where fitness takes flight
Lacy Ihde aka Flying Fox
Co-Owner, Pole, Fitness, & Aerial Coach
Lacy began her aerial journey with a pole dancing class in 2015 that left her sore but wanting more! She began Lyra the following year and has since spread her wings into the study of silks, hammock, lollipop (aerial hoop on a pole), Spanish web, and dance trapeze.
She is a certified fitness class instructor through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and a certified Beginners Pole Fitness Instructor through Spin City.
Lacy has traveled around the Midwest to train with Pole Stars and has performed in many venues around Wisconsin as The Flying Fox.
When grounded, she works as a Nurse Practitioner in Neurology. Lacy also enjoys outdoor running/biking, travel, and spending time with her husband and their three cats.
Julia Martinson aka Julia Buttterfly
Co-Owner, Pole & Fitness Coach
Julia joined the Fly team in the summer of 2018 bringing 4 years of pole dance experience, and 9+ years of managing a fitness center to the team. She grew up in Stevens Point, then graduated from UW-Madison with a Natural Resources degree.
After college, she initially worked on captive rearing endangered species of birds at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI and then at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, TX. She discovered pole after moving back to Wisconsin, wanting some type of mental and physical exercise.
Outside of pole dancing, she and her husband run a home and pet sitting business (Pads and Pets LLC) out of New London where they live with a menagerie of house pets. Besides pole, she loves animals (obviously!), outdoor adventures, amaretto, wines, ciders, and occasionally a beer, and recycling!
Amy Maile
Co-Owner, Aerial Coach
As a former gymnast, Amy found traditional methods of working out so mundane that she rarely partook. That is, until discovering the aerial arts in January 2017. She quickly realized that she could adapt many of the same principles from her gymnast days, yet it possessed its own unique appeal. She found the combination irresistible and her love for the sport quickly grew.
Having undergone back surgery in 2015, and then having both knees replaced in late 2017, Amy loves the challenge aerial fitness provides her on a personal level. Her determination for overcoming obstacles has inspired many and helped them progress through their own journey.
While the primary focus of Amy's training has been on Silks and Lyra, she has also received training on Static and Dance Trapeze, Hammock, and Pole. In addition, she enjoys attending workshops where she can receive training on some of the more unique apparatuses.
She is certified as a Group Fitness Instructor through the Athletics & Fitness Association of America.
When she isn't hanging from a ceiling somewhere, Amy enjoys spending time with her daughter, going on adventures, camping, and finding new projects to work on.
Nicole aka Nidiamond
Aerial and Yoga Coach
Nicole’s curiosity and desire to try new things has taken her yoga practice in many different directions. She discovered aerial fitness at a fall work event in 2016. She started taking classes at T-Spot Yoga and Fitness and fell immediately in love with the practice. Nicole completed her 200-hour YTT through Bay Area Yoga and Aerial Hammock Instructor certification through Inner Sun Yoga Studio. She has participated in live performances and loves flowing together combos and choreographing routines.
When she comes down from the fabric, Nicole ventures beyond the concrete jungle and enjoys exploring natural areas, soaking up sunshine, cooling off in the water, and most importantly keeping the Earth clean by picking up any litter she finds on the way. She also enjoys getting lost in a good book, attending live music, dancing, and playing with her fur babies.
She is overjoyed by this opportunity to join the Fly Circus family and to share her passion as an Aerial Hammock instructor!
Come fly in the sky with her!
Alicia
Aerial, Pole, & Fitness Coach
Alicia has always found joy in working out and staying active. Whether it’s going on walks, bike rides, practicing yoga or working on conditioning, Alicia is up for the challenge. She had even participated in many tough (and sometimes muddy) 5K, 10K and half marathon running events with her husband.
It wasn’t until November of 2016 that Alicia took her first “Intro to Aerial and Pole” classes. Alicia fell in love with hoop initially but she also loves training in hammock, silks and pole. Alicia joined Fly Circus in the fall of 2019, then discovering trapeze and wanting to learn more to add to her aerial experience. Alicia is now a certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Athletics & Fitness Association of America. She is pursuing beginner lyra/hoop certification.
Outside of the studio, Alicia enjoys many adventures like camping, hiking and traveling with her husband and kids.
April
Strength & Conditioning Coach
April has been a member of Fly Circus since May of 2021 and joined the joined the coaching staff in January of 2022. She is an avid fitness enthusiast, has earned her Bachelors of Kinesiology from UW Oshkosh, and has 8 years of professional health and wellness experience training and coaching people of all ages in one-on-one and large group settings. She has earned various professional certifications including Certified Exercise Physiologist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Behavior Change Specialist; Now that she is studying the Aerial Arts, she has found a particular interest in Anatomy and Physiology as it relates to Aerial performance and plans to continue her education in that area.
Aside from coaching she also owns and operates Dreamliner Limousine with her husband. Her home life includes her husband Justin and their three dogs Happy (Pug), Lucky (Pug), and Timber (Boxer). Her favorite activities include Weight Lifting, Pole, Yoga, walking her dogs, visiting all the coffee shops, watching live performances (especially The Goo Goo Dolls!), and spending time with her friends and family.
Mandie
Pole, Aerial, & Kids Coach
Mandie has been interested in circus and performing arts her entire life. She has studied belly dance, burlesque, fire arts, and various circus arts. Mandie is also the host and show director for Dark Arts Circus, based out of Green Bay. Mandie has been training at Fly Circus and Aerial Arts for the last two years. Her favorite apparatus is the lollipop or the lyra. When she is not at the studio she can be found in her garden, walking her dog, or reading.
Ella
Aerial & Kids Coach
Ella has been an athlete her entire life. After spending 10 years as an equestrian, cross country runner, and a black belt in American Karate she was left seeking a more interesting and fulfilling outlet. Finding the aerial arts in December of 2022, Ella’s dreams of flying came true. She quickly became a passionate student, specializing in Silks and Hammock, as well as pursuing training in Lyra, Lollipop, Pole, and the disciplines of Trapeze (Static & Dance, as well as Flying Trapeze)!
Ella is a certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. Outside of the studio she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice through UW Oshkosh as well as working as a barista in the mornings. She enjoys reading, visiting coffee shops, and spending lots of time outside!
She’s beyond excited to share the world of aerial arts with you!
Get ready to see the world from (quite literally) a new perspective!
Taylor & Amber
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