NIFF NICHOLLS

Aerialist / Rigger / Coach / Choreographer

Niff (she/her) has been coaching aerial arts for over two decades, specializing in progressions, technique, and innovative choreography across a wide range of aerial apparatuses. Known for her “aerial brain,” Niff has a gift for creating and envisioning unique pathways and sequences that challenge and inspire.

Niff is the founder and Director of Secret Circus in Philadelphia, Pa. She has over 2 decades of teaching and performing experience, from artists to producer to rigger. With an e-teaching degree from École Nationale de Cirque in Montréal, and a concentration in aerial rigging and safety, Niff brings both deep technical knowledge and a keen eye for what each student needs to grow. Her approach is grounded in years of study, practice, and a commitment to helping aerialists—whether novice or professional—achieve their goals through thoughtful, progressive instruction.

As a coach and choreographer, Niff is widely sought after for her creativity, clarity, and clear teaching style. Her mission is to cultivate a warm, non-judgmental learning environment that fosters community, builds both physical and emotional strength, and supports the creation of meaningful, expressive art.

Specializing in:

+ Static & Dance Trapeze
+ Aerial Silks
+ Aerial Sling & Rope Loop
+ Corde Lisse
+ Invented Apparatus

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Lessons, Classes and workshops specializing in:
+ Fundamentals & Progressions in all aerial disciplines
+ Body mechanics and functional fitness

+ Aerial Theory
+ Choreography & Act Development
+ Mentorship
+ Teacher Training

Train with me

  • Super Natural Aerial Retreat

    March 2026 in Bizbee Az with Jenn Bruyer

    Apply

  • Sweet Retreats

    December 6-13, 2025 at Casa Chango Mexico, in Puerto Escondido with Sarah Sparrow!

    Apply

  • Trapeze over Colorado

    April 10-13, 2026

    Info tbd

INTERESTED IN MY ON-DEMAND LESSONS AND MODULES?

WORKSHOP OFFERINGS

FROM OUT OF NOTHING

Can be adapted for any apparatus

Level: Intermediate to advanced

This class is all about guiding students to discover their own shapes and pathways. While I love how beautifully my students move through my pathways, I want to empower them to cultivate their OWN ideas. I'll be sharing tools I've developed for myself to ignite new ideas along with theory-based tools. Plus, the class will be a collaborative space where students can share ideas and build off each other. Get ready for a class full of play, examination, study, and self-discovery. 

 Prereqs: Students should feel comfortable moving through the air, be proficient at mounting the trapeze, hanging from the ropes and the bar, and feel comfortable exploring aerial pathways. (best for intermediate level)


FlAIRS, POPS, AND BAR PLAY

Dance/single point Trapeze

Level: Intermediate

In this workshop, we’ll explore fun and creative ways to move around the bar. You'll learn how to use flair-filled pathways to enter and exit the trapeze with style, discover techniques to “pop” the bar around your body, and play with spin to support dynamic movement. We'll dive into how to leave the bar—and arrive right back on it—with confidence, control, and a touch of surprise.


NIFF PATHWAYS

Trapeze (Dance or Static) 

Level: Intermediate to advanced

In this workshop, I will teach you some of my favorite sequences! We’ll go beyond learning individual skills—we’ll focus on how we move between them. Together, we’ll explore the transitions: the in-betweens, the unexpected, the exciting new pathways that connect shapes and discoveries. You’ll be introduced to my personal choreographic approach, built from studying the theory and relationships between skills to unlock unique, dynamic transitions that you can carry into your own work.

We’ll dive into fresh ideas for  shape-making, and dynamic flow—inviting new ways of thinking and moving on trapeze.


NIFF’S FAVOTIRES

Trapeze, Silk, or Sling

Level: Intermediate to advanced (experience with vertical theory is helpful)

In this workshop, I will teach you a little bit of everything! Lets spin, lets roll around the bar, or fabric, let’s flair, lets play in the ropes, or get tangled in the fabric and find all the cool unexpected transitions and pathways! I may break your brain but we will have fun learning all the new things!



SPIN TECHNIQUE with FLAIR

Dance/single point Trapeze

Level: Can be made adapted to your studio’s levels

In this workshop, we’ll dive into foundational spin techniques to help you build, refine, and elevate your spin practice—on trapeze and beyond. We’ll troubleshoot individual challenges to help you gain greater control and confidence in your spin.

Together, we’ll explore how to find and use the “sweet spots” of the bar to support your weight, create compelling shapes, and bring your own unique style to the movement. We’ll work with both forward and backward spins in split/arabesque, armpits, lassos, and more positions, explore pulling up into your spin, and experiment with variations like  butt shelf and difference shoulder and arm positions. We will trouble shoot any specific issues you have with your spin practice to help you rein in control. 

Finally, we’ll combine elements into dynamic spin combos that bring momentum, expression, and flair to your sequences—making your movement feel as good as it looks, with the ability to understand and play with your proportions and strengths.


CON

GET IN TOUCH!

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