Riot Circus Arts training facility moves to new home in Plymouth

PLYMOUTH — A new business has moved into town, taking up residence at a 200-year-old repurposed Methodist church.

Riot Circus Arts, a training, health, wellness, fitness and events service focused on the aerial circus arts, recently moved from Rutter Avenue in Kingston to the church at 236 W. Main St.

Riot Circus Arts owner Kayla Dyches said she had been renting the space in Kingston before she bought the church in Plymouth, which she says better accommodates her needs.

“The ceilings at the old place were 20 feet high, which is OK. But for serious aerialists and serious training, you need a lot more height,” Dyches said Monday.

The ceilings in the former church are 42 feet high.

“Not many people have use for 42-foot ceilings, but I do,” Dyches said. “We’re offering more classes and have a lot more space. We’re trying to create a premier aerial training facility for youths and adults right here in Northeast Pa.”

Dyches, who was a gymnast growing up, became interested in the aerial arts as an adult.

She is now a circus/aerial/dance entertainer and personal trainer who has been active in the circus arts since 2007.

“I always wanted to be a gymnast. But at a certain age, you have to stop. This is a way you can keep it going,” Dyches said.

Her students lose weight and tone their abs and other muscle groups through routines that are low-impact on joints. The exercise/training classes are even recommended for those who have a fear of heights, she said.

“We have quite a few students who are afraid of heights. But we start from the ground up. You don’t need any previous experience to start with us. Most Level I students don’t get more than 5 feet off the ground. They take baby steps and acclimate themselves mentally and physically,” Dyches explained.

New group classes for children and adults are starting this week and next week, and private lessons are also available.

In addition to aerial lessons and personal training, the site is available to rent for theatrical productions, private parties, ceremonies, weddings, birthday parties and bachelorette parties.

Kayla Dyches and Demetra Szatkowski perform an aerial-doubles pose at the previous site of Riot Circus Arts in Kingston in 2014. The aerial performance and fitness facility owned by Dyches recently moved to Plymouth.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TTL011515aerial3-cmyk.jpg.optimal.jpgKayla Dyches and Demetra Szatkowski perform an aerial-doubles pose at the previous site of Riot Circus Arts in Kingston in 2014. The aerial performance and fitness facility owned by Dyches recently moved to Plymouth. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader file photo

Some Riot Circus Arts students and owner Kayla Dyches pose with members of Plymouth Alive at the business’ new location in Plymouth. From left, front row, Grace Reed and Raemie Yevarucci; second row, Lily Cannon, Treyton Mishanski and Tenley Mishanski; third row, Gary Kochinski, John Thomas, Jaynan Tamarantz, Terry Womelsdorf, Mayor Dorothy Petrosky, Clyde Peters, Andrea Krivak and Jocelyn Reed; on the trapeze is Dyches.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Riot-Circus-new-cmyk.jpg.optimal.jpgSome Riot Circus Arts students and owner Kayla Dyches pose with members of Plymouth Alive at the business’ new location in Plymouth. From left, front row, Grace Reed and Raemie Yevarucci; second row, Lily Cannon, Treyton Mishanski and Tenley Mishanski; third row, Gary Kochinski, John Thomas, Jaynan Tamarantz, Terry Womelsdorf, Mayor Dorothy Petrosky, Clyde Peters, Andrea Krivak and Jocelyn Reed; on the trapeze is Dyches. Submitted photo

Sydney Smith practices an aerial maneuver at the former location of Riot Circus Arts in 2014.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TTL011515aerial2-cmyk.jpg.optimal.jpgSydney Smith practices an aerial maneuver at the former location of Riot Circus Arts in 2014. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader file photo