In the picturesque town of St Ives, Cornwall, a truly innovative organization thrives. Skyhigh Arts is a Community Interest Company. It offers a unique blend of experiences. It combines the exhilaration of circus arts. It integrates the peace of mindfulness. Its mission is to explore the world. It does this through movement. It uses art, music, and performance. This unusual fusion benefits both physical and mental health. It uplifts individuals and the community.
At the heart of Skyhigh Arts is its founder, Tree Stewart. Her background is rich and diverse. She is a professional circus performer. She is also a talented musician and artist. Her experience spans over two decades. She has worked on projects across the UK and Europe.
Tree’s journey into the aerial world began early. She was at art college. There, she discovered circus. She found a deep passion for it. She loved stilt-walking, juggling, and acro-balance. She soon ventured to Circus Maniacs school in Bristol. There, she tried trapeze and aerial dance. She immediately fell in love. This passion led her to the USA. She trained further at NECCA in Vermont. She honed her skills significantly. Later, she returned to Scotland. She learned to teach trapeze there.
A decade of performing followed. She also spent years teaching. She worked for prominent companies. These included All or Nothing Aerial Dance. She taught at Dance Base. She also worked with te POOKa. Tree completed an aerial teacher training mentorship. This was with Cate Ross of Canopy Dance Studio. She also completed the PDM Teacher Training Programme. From 2001 to 2009, she worked for te POOKa. This was an Edinburgh-based performing arts charity. She served as a performer and tutor. She was also a designer. She became a senior project manager. She led many successful projects. These received funding from major arts bodies.
Her interest in mindfulness began in 2010. She started studying with Mindfullybeing. She completed various courses. These included MBSR and MBCT. She also finished follow-on courses. More recently, she completed training. This was the British Mindfulness Academies' "Mindfulness for Professionals." She also finished "Teaching Mindfulness in Schools" courses. This extensive training shaped her unique vision. It connected her two passions.
In 2012, Tree moved to Cornwall. She hoped to start a new chapter. She thought it would be as a performer. However, finding performance work proved difficult. Cornwall is quite isolated. It also has areas of deprivation. Tree then realized her true calling. Teaching was what she loved most. This insight sparked a new idea. She decided to combine her two great loves. She would merge trapeze with mindfulness. She would create a community-based project.
Tree had witnessed powerful benefits. She saw the psychological impact of aerial arts. She also noted the physical gains. She wanted to share this with others. Her idea was unique. It was a novel concept. Combining trapeze with mindfulness was groundbreaking. It was not immediately embraced by all. She applied for funding. For months, she faced rejections. She was ready to quit. People did not see her vision. They did not grasp its potential.
Then, a pivotal moment arrived. She secured a place on a social entrepreneurship program. This changed everything. It provided the boost she needed. Her mentor, Dave Cook, was instrumental. He encouraged her to start immediately.
"Start the activity while you're on the course,"
he advised. This practical guidance was invaluable. It moved her idea from theory to action.
With support from this program, she purchased two trapeze rigs. She began trading quickly. This was just four months into the program. The program provided crucial help. They assisted with legal structure. They taught her to measure the benefits. She learned from other students too. This comprehensive support was essential. Tree attributes her success to this vital early assistance. It allowed Skyhigh Arts to take flight.
Skyhigh Arts has grown significantly since 2015. It now offers a diverse range of programs. These cater to various age groups. They reach different community sectors.
Weekly Public Classes: These are foundational. They offer regular instruction. Classes are available for children and young people. Adults also have dedicated sessions. Disciplines include static trapeze and silks. Rope and hoop classes are also popular. These sessions are designed to be inclusive. They aim to get as many people as possible airborne. This accessibility is a core value.
Aerial and Well-being Classes: For adults, these classes integrate physical activity. They focus on mental well-being. They combine aerial techniques with mindfulness principles. This holistic approach supports overall health. It reduces stress. It improves physical strength and flexibility.
Outreach Projects and Community Engagement: Skyhigh Arts believes in reaching out. They take their free-standing trapeze rigs to events. These include community gatherings and festivals. They offer "have a go" sessions. Children and young people can try aerial arts. They also provide captivating performances. These bring circus magic to a wider audience. They spark curiosity and joy.
Specific outreach initiatives have made a tangible difference. They ran twelve free sessions. These combined mindfulness with aerial dance. The National Grid Community Fund provided £6,000 for this. These sessions served all ages. They specifically included people over 60. This highlights their commitment to diverse groups. Their involvement with Tesco's "Stronger Starts" program also shows this. They were nominated for funding. This scheme supports physical and mental health in young people.
Youth Teaching Assistant and Performance Training Programme: This is an in-depth program. It nurtures the next generation of aerial artists. It trains future circus professionals. Young people keen on aerial, circus, and performance join. The program covers extensive topics. These include anatomy and rigging. It teaches safety protocols. Advanced spotting techniques are mastered. This rigorous training ensures high standards. It promotes safe teaching practices.
Several team members are products of this program. Pema Bradley Peer started as a teaching assistant. She then studied circus at Circomedia. She returned to Skyhigh Arts as a teacher and director. Kaileigh Cornfield also trained through the mentorship. She now teaches aerial arts. She runs The Cornish Sea School. Isabelle Wheatley and Annabelle Smith are newer additions. They joined the Youth Training Programme. They are now aerial teachers and trainees. This demonstrates a clear pathway. It fosters growth from within the community.
Community Performance: Skyhigh Arts regularly performs. They participate in local events. The St Ives September Festival is a key platform. Their performances showcase talent. They entertain audiences. They bring the wonder of circus to life. These events foster community spirit. They provide unique cultural experiences.
The core belief of Skyhigh Arts is simple. Aerial dance can change lives. Their work demonstrates this daily. The impact is wide-ranging and deeply positive.
Operating a social enterprise always presents challenges. Funding is a constant need. Maintaining sustainable programs requires continuous effort. Reaching diverse populations demands tailored approaches. However, Skyhigh Arts demonstrates resilience. They actively seek funding from various sources.
The physical demands of aerial arts mean safety is paramount. Their commitment to extensive teacher training, including PDM certification, ensures this. This focus on safety allows them to truly get
"as many people as possible into the air."
They continue to innovate. They explore new outreach opportunities. They refine their training programs. Their goal remains clear. They want to spread the joy and benefits of aerial arts. They aim to nurture well-being in their community.
Skyhigh Arts is more than just a circus school. It is a community hub. It is a force for positive change. It offers a unique blend of physical challenge and mental calm. It empowers individuals. It fosters connection. It transforms lives.
Tree Stewart's personal journey fuels this mission. Her passion is infectious. Her expertise is profound. She has built an incredible team. Together, they create a supportive environment. They enable people to defy gravity. They help individuals find inner peace. They make the impossible seem possible.
In St Ives, Cornwall, Skyhigh Arts truly helps people get their feet off the ground. They help them take their world to new heights. They create "sky-high" confidence. They promote lasting well-being. They enrich the community through the transformative power of aerial dance and mindfulness.
