Our Team

Our instructors are passionate about teaching circus and want to share their knowledge with you!

Chrissy Hewitt

Qualified in multiple aerial disciplines and rigging safety, Chrissy is passionate about all things aerial. She attended her first trial class in London in 2014 then becoming a regular student for silks and hoop in 2015 after finding a local class.

Chrissy started teaching adults in 2021 and in 2022 set up a successful kids circus programme at a gymnastics club, where she also trained as a Gymnastics Activity Instructor and L1 Coach.

With a background in compliance, Chrissy has an in-depth understanding of health, safety and welfare and leads the team in ensuring that physical safety and wellbeing is prioritised.

Chrissy is DBS checked, first aid and fire marshal trained. She is also a trained welfare officer completing safeguarding courses with British Gymnastics and UK Coaching.

Molli Murphy

Molli is a born performer, not only excelling in aerial disciplines but also as a talented singer. With qualifications in both aerial and musical theatre, as well as experience teaching gymnastics, Molli provides a well-rounded performance education to her students.

She has spent time teaching circus in New York and enjoys travelling to further her skills. She has experience in specialised aerial disciplines including flying trapeze, corde lisse and spanish web.

Molli brings a wealth of experience to every class. Her keen attention to detail makes her guidance invaluable for those preparing for performance based auditions. She is also DBS checked, first aid and fire marshal trained.

Charlotte Kelly

Charlie has a passion for all things aerial. She has trained in a huge array of aerial disciplines and tried her hand at other circus equipment such as German wheel and fire performance.

Although Charlie will not be teaching a regular class initially, she is an active part of the Essex Circus Academy team.

Her enthusiasm cannot be matched and she brings a fantastic energy to every class. Charlie also enjoys singing and her artistic talents in performance shine through. As with our main instructors, Charlie is DBS checked and first aid trained.

Frankie Varnes

Frankie is currently training as an instructor and has already achieved several Spin City qualifications including beginners aerial hoop, silks and sling and intermediate aerial hoop as well as other CPD courses.

Although she’s not teaching yet, she’s an important part of the team and you will see her assisting and teaching in the future.

She has a love of all things aerial and a fantastic knowledge of several disciplines, but her speciality is aerial hoop! Frankie also has trained in mini hoop and explored the options that this new equipment holds!

Jan Dutton

With a background in KS1 and early years education, has a great understanding of learning techniques and styles and will be assisting the Kids aerial classes.

She has previously worked as Deputy Safeguarding Lead and was Assistant Principle for Foundation Stage and Y1 for many years at a local school.