The first thing that struck me about Kelsey Hartland was our common ground. Not only is she a silks artist, teacher and performer, she has also repurposed an old barn to create her own studio!
Needless to say, we had a lot to discuss. The knowledge and dedication required to build your own aerial studio is daunting – even for the most intrepid and brave among us. For Kelsey (and for me) it’s the realization of a long time dream come true. Yet another similarity is our passion for movement. It’s not about what you do in the air, it’s about how you do it. So I am thrilled to welcome Kelsey to the studio in March of 2025 for two incredible weeks of aerial dance exploration! Here’s a recap of our recent chat.
Kelsey Hartland Incorporates Dance into her Aerial Silks Retreat
Kelsey Hartland's journey from a dance education major to an aerial artist and instructor is as inspiring as it is unconventional. She took a unique path, falling in love with aerial dance in an unexpected place, and now she's bringing her passion and expertise to a new audience at her upcoming aerial retreat in Portugal this March.

Week 1: March 16-23, 2025
Week 2: March 23-30, 2025
How It All Began: From Dance to Circus
Kelsey’s introduction to aerial dance came during her time at Illinois State University, where she initially majored in dance education. Though she loved dance, she quickly realized that pursuing it as a career wasn’t the right fit. As she says, "The program and me just didn’t jive, how I moved and how they wanted me to move wasn’t for me."
At Illinois State, though, something incredible happened—she discovered the university’s performing circus program. Kelsey switched her focus from dance to math, but she didn’t leave the performance world behind. Instead, she joined the circus, performing in acts like the “Bike Built for 10” on a unicycle and experimenting with silks and lyra.
"I fell in love with the fabric!" Kelsey recalls. "All the passion that I was lacking in my dance degree reignited." And that’s where her true journey with aerials began back in 2013.

Building a Passion, One Silk at a Time
After graduating with a degree in math education, Kelsey became a middle school teacher but never lost her love for aerial dance. She threw herself into every training opportunity, from in-person workshops to virtual sessions. She studied all over the U.S., including completing three levels of training with Aerial Physique, and earned her teaching certification from Circus Arts Institute.
Kelsey’s passion for teaching and her commitment to education made her the perfect aerial instructor. Her math degree came in handy, too, helping her break down complicated techniques into understandable pieces. "Classroom management, how to explain how to teach and math has come in so handy," she explains. "It comes together in a beautiful way."
Creating a Home for Aerial Artistry
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kelsey’s in-person classes at the local elementary school gym came to a halt. But that didn’t stop her. That same summer, she set up her own rig at home and trained daily. Soon, her students were back, training outside in the heat, masked up and ready to learn.
This dedication eventually led to the creation of Kelsey’s dream studio—a barn transformed into an aerial haven, where she continues to teach today. "We’re very proud of what we created because we did it ourselves," she says. Despite some challenges—like the occasional bat flying into the studio—Kelsey’s passion for her craft only deepened.
These 3 images show part of the process of repurposing the old barn. Truly a labor of love for Kelsey!

Tearing out the walls and creating a new structure strong enough for aerials

Final Stages: Almost Ready!

The new studio with a class
Aerial Retreats: Combining Passion with Exploration
Kelsey’s retreats are the latest evolution of her aerial journey. Her first retreat in Costa Rica in January 2024 was a success, offering students a chance to escape their daily routines and focus on improving their skills in a supportive, immersive environment. Now, she’s preparing for her next big adventure—an aerial retreat in Portugal in March 2025.
At this retreat, Kelsey will focus on choreography and creative pathways. "We’re going to explore 7 billion different ways to get to a wrap," she explains. "Nobody knew you were going to be in a drop—that’s where aerial meets dance." Participants will dive into musicality, exploring how different styles of movement can sync with a variety of music, and learn to combine skills into beautiful, flowing sequences.
Kelsey also emphasizes the importance of technique, helping students move more efficiently and understand the nuances of aerial performance. Whether it’s overcoming hurdles like micro-bends or learning to sequence a routine, Kelsey’s teaching is rooted in her desire to help students push past their limits.

Why Attend an Aerial Retreat?
What makes these retreats so special? According to Kelsey, it’s the chance to leave behind the distractions of everyday life and focus entirely on training. "One major advantage is the escape from everyday life," she says. "You’re not coming off a workday, so the training will be different in your body."
The aerial silks retreat also fosters a sense of community, bringing together aerialists from different backgrounds and skill levels. With multiple days of focused training, students can make significant progress on their goals. Kelsey recalls a student from her last retreat who wanted to master straight-arm inversions. "By Friday, she had them," Kelsey says proudly.
The extended time together also allows for a deeper exploration of performance, as Kelsey helps students go beyond simply learning tricks to understanding how to present them artistically. "It’s nice to start talking about how to perform the skill as soon as you learn it," she explains.

What to Expect in Portugal
Kelsey’s Portugal aerial silks retreat is geared toward intermediate and advanced students, with a focus on building on existing skills. Participants will work through creative pathways, choreography, and technique tips, learning to overcome personal challenges while developing their unique style.
The retreat promises to be a transformative experience, both for those seeking to refine their aerial skills and for those looking to connect with like-minded individuals in an inspiring setting. Participants will also enjoy fabulous fresh food, excursions to local beaches and sightseeing in the Algarve and luxurious lodging.
With Kelsey Hartland’s passion and expertise, this aerial silks retreat is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of aerial arts or simply want to explore a new corner of the world, this retreat offers the perfect blend of creativity, skill-building, and adventure.

To register head over to Kelsey’s website:
To learn more about the House of Honey Studio and our upcoming retreats, check out
Comments