Kinetic Arts Center — Local services in Oakland

Kinetic has programs for the young, the old and everyone in between. There are recreational classes in aerial arts (fabric, trapeze, hoop, rope, straps), tumbling, Parkour (free running), stunts (film/TV) and more.

Registration is online and flexible in that you buy a class pack and join in rolling admission-style.

You can host your birthday or bachelorette party at Kinetic.

They offer circus camp for kids.

Kinetic also has competitive and esteemed youth performance troupes for those who take circus more seriously. The performance troupe is filled with kids who are not only technically proficient, but also excellent performers (strong connection with audiences and not afraid to be funny).

Youth troupes are not the only performers coming out of Kinetic. They also produce and showcase professional-level, contemporary circus shows on-site. There are also Artists-in-Residence that create and perform new work throughout the year.

Perhaps more important than any of the above… First, the people who run the place are solid and passionate (both of which trickle down). Second, the culture is welcoming, respectful,...

I am so amazed with the KAC!!! They are professional, passionate and very accommodating. My daughter took their 2 week summer camp and loved every bit of it. She was very new to the world of Circus and what it had to offer. They taught her in a way that made it fun and instructional at her pace. They were supportive and she reported they never made her feel bad when she couldn't get something. I was amazed with how patient they were. In the times of covid, they provide a safe and clean atmosphere. I called several times prior to the start of camp to ask questions and even change the camp session she was enrolled in. They made it easy, returned all calls and were always informative or had someone else contact me if need be. Very pleased and would recommend again! She even wants to take the...

I have done circus arts here for a while. I was in Circus Gilly and it was a lot of fun, but a bit stressful. I had Coach Kate as my coach and she was very fun to be around, but I have had some negative experiences with staff. In maybe 2019 I was doing a Beginning/Intermediate Aerial Silks class and we had a substitute coach who was VERY rude. He gave us an unnecessarily long speech about never giving up, and then when I went to do a drop, I failed to flip upside down. I immediately went to try again, like he said, but he told me to get off the silks because I was unable to do it. (Keep in mind it wasn't because of a safety issue.) It lowered my confidence in my abilities and straight up embarrassed me. But, other than the few bad experiences, I've had a lot...