents/guardians, visitors, guests, instructors, and staff.


All studio community members are expected to:

  • Treat all individuals, equipment, and studio property with respect.

  • Respect personal boundaries and obtain consent before engaging in physical contact, providing assistance, or offering feedback.

  • Follow all studio policies, safety requirements, and staff instructions.

  • Maintain behavior that supports a safe and welcoming environment.

  • Communicate concerns appropriately through Circus Complex staff rather than disrupting classes, activities, or other participants.

Circus Complex does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, unsafe behavior, or actions that interfere with the safety, comfort, or experience of others.

Circus Complex instructors, staff, and management have authority to enforce these policies and make decisions regarding safety, participation, class placement, and studio operations.

Violations of studio policies may result in removal from an activity, suspension or termination of participation privileges, or termination of enrollment at the discretion of Circus Complex management.


REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

All individuals must complete registration before participating in any Circus Complex class, workshop, private lesson, open studio, or other activity.

Registration requirements include:

  • Creating an account through the Circus Complex registration system.

  • Completing all required registration information.

  • Completing required waiver and release forms.

  • Registering for an appropriate class, program, or activity.

  • Completing payment requirements before participation unless another arrangement has been approved by Circus Complex.

Participants under 18 years of age must have all required forms completed by a parent or legal guardian before participating.

Walk-in participation for non level 1 beginner classes is not permitted unless approved by Circus Complex staff.

By completing registration, participants acknowledge that they have reviewed and agree to follow Circus Complex Studio Policies, safety requirements, and participation expectations.

Individuals may not participate in Circus Complex activities without completing all required registration requirements.

Circus Complex reserves the right to deny participation to individuals who have not completed registration requirements or who are not appropriately registered for an activity.

WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Circus and aerial activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to falls, physical injury, and equipment-related risks.

All individuals participating in Circus Complex activities must complete required waiver, release of liability, and assumption of risk forms before participation.

By participating in Circus Complex activities, individuals acknowledge responsibility for:

  • Following safety requirements and instructor guidance.

  • Using equipment appropriately.

  • Communicating injuries, limitations, or concerns that may affect safe participation.

  • Following all studio policies and procedures.

Parents or legal guardians must complete required forms for participants under 18 years of age.

Safety & Conduct Policies

Circus and aerial activities require awareness, responsibility, and adherence to safety procedures.

Participants must:

  • Follow all instructions provided by Circus Complex instructors and staff.

  • Participate only in activities appropriate for their experience level, training level, and physical ability.

  • Use apparatuses, equipment, and safety equipment only as instructed.

  • Inform instructors or staff of injuries, limitations, or concerns that may affect safe participation.

  • Maintain awareness of others training in the space.

The following behaviors are prohibited:

  • Peer-to-peer instruction, coaching, or skill sharing.

  • Teaching, demonstrating, or providing instruction on circus or aerial skills to another participant.

  • Attempting skills that have not been taught, approved, or appropriately progressed.

  • Unsafe, reckless, disruptive, or distracting behavior.

  • Interfering with another person’s training or safety.

  • Participating while under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, recreational drugs, or any substance that impairs or may impair judgment, coordination, or the ability to safely participate.

Circus Complex instructors and staff may require a participant to stop an activity, modify participation, or leave an activity when necessary to maintain safety.

Failure to follow safety policies may result in removal from an activity, suspension of participation privileges, or termination of participation.

EQUIPMENT, FACILITY & RIGGING POLICIES

Circus Complex equipment, facilities, and rigging systems are designed for circus and aerial training and must be used only as intended.

Studio community members must:

  • Treat all equipment, apparatuses, mats, and studio property with care.

  • Return equipment and mats to designated storage locations after use.

  • Report damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, or safety concerns to Circus Complex staff immediately.

Participants may not:

  • Adjust, install, move, modify, or interfere with rigging systems.

  • Access rigging components unless specifically authorized by Circus Complex staff.

  • Use equipment that appears damaged, unsafe, or improperly maintained.

  • Use personal aerial equipment at Circus Complex unless it has been inspected and approved by authorized Circus Complex staff prior to use.

  • Store personal equipment at Circus Complex without prior approval.

Participants must:

  • Use only equipment approved for the activity they are participating in.

  • Follow all equipment instructions provided by Circus Complex staff.

  • Request assistance from authorized Circus Complex staff when needed.

Only authorized Circus Complex personnel may make decisions regarding rigging, equipment adjustments, inspections, or safety.

Circus Complex is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings or personal equipment unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Food and beverages are not permitted on the training floor. Water is permitted in a non-glass container.

Shoes are not permitted on the training floor unless specifically required for an approved activity.

Attire Requirements

Appropriate attire is required for all circus and aerial activities. Participants must wear clothing suitable for the activity and apparatus being used.

The following requirements apply:

  • Form-fitting clothing is strongly encouraged.

  • Clothing with zippers, hooks, Velcro, or other fasteners that may damage equipment is not permitted.

  • Jewelry, watches, and accessories that may snag, damage equipment, or create a safety hazard must be removed.

  • Supportive undergarments, including sports bras or dance belts when appropriate, are recommended.

  • Clothing that covers the backs of knees and armpits may improve comfort during aerial activities.

  • Clothing or accessories that create a safety risk, interfere with equipment, or impact another participant’s safety are not permitted.

Circus Complex staff may require removal or modification of clothing or accessories that present a safety concern.

HEALTH & INJURY POLICIES

Circus Complex prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants. 

Participants are responsible for determining whether they are physically able to safely participate in circus and aerial activities.

Participants must inform Circus Complex instructors or staff of any injury, medical condition, physical limitation, or other concern that may affect their ability to safely participate.

Participants should:

  • Communicate any modifications or accommodations needed before participating.

  • Follow appropriate medical guidance when returning to activity after injury, illness, or other health-related concerns.

Individuals should not participate when they are:

  • Experiencing an illness that may affect their ability to safely participate.

  • Experiencing symptoms that may reasonably impact the health or safety of others.

  • Unable to safely perform the activities required for participation.

Participants with existing injuries, medical conditions, or physical limitations are encouraged to contact Circus Complex before registering to determine appropriate participation options.

Circus Complex may request additional information, documentation, or medical clearance when reasonably necessary to determine whether participation is appropriate.

Circus Complex may modify, restrict, or deny participation when necessary to protect the safety of the participant or others.

Class Placement & Participation Requirements

Circus Complex classes are structured based on age, experience level, skill progression, and instructor expertise to provide a safe and appropriate learning environment.

Participants must:

  • Register for classes appropriate for their age, experience level, and skill level.

  • Complete required prerequisites before enrolling in advanced-level classes.

  • Receive approval from Circus Complex staff before participating in classes requiring instructor approval.

  • Follow instructor guidance regarding skill progressions, conditioning, modifications, and participation expectations.

Circus Complex reserves the right to determine whether a participant is appropriately placed in a class or program.

If a participant registers for a class that is not appropriate for their current experience level, skill level, or safety needs, Circus Complex may require a change in placement or restrict participation.

ATTENDANCE, LATE ARRIVAL & MAKE-UP POLICIES

Consistent attendance, preparation, and communication support safe training, skill development, and a positive experience for all participants.

Participants are expected to attend all scheduled classes, lessons, workshops, and programs they are registered for. Failure to attend a scheduled activity does not qualify for a refund, credit, or transfer, except as described in the Payment, Enrollment, Refund & Transfer Policies section. 

Late arrival does not qualify for a refund, credit, or make-up, except as described in the Payment, Enrollment, Refund & Transfer Policies section.

Circus Complex may address repeated absences, missed participation requirements, or behavior that interferes with class progression or the experience of others.

Late Arrival Policy

Participants must arrive on time and prepared to participate.

Warm-up, preparation, and safety instruction are required components of circus and aerial training. Missing these components may increase the risk of injury.

Participants arriving more than 10 minutes after the scheduled start time will not be permitted to participate in that class, lesson, workshop, or activity.

Late arrival does not qualify for a refund, credit, or make-up.

Class Absences & Make-Up Credits

If a participant knows they will miss a scheduled class, they must notify Circus Complex through the appropriate registration system or by contacting managementTo receive a make-up credit, participants must provide notice at least 24 hours before the scheduled class time.

Make-up credits:

  • Must be used during the same semester or session in which they were issued.

  • Cannot be rolled over into future semesters or sessions.

  • Cannot be transferred, sold, or gifted.

  • May only be used by the participant they were originally issued to.

  • Are subject to class availability and appropriate placement.

Circus Complex does not guarantee availability in specific classes for make-up attendance.

Missed classes without the required notice are not eligible for make-up credit.

If Circus Complex is closed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, management will communicate available options directly to affected participants.

Participants experiencing extended absences due to injury, illness, or other circumstances should contact Circus Complex management.

PRIVATE LESSON & WORKSHOP POLICIES

Private lessons provide individualized instruction and may have requirements separate from group classes.

Private lesson participants must:

  • Follow all applicable attendance, cancellation, safety, and participation policies.

  • Arrive on time and prepared to begin their scheduled lesson.

  • Follow instructor guidance regarding skill progression, modifications, and safety.

  • Use studio equipment only as directed by Circus Complex staff.

Participants may not use aerial equipment before a private lesson unless specifically authorized by Circus Complex staff.

Warm-ups and preparation before a private lesson must not interfere with active classes, lessons, or studio activities.

Private lesson cancellations or rescheduling requests require at least 48 hours notice.

Workshop and special event cancellations or withdrawal requests require at least 48 hours notice, unless otherwise stated during registration.

Failure to provide the required notice may result in loss of payment or credit.

Youth Private Lessons

Youth participants may not be alone in the studio with an instructor.

If another Circus Complex staff member is not present, a parent or legal guardian must remain in the studio during the private lesson.

PAYMENT, BILLING & ENROLLMENT POLICIES

Payment is required according to the selected billing option. Registration confirms a participant's commitment to the scheduled class, program, or activity.

Semester Enrollment

Circus Complex classes are offered as drop in, monthly and semester enrollments. Semester tuition is based on the total number of classes scheduled during the 3 month semester and may be prorated to reflect the exact number of scheduled classes. Monthly billing is based on the amount of dates (example, some months may have 5 Mondays instead of 4) and will be billed as such.

Participants who register after the start of a semester will be charged a prorated tuition based on the remaining scheduled classes.

Students enrolled in semester classes are automatically enrolled for subsequent semesters unless Circus Complex receives written notice requesting withdrawal before the next semester begins.

Payment Options

Semester tuition may be paid in full or through an alternative monthly payment plan.

Participants enrolled in a monthly payment plan remain enrolled for the full semester. Choosing a monthly payment plan are automatically enrolled for subsequent semesters unless Circus Complex receives written notice requesting withdrawal before the next semester begins.

Semester & Monthly Enrollment Cancellation

Participants enrolled in recurring semester-based programs must provide written notice by email at least 7 days before the next semester begins if they do not wish to continue their enrollment.

This notice period allows Circus Complex to maintain class capacity and provide availability to individuals on waitlists.

Failure to provide the required notice may result in continued enrollment charges.

Financial Assistance

Circus Complex is committed to making its programs accessible. Participants who require financial assistance are encouraged to contact Circus Complex to discuss available options.

Refund & Transfer Policy

All sales are final. Registrations, payments, class spaces, workshop spaces, private lessons, and other purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Circus Complex does not provide refunds, credits, or transfers for:

  • Missed classes or absences.

  • Scheduling conflicts.

  • Failure to attend.

  • Change of mind.

  • Late cancellations.

  • Inability to participate due to personal circumstances.

Exceptions may only be considered in limited circumstances, such as documented medical situations that prevent participation. Any exception is determined solely at the discretion of Circus Complex management.

Make-up credits may only be used by the participant they were originally issued to. Registrations, payments, class spaces, workshop spaces, private lessons, and make-up credits may not be sold, gifted, or transferred to another individual unless approved by Circus Complex.

OPEN STUDIO POLICIES

Open Studio is intended for independent practice and is available only to individuals who meet Circus Complex eligibility requirements.

Participants must:

  • Have a completed waiver on file before participating.

  • Complete registration and payment requirements before attending.

  • Follow all Circus Complex safety policies and studio rules.

  • Practice only skills they have been taught and can safely perform independently.

  • Use appropriate safety mats and equipment as required.

  • Maintain awareness of others training in the space.

The following are not permitted during Open Studio:

  • Peer-to-peer instruction, coaching, or skill sharing.

  • Teaching, demonstrating, or providing instruction or feedback on circus or aerial skills to another participant.

  • Spotting or physically assisting another participant with skills unless specifically authorized by Circus Complex staff.

  • Attempting skills, progressions, or maneuvers that require instructor supervision.

  • Unsafe, reckless, or disruptive behavior.

Participants may not move, adjust, install, or modify rigging or equipment unless specifically authorized by Circus Complex staff.

Circus Complex staff may stop any activity they determine to be unsafe. Failure to follow Open Studio policies may result in removal from the session or loss of Open Studio privileges.

Photography & Video Policies

Photography and video may be permitted at Circus Complex when they do not interfere with safety, instruction, or another person’s experience.

Individuals taking photos or videos must:

  • Obtain consent from all individuals appearing in the image or recording before capturing or sharing.

  • Obtain parent or legal guardian permission before photographing or recording minors.

  • Avoid interrupting classes, lessons, workshops, or training activities.

  • Respect the privacy, comfort, and experience of other studio community members.

Photography or video may not be used in a way that compromises another person’s safety, privacy, or participation experience.

Circus Complex may restrict photography or recording when necessary to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

Policy Updates & Enforcement

Circus Complex reserves the right to interpret, enforce, and update these policies as needed to maintain a safe, effective, and welcoming environment.

Circus Complex management has final authority regarding policy enforcement, participation decisions, and safety-related concerns.

By registering for or participating in any Circus Complex activity, participants acknowledge that they are responsible for reviewing and following all studio policies, safety requirements, and participation expectations.

STUDENT SHOWCASES

For our student shows, we require the following:

  1. Students must be enrolled in a level 2 class or above to participate in the show.

  2. A minimum of four privates or enrollment in aerial performance is necessary for act creation.

Whether virtual or in-person, a recording of the show will be available at a later date on our Youtube page.

The video will be hosted on Circus Complex’s social media platforms.  All rights to the video are reserved to Circus Complex Corp. as per our waivers indicate.  Under no circumstances are they to be reproduced.  Reproducing a video without consent to the company is not allowed.  If a participant would like to host the video on their own channel, please email info@circuscomplex.com