Beyond The Spectacle

An Immersive Cirque Training & Artistic Development Retreat with Kelly Mäeve

April 9-16, 2027 | Airborne Arts, Costa Rica | Intermediate to Advanced

April 9-16, 2027

A Week of Aerial Spiral, Contortion Loops, Artistic Development & Recovery

Designed for intermediate and advanced aerialists, this immersive and diverse week of training with Kelly Mäeve combines Aerial Spiral, contortion loops, creative sessions and intentional recovery in the Costa Rican jungle. Develop strength, technique & artistry through Kelly's innovative aerial curriculum and contortion loops training, while exploring new ways to strengthen your artistic voice and create impact through movement, creative expansion and performance. Recovery practices and creative development opportunities are woven throughout the week, with therapeutic yoga for alignment, mobility and stabilization work, soft-tissue techniques, and restorative practices designed to support the aerial artist's body. Creative sessions will also be offered throughout the retreat, inviting students to connect through roundtable discussions and expand their movement vocabulary through disciplines such as groundwork, fire manipulation, and contact improvisation. Beyond training, enjoy jungle adventures, flying trapeze, fresh meals and time to connect with your community of fellow artists. Train. Create. Recover. Explore. Go Beyond the Spectacle.

Daily Training

Progressive daily sessions with your coach in Aerial Contortion Loops, Aerial Spiral, Creative Development

Organic Meals

Locally sourced meals prepared fresh each day

Jungle Setting

Train immersed in the Costa Rican jungle above the Diamante valley

Your Coaches

Meet Kelly

Kelly Mäeve

Aerial Spiral, Contortion Loops, Hoop, Cloud Swing, Contemporary Dance, Therapeutic Yoga For Alignment

Kelly Mäeve is a lifelong movement artist, aerialist, contemporary dancer, gymnast and storyteller whose work bridges technical innovation, athleticism and artistic expression. Beginning her professional career in traditional three-ring circus as a lead performer, ringmistress, aerialist and dancer, Kelly's career has since expanded across contemporary circus, immersive performance and large-scale theatrical & cirque productions throughout the U.S. and internationally. Years spent performing, training and creating across a wide range of disciplines and production environments have shaped her multidisciplinary approach to both performance and movement education. Beyond the stage, Kelly is passionate about creating experiences that draw from her diverse movement background to foster artistic growth, community, confidence and personal exploration. Her teaching encourages artists to develop strong technical foundations while discovering how their individual movement language, experiences and authenticity can shape work that is both technically compelling and emotionally resonant.

The Full Experience

What Is Included

Included in the Base Package

Daily training sessions with your coach
A bed in the shared dorm above the Diamante valley
Freshly prepared, locally sourced meals every day (dietary needs catered for)
Full access to the training space and the property
Optional sharing or performance on the final night
Exclusive Access to Aerial Spirale Curriculum
Priority Access to Kelly Mäeve's future Aerial Spiral workshops around the world

Optional Add-Ons

$3,200 USD all inclusive, early bird until November 1, 2026
$3,500 after that
Private room upgrades available when you register
Shared dorm and daily meals included in the package

The Setting

Where You Will Train

Airborne Arts sits in the hills of Tinamastes, Costa Rica, above the Diamante valley. You will train in a purpose-built aerial space surrounded by jungle, with rigging set up to your coach’s specification, and rest steps away in the retreat house with home-cooked meals, a pool, and howler monkeys for an alarm clock.

Common Questions

Before You Book

Where do I need to fly into?

Fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica and plan to spend that first night in a hotel in San Jose. The next morning our team picks you up for one of the most beautiful drives in the country: about 3.5 hours down the Pacific coast, with a stop at the beach along the way, arriving at Airborne Arts in the hills above Dominical with the whole afternoon ahead of you. Want to turn the trip into an adventure, with a waterfall hike or a surf stop? Ask us when you register. We send you the exact pickup time and meeting point before the retreat.

Where will I sleep?

A bed in our shared dorm above the Diamante valley is included in the retreat price. Private room upgrades are available when you register, first come first served.

What about food and dietary restrictions?

All meals are included: freshly prepared, locally sourced, served buffet style every day. After you register you fill in your dietary preferences and allergies in your guest portal, and our kitchen plans the week around them.

What is included in the price?

Your training with the coach, accommodation in the shared dorm, all meals, your ride to Airborne, and access to the full property. Private room upgrades and adventure add-ons can be added when you register or later from your guest portal.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers aerial and adventure activities. Costa Rica does not require it for entry, but it protects your trip.

What is the weather like?

Warm and tropical. Expect sunshine, jungle humidity and the occasional dramatic rain. Training spaces are covered, so the weather never cancels a session.

Build Your Retreat

Reserve your spot at Beyond The Spectacle · April 9-16, 2027. Choose your room and how you would like to pay.

Questions first? Send a message or WhatsApp us .

Price: $3,500.00 USD

Early bird $3,200.00 USD until 2026-11-01