Nikolas Strubbe

Student Recommendations

• Laleh E. July 6, 2011

  "I first met Nikolas through the "Circus Boot Camp" class that he teaches to help expose beginners to the circus arts. During this class, I realized that I could really benefit from improving my balance.
  
  I have always been afraid of heights, but Nikolas has been an extremely patient teacher, and works very hard to make sure that I'm comfortable during our lessons together. Without fail, at some point during each lesson I tell him that I'm really scared (usually while standing on a pair of stilts) and he calmly reminds me to breathe. We work on increasing strength and flexibility in addition to mental imagery exercises to really connect mind and body. I think the balance lessons are really helping me learn to focus, which is a positive side-effect I hadn't anticipated. It is clear that Nikolas truly loves his work as a teacher, and likely views himself as a perpetual student himself; I feel comfortable asking him zillions of questions, and I always leave our lessons feeling inspired and proud of what I've accomplished. He is really talented, but incredibly humble about it, and I've never felt uncomfortable pushing myself to the next level under his supervision. Even if you're not sure about booking a lesson with Nikolas, I would encourage you to contact him with your questions. He's really quite nice!"

• Eden R. June 27, 2011

  "Circus Boot Camp is an indescribably magical experience. I've been taught by many instructors for everything from dance to yoga to self defense and Nikolas and Joan are the best instructors I've ever had! The space they hold is one of absolute freedom, support, and non-judgment. Just like everyone else on this planet, I've struggled with anxiety and fear of not not being good enough. In Circus Boot Camp, there is no room for self-doubt or judgment. You just move and explore and laugh and connect with everyone else and do things you never thought you could do. Before you know it, you're using strength you didn't know you had.
  
  Circus Boot Camp is so joyful and empowering. As I write this, I'm struggling to find adjectives that adequately describe how insanely fun it is. You form a community of joyful exploration and connection with your classmates and the instructors. You're inspired to take risks and try new things because you know that whatever you do you cannot fail. Even when you fall down on the mat, you get up and laugh and try again. That shame response of "Oh I looked like such an idiot/I'm terrible at this/I can't do this" just doesn't happen. In Circus Boot Camp, you become a kid again. Unencumbered by shame, doubt, and fear, you play and tumble and swing and move in a state of joyful, empowered freedom."

• Bryan H. June 15, 2011

  "Before taking Circus Boot Camp, I dabbled alone with acrobatics, juggling, mime, tumbling and unicycling. It was such a relief to finally find other adults who were committed to coming together weekly to challenge and support each other in physical and sometimes emotionally challenging ways. Both Nikolas and Joan created a safe, playful, and respectful environment where we were encouraged to embrace our goofiness and play in a radical way. Nikolas not only is a skillful circus artist, but he has the patience, passion, organization and clarity that makes an excellent teacher. I would definitely take other classes or workshops with him in the future!"

• kristen M. June 13, 2011

  "I LOVED Circus Bootcamp...!! What an amazing introduction into the circus arts.
  
  Nikolas has a wonderful way of creating a very safe space to learn, grow, and explore. He is a generous and talented leader, and also just a really great guy. :) I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by the thought of aerial work and acrobatics, but this class made everything feel very accessible. It was a great conditioning workout, but just felt like a ton of fun!! :) "