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Secret Circus

4.8 ★★★★★ 98 Google reviews · Pole studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Aerial arts too Beginner-friendly

Plan your first class

Hours

Monday 5–9:30 pm
Tuesday 6–9:30 pm
Wednesday 6–9:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am–9:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am–8 pm
Saturday 8:30 am–2:30 pm
Sunday 8 am–3 pm

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and class schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they teach

Pole and aerial classes on the schedule at Secret Circus, confirmed in students' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💪 Pole Fitness 5 mentions

“Great program to build confidence and strength as well as camaraderie with the other students.”

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🌱 Beginner Pole 8 mentions

“I only just started taking the beginner class (Laurie's) here at the beginning of the month and I absolutely love it!”

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🎀 Aerial Silks 3 mentions

“Took a drop-in aerial silks class while visiting from out of town and the studio was lovely and kept pretty cool despite the summer heat!”

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Aerial Hoop (Lyra)

“I highly recommend this experience for any group looking to try something new, whether it’s silk, aerial, or lyra.”

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🤸 Flexibility & Stretch 2 mentions

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What's on offer

Amenities students name in their reviews of Secret Circus — the fastest way to tell what to expect before you book your first class.

🎀 Aerial Apparatus 2 mentions

“Took a drop-in aerial silks class while visiting from out of town and the studio was lovely and kept pretty cool despite the summer heat!”

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🤝 Community Events 7 mentions

“Great kind friendly community of clientele all very supporting and helpful with a whole lotta positivity always!”

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Amenities are mined from reviews and the studio's own info — they tell you what students have experienced, not a formal guarantee. If something is a dealbreaker (grip aids, showers, private parties), confirm it with the studio before you go.

What students say again and again

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 98 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“We came in as 8 ladies, all trying this for the first time, and she made it feel so comfortable and fun from start to finish.”

🧑‍🏫 amazing instructors 4 mentions

“At Secret Circus you will find a safe and supportive environment where the instructors are highly experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach.”

💪 empowering & confidence-building 6 mentions

“Also, they modify their classes so, that all participants from beginner to advanced feel confident but challenged.”

💜 body-positive & judgment-free 3 mentions

“They are incredibly accommodating to people of all shapes, sizes, identities, and abilities.”

🔥 great full-body workout 2 mentions

“I have met awesome people, have become noticeably stronger and have so much fun at the same time.”

From the reviews

The best circus school in Philly not only because of the staff but also the students. Having attended various circus schools and trained with a range of instructors, I can say with confidence that Secret Circus has built the most welcoming and close knit community I've found in any gym or studio setting.

★★★★★ — Ren, Aug 2020

I only just started taking the beginner class (Laurie's) here at the beginning of the month and I absolutely love it! I am an absolute beginner and I feel safe! High ceilings and mats! This school accommodates all levels! All the coaches I have met so far (Laurie and Jackie) are so nice and patient!

★★★★★ — Angelica, Sep 2023

They are passionate instructors who are very knowledgeable of their craft. They will inspire you to push yourself and try things that you never thought you could do! Also, they modify their classes so, that all participants from beginner to advanced feel confident but challenged.

★★★★★ — Laura, Sep 2017

Secret Circus is awesome! The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and they care to see you flourish as well as be safe. The community here is very supportive and encouraging. I personally know because I'm not that great at aerials but they still cheer me on. If you think you want to try it out, you should!

★★★★★ — Amy, Sep 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 98 reviews →

Your first pole class at Secret Circus

Nervous about your first pole class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects total beginners to walk in the door. Here's what to know. You don't need to be strong, flexible, or thin to start — pole builds all of that, and your first class is about learning to spin, walk the pole, and hold on, not inverting on day one. What to expect: a warm-up, some conditioning, and a few basic spins or a short combo — it's a real full-body workout, so expect to sweat and to feel it in your arms and core the next day. Rest whenever you need to; no one is watching or judging. What to wear: shorts and a tank or sports bra — bare skin on your arms, legs, and stomach is what grips the pole, so save the leggings for aerial or floorwork. Skip the lotion the day of class; it makes the pole slippery. Grip aids: most studios keep grip liquid (Dry Hands / iTac) on hand, and knee pads make floorwork comfy — ask at the front desk. What to bring: water and a small towel. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet your instructor. It clicks fast — most people leave their first class already planning the next one.

Pole is for every body, and it's about strength, artistry, and confidence — not performing for anyone else. If you're pregnant or working around an injury, check with a doctor and let your instructor know so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Secret Circus

428 E Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA19134

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.