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Structured Training, Education, and Performance System
A step-by-step guide on how to turn your passion for circus arts into a fulfilling long-term hobby or career. We will provide a free to use online training platform for circus athletes of all levels – across an expanding array of circus disciplines.
– Coming Soon –
Hi there!
We’re Daniel and Lizzy, circus nomads who have spent our adult lives traveling the world, sharing our passion for circus craft with students and audiences alike. Over the years, we’ve done a bit of everything—from designing and installing custom rigging solutions to writing, directing, and producing full-length shows. We’re best known as flying trapeze coaches, having played a pivotal role in starting numerous trapeze programs and holding leadership positions at prominent professional and recreational circus schools in North America.
As coaches, we’ve had the privilege of working with artists of all skill levels, and along the way, we’ve realized that the industry’s distinction between “professional” and “recreational” training is not only unnecessary, but often harmful. This separation overlooks the many reasons that motivate people to pursue circus craft and often undermines the dedication of serious amateurs, while creating unrealistic expectations for those aiming for a professional path.
We met at a summer camp in 2009 and began dating the following year. Since then, our journey has led us through circus schools and performance venues across the globe, living as full-time circus professionals and part-time performers. Each stop along the way added to our expertise as we learned from a diverse network of coaches, students, and mentors.
In the early stages of our careers, we traveled extensively to find the best coaching, training environments, and performance opportunities. These experiences highlighted the need for a more sustainable and accessible approach to circus training, inspiring us to create a better path for future artists.
We applied this vision at the New England Center for Circus Arts, where we developed a successful part-time training program tailored for hobbyist flying trapeze artists. The program’s structure emphasized a holistic approach, integrating strength and conditioning with key circus skills like hand balancing, trampoline, and acrobatics.
Then, the pandemic hit, bringing the circus world to a standstill. Faced with uncertainty, we chose to see it as an opportunity—a moment to reflect, regroup, and plan for the future. We channeled our energy into converting a used Isuzu box truck into our tiny house, Suzi. This project wasn’t just about building a home; it was a testament to our belief in the power of well-designed spaces to foster creativity and growth—a principle that now guides our vision for our own training facilities.
Since moving into Suzi in early 2021, we’ve been exploring potential locations and diligently researching the ins and outs of starting a business. Along the way, we’ve continued to coach, produce shows, and even expanded our family with a small monster named Harley. Every step of this journey has strengthened our resolve to build a space where the magic of circus is accessible to everyone, whether they aspire to perform on the world stage or simply find joy in the art of movement.
Daniel Gilbert CPT, CSCS
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Certified Nutrition Coach
- Certified Transformation Specialist
Daniel was born and raised in a small town in North Carolina and discovered circus during his final year of college. At the time, he was studying animal behavior, with plans to pursue a career in education. Outside the classroom, Daniel was deeply committed to community organizing, serving in the Student Senate and as President of the Campus Activities Board. In these roles, he produced a variety of events and activities throughout the school year, blending his love for leadership with a passion for bringing people together.
Everything changed when Lizzy introduced him to circus. What began as a new interest quickly grew into a deep-seated passion. Daniel had spent years working to create quality, engaging community programs, but he had never encountered anything with as much transformative potential as circus. It was the perfect fusion of his skills and interests, and he knew he had found his true calling.
As a coach, Daniel places a strong emphasis on the technical and mechanical aspects of circus training, helping students master the finer details of their craft. Beyond the apparatus-specific skills, he draws on his extensive background in exercise science to guide students in building strength and conditioning. Daniel’s approach is designed to ensure that students not only get stronger but also learn how to apply that strength effectively to their circus practice, maximizing their potential for long-term growth and injury prevention.
Lizzy Schwartz CPT, CSCS
- Certified Nutrition Coach
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Lizzy grew up in Austin, Texas, and discovered the world of circus when a flying trapeze school set up in her high school’s soccer field. While circus was new to her, the worlds of athletics and performance were not. Lizzy was a varsity basketball and volleyball player, a member of the Austin Youth Orchestra, as well as a theater technician for a local youth theater company. Naturally, she fell in love with circus—it perfectly blended all the things she was passionate about: sport, music, theater, and community. It wasn’t long until Lizzy dreamed of performing in a circus show, and after graduating she set off to find her way to the big top.
As a performer, Lizzy thrives on collaboration and creativity. She loves working with others to create fun, playful characters and acts that showcase her deep joy for circus craft. A true multidisciplinary artist, Lizzy performs on a wide variety of apparatuses, bringing her unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and energy to every performance. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different disciplines allows her to explore new ways of storytelling through movement, and her passion for circus is evident in every act she creates.
As a coach, Lizzy goes beyond technical training, placing a strong emphasis on the performance aspects of circus and act creation. She helps her students tap into their creativity, ensuring they not only master the mechanics but also express themselves artistically. Lizzy’s coaching style is incredibly supportive and student-focused, always aiming to keep the experience fun and positive. Her priority is to make sure each student feels confident in their progress and is enjoying their training journey.
Suzi is a 2001 Isuzu NPR with an 18’X8′ cargo space. We began with an empty box and completed the entire conversion ourselves. We were able to fit all of the amenities of a small apartment into 144 sqft. Our solar panels, water tank and propane tank allow us to live entirely off the grid for up to 5 days at a time. In addition to a comfortable living space. we also have a well stocked maker space accessible from the outside of the truck.
Harley was a stray cat who wandered into Daniel’s mom’s neighborhood, and we welcomed her into our family in the spring of 2022.
At its core, we believe circus is inherently playful—a space where people can explore their physical and creative potential with joy and curiosity. Our job as coaches is to harness that playful spirit and transform it into something more structured, whether that’s developing circus as a sport, an art form, or a thriving community. By providing the right balance of challenge, guidance, and support, we help students channel their passion into a meaningful practice that promotes growth, keeps them engaged, and turns circus from simple play into a lifelong pursuit.
We also believe that long-term success in circus comes from consistent, quality effort over time. As coaches, our role is to design programs that make the journey fun and engaging, ensuring students stay motivated and continue to push themselves. Over the past several years, we’ve developed a curriculum that offers a clear path to a sustainable and fulfilling long-term hobby or career.
An important aspect of the circus journey is that many people quickly progress from being complete beginners to practicing multiple days a week, regardless of their professional aspirations. Without proper support and guidance, however, these students often develop unsustainable habits that lead to frustration, injury, or burnout. Our goal is to prevent that by creating an environment where play is the foundation, but structure and support turn it into a lifelong passion.
Throughout our careers, we’ve been passionate about creating impactful performance opportunities – not just for our students but for our fellow coaches and performers as well. At both the largest professional circus school and one of the oldest, most established recreational schools in the country, we spearheaded the first staff shows in over a decade, taking on roles as writers, directors, performers, and producers.
These experiences affirmed our belief in the importance of performance in every artist’s journey, and ultimately led us to form our own production company, Box Truck Circus. We collaborate with content creators, musicians, arts organizations and venues to add circus elements to their next projects and performances. We specialize in short runs of full length shows, and work with a growing team of artists to produce shows at any budget.
We’ve worked with thousands of students from all walks of life, each bringing their unique passion and dedication to the circus arts. Our focus has always been on nurturing hobbyist students, guiding them towards a well-rounded approach to their training. While most of our students aren’t aiming for professional performance careers, those who do have gone on to achieve remarkable success, gracing stages worldwide, including the iconic Cirque du Soleil.
Daniel was my very first instructor for flying trapeze. I had a background in sports at that time and he was able to immediately recognize where I was at physically and give me specific feedback for my level. He made me feel confident in my abilities and encouraged me tremendously. He is serious and passionate about his craft and I appreciated his straight forward and knowledgeable approach to coaching. In only the first three sessions I had already improved a lot and had a lot of fun while flying! Though Daniel was my main instructor, I met Lizzy during this time as well and she had an infectious enthusiasm and was equally as knowledgeable. They are definitely a dynamic duo that care about making their students the best they can be. I have since had several other trapeze instructors throughout the years and Daniel still stands out in my memory as an excellent teacher. Work with him if you are serious about improving!!
Juan Cruz
Circus Performer – Houston, Tx
I was fortunate to have been coached by Daniel and Lizzy for a couple of years and they helped me deepen my understanding of flying trapeze. They are passionate about flying, their students, and creating a positive learning environment.
I’ve personally had many discussions with Daniel about technique, how flying works, and progressions and drills to benefit not only my flying skills, but also to overcome fear. While Daniel thrives in the technical details, Lizzy thrives in the performance and artistic space. When she performs, she reminds me how engaging and fun it is to watch someone truly enjoy what they are doing. She brings that element to her coaching too. Daniel and Lizzy are an excellent team and their coaching styles complement each other, offering students multiple options of approaching their goals.
I highly recommend Daniel and Lizzy to anyone who is looking to begin their flying trapeze journey, deepen their understanding of flying techniques, expand their performance repertoire, or have a fun time!
Meghan Ahearn
Circus Hobbyist – Las Vegas, Nv
Daniel and Lizzy made a great impact on my flying. Starting Day 1, they shared their expertise on technique and mental toughness. They were enthusiastic and encouraging every step of the way. I am now a flying trapeze artist and have worked professionally for circuses around the world- something that I could never have believed was possible a few years ago. Thank you, Daniel and Lizzy.
Sarah Cottrill
Flying Trapeze Performer – Pop Circus
My flying trapeze journey started with Lizzy and Daniel flying in first their rec and then Fly Team training programs at NECCA. The coaching was accessible, purposeful, and highly technical from day one. I spent my first two years learning the basics from them- from taking my swing out of lines to learning to come off the bar for the beginnings of bigger tricks. The process was incredibly rewarding and fun, with the two of them working together to teach me how to tackle both the mental and physical obstacles that come with learning to fly. My time spent learning from Daniel and Lizzy was invaluable, and gave me the foundation upon which I have built my entire professional flying trapeze career.
Alli Bundy
Flying Trapeze Performer – Circus Vargas
Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with an incredible community of adult circus artists—people who pour their hearts into training not for money, but for the pure joy of the craft. These are individuals who embrace every challenge, celebrate every small victory, and find fulfillment in the connections they build along the way. Yet, we’ve seen how most schools treat this group as an afterthought, designing programs that cater to a different audience entirely. We believe that’s a missed opportunity.
This community hasn’t just been a part of our lives—they’ve been our friends. We’ve celebrated holidays, birthdays, and many other milestones together, forging deep connections that extend far beyond the training space. We’ve tirelessly advocated for student needs, only to be let down by businesses that didn’t prioritize student experience and growth. After years of disappointment, we’re taking matters into our own hands, creating a space where their dedication is honored, and their passion can truly thrive.
We want to create a space where this community is not just welcomed but celebrated—a facility designed with them in mind at every turn. From a layout that encourages community interaction to classes structured to push their limits while keeping the fun alive, every detail will reflect our commitment to this unique community.
Building a new kind of circus.
We’ve dedicated our lives to the circus arts, traveling the world and helping to build communities wherever we went. Now, we’re bringing all that experience and passion into creating a space that bridges the gap between recreational and professional circus. This isn’t just a training center—it’s a home where creativity meets community, and where every artist, no matter their background, can shine. As part of this vision, we aim to continue and expand our long-term effort of blending top-tier training with performance opportunities for our students, coaches, and performers.
We’re raising funds to build an indoor training space and a dedicated performance venue, and we’d love for you to be part of this journey. This is a big project, and we’re eager to nurture and grow it with your help.
Join us in making circus arts accessible and inspiring for all!
Step 1.
Find a place to call home.
After much consideration and with abundant support from the local community, we are excited to announce that we will be building our circus company in Northern Virginia. This dynamic region offers the perfect backdrop for our ambitious project, allowing us to cultivate a vibrant circus community and make a significant impact on the local arts scene.
We are actively seeking a location for our facilities and we look forward to working with the local community as we build our forever home.
Temporary Location
We are currently looking for a temporary outdoor location to offer classes and training opportunities to flying trapeze and aerial artists in the Northern Virginia and D.C. metro area.
Site Requirements
- Minimum of 150′ x 75′
- Mostly flat and level.
- Safe to drive stakes in the ground approx. 40″
- Access to restrooms.
- Parking
- Accessible via mass transit.
Step 2.
Teach the fundamentals.
We’re committed to making high-quality circus education available to everyone.
Circus STEPS will offer a free online platform that provides circus artists with an in-depth understanding of the core concepts and essential skills that define each stage of the circus journey.
We teach circus artists how to incorporate movement and responsible training practices into their daily life, ensuring them a long-lasting and positive relationship with circus craft.
Step 3.
Build a place to train.
We know that a quality training space is vital for skill development and consistent progress. That’s why our new facility will be more than just a training center—it will be the heart of our circus community. We’ve poured our experience and passion into designing a space that seamlessly blends functionality with creativity, ensuring every student, no matter their level, can train effectively and without interruption.
Our facility will feature a well-equipped fitness area and specialized circus spaces that can accommodate multiple classes at once, allowing each session to be productive and focused. This thoughtful layout addresses the challenges we’ve seen in other schools, creating an environment where performers can thrive at every stage of their circus journey.
But for us, it’s more than just about smart design—it’s about creating a sustainable, welcoming space where artistry and innovation can flourish. We’re building a place that caters to the diverse needs of our community, fostering growth, connection, and development. This will be a home for those who see circus not just as a hobby, but as a vital part of their lives.
Quick Construction
By using simple prefabricated elements, our facility is designed for efficient construction, enabling us to quickly establish a top-tier training environment.
Step 4.
Build a stage.
A dedicated performance venue is essential to our mission of bridging the gap between recreational and professional circus. This venue will serve as a vibrant creative hub where emerging artists can showcase their talents, explore innovative ideas, and gain invaluable live performance experience.
In the current circus landscape, many high-level artists endure exhausting schedules, often performing multiple shows daily, five to six days a week. This relentless pace can lead to burnout and injury, with some artists appearing in over 400 shows annually—a model that is neither sustainable, nor conducive to long-term artistic growth.
Our vision offers a refreshing alternative. Rather than a grueling routine, we will produce a series of three to four unique shows each year. These productions will provide performers with new creative opportunities, allowing them to experiment with fresh artistic directions while benefiting from essential rest and recovery periods.
Our new venue will not only support the well-being and artistic development of the next generation of circus artists but also enrich the local community. By presenting high-quality, inspiring performances, we aim to foster a cultural hub where artistry and community come together.
Step 5.
Inspire others.
You no longer have to run away to be part of this world—we’re building a space where anyone with a passion for circus can thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned performer, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves the thrill of live entertainment, our vision is to make the circus a vibrant, accessible reality right here at home.
We’re offering top-tier training, diverse performance opportunities, and a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and connect with others who share your passion. But to make this vision a reality, we need your support.
For our local community, your small contributions will help us create a dedicated training space and performance venue right here at home. Imagine a vibrant, buzzing hub where you and your neighbors can come together to be inspired by the circus arts—whether it’s taking a class, watching a show, or simply being part of the creative energy. Your support will transform this space into a cultural landmark, enriching our community and making world-class performances accessible to all.
For investors, we invite you to become a cornerstone of this groundbreaking venture. As executive producers and financial sponsors of our first few seasons, you’ll not only help launch unforgettable shows but also invest in the future of the circus arts. This is an opportunity to support a project that blends artistry with innovation, setting new standards for sustainability and creativity in the industry. Together, we can build something truly extraordinary.
Your support can help make this dream a reality.
Together, we can build a circus community like no other—rooted in excellence, creativity, and inclusivity. Let’s make the magic of the circus something everyone can be a part of.
Your circus journey is a path of many steps…
We guide the way.
From your first class, all the way to the Big Top. Our step-by-step program guides you through your entire circus journey.
- Progression Based Skill Training
- Comprehensive Fitness Program
- Artistic/Performance Development
- High Quality Photos and Videos
- In-Depth Guidance and Support
- Digitally Illustrated Educational Materials
