Terry
youth program director
Terry Brennan came to circus at the ripe old age of 35. He trained as an actor and a clown at The Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and performed in five national tours with Enchantment Theatre Company in the US. Terry taught parkour, acrobatics, handstands, and children’s circus classes at the Philadelphia School for Circus Arts for 10 years before coming to West Coast Circus. In his spare time, he juggles car tires and reviews pizza. His favorite type of pizza is Chicago-style deep dish, which has made him a lot of enemies over the years.
Terry
youth program director
Terry Brennan came to circus at the ripe old age of 35. He trained as an actor and a clown at The Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and performed in five national tours with Enchantment Theatre Company in the US. Terry taught parkour, acrobatics, handstands, and children’s circus classes at the Philadelphia School for Circus Arts for 10 years before coming to West Coast Circus. In his spare time, he juggles car tires and reviews pizza. His favorite type of pizza is Chicago-style deep dish, which has made him a lot of enemies over the years.
Briony (aka “The Flying Mom”)
Teaches: Aerial Silks & Flying Trapeze | Circus Since: 2016
This high-flying instructor swapped mom duties for mid-air adventures in 2016 and never looked back. What started as a post-baby fitness experiment turned into a full-blown circus career—Briony is now a certified instructor who lives for the gasp of a perfect catch and the glitter of showcase costumes.
When she’s not upside down on silks or spotting students mid-swing, you’ll find this thrill-seeking instructor chasing adrenaline elsewhere: shredding downhill bike trails in summer and snowboarding mountains in winter.
Her next big goal? Nailing that elusive round-trip on the trapeze—because this instructor doesn’t just fly; she aims to boomerang!
Test (aka “The Flying Mom”)
Teaches: Aerial Silks & Flying Trapeze | Circus Since: 2016
This high-flying instructor swapped mom duties for mid-air adventures in 2016 and never looked back. What started as a post-baby fitness experiment turned into a full-blown circus career—Briony is now a certified instructor who lives for the gasp of a perfect catch and the glitter of showcase costumes.
When she’s not upside down on silks or spotting students mid-swing, you’ll find this thrill-seeking instructor chasing adrenaline elsewhere: shredding downhill bike trails in summer and snowboarding mountains in winter.
Her next big goal? Nailing that elusive round-trip on the trapeze—because this instructor doesn’t just fly; she aims to boomerang!
Ryan (aka “The Engineer of Air”)
Teaches: Flying Trapeze | Circus Since: 2012
This gravity-defying instructor was hooked the moment he saw his brother perform—now he’s the one making jaws drop on the trapeze. With a love for its endless possibilities (“You can fly, sit still, spin, or partner up—it’s the Swiss Army knife of circus!”), Ryan brings the same precision to teaching that he uses in his day job as an electrical engineer.
When he’s not in the air, this multi-talented instructor can be found rock climbing, snowboarding, or gaming—though he’ll drop everything for a cat cuddle session. His circus highlights include performing inches from audiences at live music events and school shows across BC and Alberta.
Never one to stop learning, Ryan’s current obsessions are the “Around the World” straps move (“Like walking on air—but harder!”) and the elusive one-arm handstand (“Because regular handstands are too mainstream”).
Rachel (aka “The Healing Hurricane”)
Teaches: Aerial Silks & Lyra | Circus Since: 2023
This dynamic instructor discovered circus arts during a challenging time, and now uses that transformative power to inspire others. Whether spinning on silks or floating in lyra, Rachel brings her background as a certified personal trainer and fashion fit model to create classes that build both strength and confidence. Her most memorable performance? An unrehearsed sunset show at SFU that proved even spontaneous acts can create magic.
When not in the air, this multi-talented instructor is either freediving in the depths or preparing for her next adventure as a massage therapy student. But her heart always returns to circus – especially when dreaming about mastering her spinning meathook climbs and flare S wraps.
Rachel’s circus philosophy? “The silks don’t care what baggage you bring – they only ask if you’re willing to climb.” With goals ranging from perfecting her spin climbs to seeing every Cirque du Soleil show, this instructor proves that growth never stops – it just gets more aerial.
Kira (aka “The Stilted Star”)
Teaches: Aerial Hoop, Hammock, & Circus Arts | Circus Since: 2018
This adventurous instructor stumbled into aerial hoop by accident in 2018—thanks to a case of mistaken identity (she thought it was yoga!). Now, she’s a co-founder of Vail Mountain Cirque, a Pilates-infused teaching pro, and a stilt-walking, juggling whirlwind. Whether she’s coaching students or performing (like her show-stopping trio on Vail’s grandest stage), Kira blends safety, fun, and technique to help others soar.
When off-duty, this instructor swaps her hoop for hiking boots—trail-testing with her dog, Norman—or dives into her PhD in planetary health (“Gotta keep Earth as agile as circus artists!”). But her latest obsession? Aerial hoop ON STILTS, because why conquer one skill when you can stack the challenges?
Jade (aka “The Silk Scientist”)
Teaches: Aerial Silks | Circus Since: 2022
This rising-star instructor brings a gymnast’s precision and a scientist’s curiosity to the silks. Though her early gymnastics career was short-lived (“Rhythmic gym wasn’t my rhythm!”), Jade found her true calling at 11 years old when she first touched aerial silks. After a COVID hiatus, she returned to the air at West Coast Circus—and now she’s hooked for life.
When not twisting in the silks, this multi-talented instructor is studying science at UFV, playing violin, or adventuring with her dog. She’s also a seasoned performer, having dazzled crowds at Pitt Meadows Day and school demonstrations.
What’s next? Conquering the flying trapeze—because why stick to one aerial apparatus when you can fly in every direction?
James (aka “The Ninja Catcher”)
Teaches: Flying Trapeze | Circus Since: 2017
This high-flying instructor started his journey through Ninja Warrior classes, proving that all roads eventually lead to the trapeze bar. After mastering handstands and trampolines, James found his true calling in December 2018 when he made his first catch – and he’s been soaring (and catching others) ever since.
When he’s not defying gravity in the rigging, this adventurous instructor can be found biking, hiking, or paddling across waterways (beer in hand, because balance is important). A veteran of numerous flying trapeze shows, James brings both flying and catching expertise to every class.
His next challenge? Taking his trampoline skills to new heights – because apparently flying through the air on a tiny bar just wasn’t exciting enough.
Beatrix (aka “Coach Bea, The Tenacious Flyer”)
Teaches: Flying Trapeze | Circus Since: 2015
This devoted instructor discovered her aerial addiction during a Club Med vacation, returning twice daily despite bruised legs and torn hands. When she found West Coast’s rig, she traded tropical getaways for Richmond’s heights – first as a student, then as an instructor, persevering through injuries with trademark determination.
By day, this passionate educator teaches French immersion to elementary students (for over 20 years!). By night/weekends, she’s either soaring through the air, hiking trails, or relaxing at her lake cabin with her two schnoodles. Her performance highlights include multiple Heps for Hearts charity shows.
Though she dreams of Dominican Republic circus trips and improving her trampoline skills, her true passion remains the flying trapeze – proving that once you catch the circus bug, you never really let go.
Meagan (aka “The Silks Supermom”)
Office | Circus Since: 2023
This office superstar and silks enthusiast proves it’s never too late to take flight – especially after raising four kids! What began as a friend’s invitation to try silks in 2023 became her weekly dose of fun and challenge. Though the first climbs were tough, Meagan’s perseverance paid off – she’s since dazzled in our 2024 Adult Showcase and brought Barbie dreams to life at our Halloween carnival.
When not keeping our circus running smoothly behind the scenes, this multitasking mom can be found hiking with her family, hunting for the perfect mocha latte, or planning her next aerial adventure (flying trapeze and hoop are on her must-try list!). Inspired by Cirque’s Mizuki Shinagawa, Meagan embodies the WCC spirit – where every student, staff member and office hero discovers they’re capable of amazing things.
Jennifer (aka “The Graceful Flyer”)
Teaches: Aerial Silks, Hammock & Pilates | Circus Since: circa 2015
This elegant instructor took her dance background and literally elevated it – trading the floor for the air where she’s been spinning and soaring ever since. With her trusty Assistant Coach Lucky (the very good dog) by her side, Summer brings a dancer’s grace and a coach’s precision to every silks and hammock class.
Whether guiding students through flowing sequences or strengthening bodies through Pilates, this instructor proves that circus arts are the perfect blend of artistry and athleticism. After nearly a decade in the air, she still finds joy in that magical moment when students discover they can fly too.
Kelsey (aka “Coach Kelsey, The Upside-Down Philosopher”)
Teaches: Hoop, Silks, Hammock & Dance Trapeze | Circus Since: 2016
This radiant instructor discovered circus at 30 – and promptly traded “muggle gym” routines for the thrill of flying trapeze and the artistry of hoop. Inspired by mentor Caara Van Wyk’s grace, Kelsey now embodies that same transformative teaching magic at West Coast, where she found her chosen family. Whether helping students push past fear on the trapeze or proving “life is better upside down,” her classes blend challenge with pure joy.
Beyond the rigging, this nap-loving instructor has performed everywhere from hip clubs (aerial shows to R&B beats) to her old high school (full choir accompaniment, no less!). But her greatest roles? Wife, dog mom, and the coach who proves you’re never done learning – especially when flying through the air.
Forever (aka “The Graceful Gravity-Defier”)
Teaches: Silks, Hammock, Hoop, Trapeze & Jr. Circus | Circus Since: 2021
This airborne artist with 15+ years of dance and skating training found their true calling when Instagram aerial videos inspired a leap into the air. Now, Forever crafts classes where fluid artistry meets thrilling drops—whether spinning in a hammock or guiding tiny circus stars in Jr. programs.
A technique wizard, this instructor breaks down moves earthside first (“Ground work makes air work magical!”), blending their expertise in alignment yoga and aerial yoga to build strength safely. When not teaching, Forever’s either chasing perfect shots through a camera lens, jet-setting to new places, or curled up with their two feline supervisors.
Next Act: Mastering Cyr wheel and dynamic floor transitions to create even more breathtaking aerial storytelling. Because why should dancers have all the fun on the ground?
Jenessa (aka “The Physio Flyer”)
Teaches: Aerial Silks | Circus Since: 2021
This high-flying physiotherapy student discovered silks post-pandemic and quickly traded textbooks for climbs – though she’ll still geek out about anatomy mid-air. Inspired by Mizuki Shinagawa’s grace, Jenessa now splits her time between mastering dynamic silks moves at West Coast and completing her UBC Masters of Physiotherapy (talk about applied science!).
Whether breaking down biomechanics or cheering students through their first inversions, this instructor brings a clinician’s precision to every class. Her next challenge? Conquering trapeze – because apparently healing bodies and defying gravity pair perfectly.
Laura (aka “The Future Engineer Flyer”)
Teaches: Circus Camps | Circus Since: 2021
This rising star first discovered circus at a West Coast summer camp and instantly fell in love – especially with silks, though she’ll happily flip on trapeze or trampoline too. When not teaching campers, Laura dreams of chemical engineering or interior design (“Circus teaches physics AND creativity!”), and brings that same analytical flair to perfecting her silks performances.
Her Canada Day aerial showcase proved she thrives under spotlights, just like in her musical theater productions. Next goal? Trapeze independence – because if she can design molecules and dance routines, flying solo is just another equation to solve.
Tara (aka “The Groupon Flyer”)
Teaches: Flying Trapeze | Circus Since: 2016
This instructor’s circus career began with the best deal ever—a friend’s Groupon for flying trapeze. Seven years later, she’s traded that coupon for spotlight performances and workshops with pros, all while living her parallel dream as a costume designer for film/TV (“Sequins look good on screens AND in the air!”).
Tara brings a designer’s eye to every class, whether she’s coaching catches or breaking down moves with Cirque-inspired flair. Her dual passions collide when she stitches custom performance wear for fellow flyers. That original Groupon may have expired, but her aerial addiction? Lifetime membership.
Dave (aka “The International Man of Flight”)
Teaches: Flying Trapeze | Circus Since: 1997
This globe-trotting instructor began catching flyers at Club Med in ’97 and never looked down. For 25+ years, he’s brought circus magic to resorts from Mexico to Australia, touring professionally across 6 continents (yes, he’s counted). Whether teaching at international schools or performing in Japan’s cherry blossoms and Scotland’s castles, Dave collects air miles like most people collect stamps.
Now sharing his worldwide expertise at West Coast, he still gets that same thrill watching students make their first catch. Pro tip: Ask about the time he taught trapeze during a Caribbean hurricane (“Best wind assist ever!”).
Skye (aka “The Legacy Flyer”)
Teaches: Trampoline | Circus Since: 2016 (age 8!)
This homegrown instructor practically grew up in the rigging—after watching her mum soar on flying trapeze, eight-year-old Skye demanded her turn. A decade later, she’s mastered hammock, tumbling, and even catching mid-air—all while coaching kids on trampoline with the same patience her mentors showed her.
Now 18, she still trains alongside her parents (“Family that flies together stays together!”), blending generations of circus love. Whether spotting a first-time bouncer or perfecting her own duo trapeze act, Skye proves circus isn’t just a skill—it’s a shared language.
Michael (aka “The Flying Alchemist”)
Teaches: Flying Trapeze, Swinging Trapeze & Partner Acro | Circus Since: Late 1990s
This veteran instructor discovered flying trapeze at Club Med 28 years ago and has been turning gravity into an option ever since. From marathon performances at Science World (28 shows in 7 days!) to coaching new generations, Michael blends decades of experience with fresh creativity.
When not perfecting his eternal handstand quest, he’s cheering on his university-student daughter or training for pickleball tournaments. His real superpower? Transforming “I can’t” into “Watch this!” mid-air.
West Coast Circus Foundation
411-19055 Airport Way
Pitt Meadows, BC, V3Y 0G4
Canada