I agree wholehearedly with the other reviewers--Cynthia is the best! my daughter took Skilly Circus class for the first time a couple years ago and always wants to go back to learn the next level--she has been to camps and more classes since. She gained stage presence, confidence and wonderfully entertaining physical talents, all of course while having fun. Highly recommended! read more

I can't say enough nice things about Cynthia, her team and her students at Circus Moves! She and several students recently came to our elementary school's carnival. They performed throughout the event, walking on stilts and juggling, and also provided mini lessons for the kids at the carnival. She and the performers were all quite entertaining, friendly and sweet. Families in attendance raved about the kids' talents. My sons (age 8 and 6) also participated in after school classes with Cynthia last fall. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were eager to get to class each week. Cynthia has a really nice way with kids--sweet and fun yet firm. I would highly recommend Circus Moves classes, camps and performances read more

My son just finished a session at the after-school program at his elementary in Alameda. I never saw a session, but he always came home happy and excited on Wednesdays, eager to share the newest trick he learned in Circus Moves. If they do another session at school, we'll definitely sign him up again. read more

Me, I'm the grumpy guy who decides not to celebrate his birthday because I'm sick of dealing with friends. Cynthia, she's the one who organizes the party with tons of fun stuff to do for the kids AND the grownups that helps us all play together and realize that life is great. Cynthia can entertain groups with folks of all skill levels - ranging from her close friends who are professional performers to my dorky friends who have trouble not spilling their drinks. In true clown fashion, Cynthia can help you enjoy all the tragedy mixed up with all of the joy of life. Or alternatively just sing a silly song that just makes you laugh. The kids she works with are great too. Really, you can't go wrong! read more

My kid has been to LOTS of circus classes... and lots of kid's parties... Skilly Circus is hands down the BEST. First of all, the kids actually learn stuff! Second they love it, and they feel really accomplished coming out of the class. Cynthia is a great teacher, she really makes the lessons fun and the kids totally get it. Skilly Circus is far and away better than any other circus class! read more

My son just wrapped up an after school session at franklin and he kept raving on how fun it is. Cynthia and her team makes it a fun learning and open creative arena. read more

We hired Circus Moves for our preschool end of the year/graduation party. This was, by far, the best decision we made! Circus Moves far exceeded all of our expectations. Our children were captivated and behaved. Our families were impressed and engaged. Parents, children, and their teacher all participated in a host of circus activities each with the proper mixture of difficulty, novelty, and fun, allowing a true sense of accomplishment when mastery was achieved! Parents bonded with their children. Everyone was smiling, laughing, concentrating, and just having an incredible time. Cynthia is an exceptional teacher, encourager, and overall positive spirit! She is well-versed in child development, provides a safe and structured environment, and is kind and funny. As a parent, I found tremendous joy in watching my children actively participate in the wonder of the circus! As an educational psychologist, I was thrilled to see kinesthetic activities that are novel for children maintain their attention, interest, and simultaneously challenge fine and gross motor skills, persistence, patience, cooperation, esteem and sportsmanship. I'd hire Cynthia in a heartbeat for any future event! I fully endorse Circus Moves as a parent, child mental health practioner, and educational psychologist! read more

Cynthia has a great rapport with children and adults alike. Our Skilly Circus party was fun, easygoing, and delightful, with activities geared just right for the age group. Everyone had fun, learned something new, and surprised themselves! I would recommend Skilly Circus for any age group - a great time for everyone from little kids to grumpy grownups! read more

My 10-year-old daughter LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Skilly Circus! She has gone to both the summer camp (lots of fun...which is what summer is about :) and the weekly circus class. Learning circus skills has been a huge confidence boost for my daughter. It is non-competitive and teaches focus...and it's fun! But what makes Skilly Circus unique is Cynthia!! It is evident that she loves the kids and thoroughly enjoys teaching them. She has a great gift for it & is all heart! Of all the activities my daughter has done, Skilly Circus is the ONE that she wants to go back to, again and again. And did I mention that it's FUN?! read more

Cynthia teaches my daughter's circus class at her Berkeley elementary school and it was no surprise when my daughter requested that Cynthia lead a circus workshop for her birthday party. The kids all had so much fun! Cynthia taught the kids all sorts of neat tricks, including juggling, rolla-bollas, and even some partner balancing. Most of all, I was impressed by how Cynthia connected with the kids so warmly. read more

Cynthia was specifically requested by my son to lead his 8-year old birthday party. He had met her once before and loved the Skilly Circus activities and her personality. My son can be very resistant to new people, so this is a HUGE compliment. Cynthia goes beyond entertaining and actually gets the kids (and parents) learning new skills, playing and laughing together. Our party had children as young as 3 and as old as 9. She was able to keep them interested and learning for 90+ minutes. We did bring a few quiet activities in case there were kids who wanted a break, but most were happy to balance, juggle, spin plates, and try out the stilts. It was exactly what my 8-year old wanted. We did choose to add-on a balancing peacock feather for each child as a party favor. It would be great if the party cost included a take-home like that, but I was okay with the added cost to make that happen. read more

My daughter is in third grade and has never loved any activity like she loves Circus Moves! She has been part of the Circus Moves after school class at her school for over a year now, and likes it more and more as time goes on. For our daughter, this is EXTREMELY unusual and delightful to see!! Typically she needs to be convinced to try things and then, within a short period of time, begins complaining about various things she doesn't like about the class or the teacher or.... you name it. So it is amazing and wonderful to see her light up each week on Tuesday morning, when she knows she will be able to go to her favorite class: Circus Moves. It is definitely the highlight of her week! I appreciate Cynthia's emphasis on learning safety practices and the way she has the more experienced kids serve as guides or helpers for the newcomers. It really helps my child feel competent and also see how much she has learned over time - FABULOUS!! Now we are planning on buying her some stilts of her own. Thanks Cynthia! read more