Welcome to Sparrow Studios! We are glad you’re here.
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Mission Statement:
Sparrow Studios provides adults and children with high-quality aerial, acrobatics, and circus arts instruction in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
Our Values:
Safety: The studio invests in high-quality instructors, mats, rigging, and other safety equipment to prioritize our students’ security and comfort. Our teaching heavily focuses on injury prevention and proper technique so that participants minimize physical risk as they progress.
Community: Inclusivity, access, and feedback are important to us. We encourage not only physical education but social-emotional learning in our classes. Our studio welcomes individuals of any age, race, gender, ability, class, body-type and background and we collectively work to dismantle fatphobia, transphobia, and ableism in the circus community.
Expression: Sparrow Studios provides an opportunity for artists to express themselves, share their experiences, and be seen. We facilitate an encouraging environment where students of all levels are provided with appropriate modifications and are empowered to try new things.
Adult Classes (ages 13+)
We offer introductory and continuing beginner classes in trapeze, silks, lyra, sling, handstands, flexibility, juggling, and more! Introductory classes are offered every session; no experience required.
Kids Classes (ages 5-12)
We offer introductory and continuing beginner circus classes that are specific to their age group and interests. Ground-based, aerial based, and a mix! We currently do not offer drop-in kids classes.
Studio History - Since 2015
studio Founder - Sara Sparrow
Sparrow Studios has been located at 207 Washington St. since May 2015 and was originally owned and operated by Sara Sparrow.
Sara Sparrow, founder of Sparrow Studios
Sara has been teaching circus arts for many years and has more than three decades of experience as a performance artist. Her professional resume includes duo acrobatics, foot juggling, fabric, rope, hoop, trapeze, hand-balancing, show direction and production, music, theater, visual art, and massage therapy.
As her student population at the studio grew, she brought on additional instructors to accommodate the demand. They used a curriculum she developed and a loyal student body formed. Thanks to Sara, the Airbound Underground Circus Collective, Airbound Arts, and the supportive people of Olympia, the aerial and circus community has been growing and growing ever since, and the studio’s enrollment remains consistent.
Sara Sparrow in her solo show, Wee Small
Current co-owners
After several years of managing operations from afar, instructors Ariel Schmidtke and Rumi Minowa officially purchased the studio from its founder, Sara, in 2023. This transition also brought the opening of the Clown Annex: a dedicated, 2nd space that expanded the studio’s repertoire to include more ground-based circus arts and a broader range of classes.
The leadership team evolved again in August 2024 when coach Audrey Spinazola joined the partnership. Following Ariel’s departure in April 2026, the studio is now led by co-owners Audrey Spinazola and Rumi Minowa. In addition to guiding the studio’s vision, both Audrey and Rumi also remain dedicated instructors. Today, Sparrow Studios has become a home for the circus arts and a local resource. It operates as a recreational school and summer camp for the local community while also serving as a versatile space for private rentals, shows, and events.