Edmonton born and raised, Ryan began his circus career after being enamoured by his brother’s first circus performance in 2012. Having no sports or artistic background to his name, Ryan was eager to learn and quickly fell in love with all aspects of circus. He dabbles in a bit of everything—from juggling to acrobatics to aerials of all sorts. You can find him up on the flying trapeze board, sending our graceful fliers off, as well as on the other end to catch them! (Not at the same time.) Always a cheerful, helping hand, Ryan is excited to help build the circus community that WCFT has cultivated.

Michael is a born-and-raised Vancouverite, who spent years practicing martial arts and many other types of sports. Though he didn’t grow up in the circus world, he fell in love with it while going to Club Med and learning the flying trapeze—coming close to realizing his lifelong dream of flying. Michael is one of our regular flying trapeze coaches, though he teaches other types of trapeze and partner acro as well. Michael loves creating new circus tricks, and spending time with his daughter, who is following in his active footsteps.

James was born and raised in London, England. He played football from the time he could walk until age 14, when he discovered waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding. James was late to the circus party, firstly taking a Ninja Warrior class at WCFT, before finding an interest in handstands. It snowballed from there, and James fell in love with all things circus—he now takes up to 6 classes a week, from flying trapeze to trampoline and everything in between. James works in the banking industry, but coaches flying trapeze when he’s not working or taking all those classes!

Beatrix first fell in love with flying trapeze while on vacation at Club Med in 2015. Though she still travels to tropical destinations for trapeze once a year, she is thrilled to fly and coach year-round without needing to leave town. Beatrix grew up dancing and swimming, and has trained in kickboxing and Crossfit—she loves everything to do with health and fitness! In the summer you’ll find her kayaking or hiking locally, especially with her dog, Tikah. Beatrix is also a grade seven teacher, and loves to challenge herself and share her passions with people of all ages and skill levels.

Dave started his acrobatic career as a trampolinist, competing with the Canadian National Team in double mini. He made his transition from gymnastics to flying trapeze at Club Med Resorts in 1997, and has been active in the trapeze community as a performer and instructor since then. He has experience teaching and performing in nine different countries. Dave has worked with people of all ages and abilities, but his specialty is working with intermediate and advanced flying trapeze students to achieve their personal goals, and enabling them to bring their flying to heights they never dreamed possible.

Colleen has been in the recreation and fitness industry for over 15 years. She holds a degree in Recreational Leadership, and she has worked as a personal trainer and fitness motivator in Ontario. Colleen has instructed flying trapeze, aerial arts, and children’s circus programs at various resorts, schools, and summer camps worldwide, including Canada, United States, Australia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Colleen has also performed with The Flying Aces for the Netherlands National Circus on their 2012 UK tour and with Limburgs Kerstcircus for their Christmas gala in Sittard, Holland.

Briony spent her 20s working in the TV industry in London, where she met her husband Max. In 2009 shortly after the birth of their first child, they decided to move to Canada, and made their home in Maple Ridge. After having another child, Briony decided it was time to get fit; she tried, Running, Swimming, ice skating, and Outdoor bootcamps. But none of them gave her the results she was looking for, and after a while they were no longer enjoyable. In April 2016 she took her first swing on the trapeze, and started attending the Big Top Bootcamp. From this she gained the strength and confidence to start aerial classes, and regular flying trapeze sessions, whilst still enjoying the Bigtop bootcamp. A year later she’s back down to the size she was in her teens, and stronger than she’s ever been! She cannot wait to share what she’s learned with you.

Jonathan has always been interested in the unique and spectacular. Joining the Vancouver Magic Circle at age 14 exposed him to a world of fun and wonder that he has enjoyed ever since. Jon’s education and experiences have led him to have a varied skill set, including many art forms such as dance, juggling, balloon twisting, and unicycling. He holds a Fine Arts Degree from Simon Fraser University, where he was president of the Improv Club, and spent several years as a ballroom instructor where he honed his teaching skills. Always open to trying new things, Jonathan is excited to be part of the WCFT team, and is looking forward to sharing his passion with others.