Quick Answer: This page profiles two Sailor Circus Academy performers, Sasha Drapkin and Kayla Hayes, detailing their backgrounds in athletics and their circus training journeys.
Sasha Drapkin & Kayla Hayes
Sasha Drapkin (senior sutdent) first joined the Sailor Circus in 6th grade after practicing mixed martial arts for 6 years. Over the years, she participated in many acts, ranging from slack to flying trapeze. She is currently in Ariel Lyra and hopes to continue her training at FSU with the Flying High Circus program.
Kayla Hayes (Sailor Circus Academy) has been passionately engaged in athletics and performance since the age of four. Her journey began with eight years in competitive cheerleading, eleven years of dance, and four years of gymnastics. A significant turning point came during her elementary school years when The Circus Arts Conservatory introduced her to Newton’s Laws of Motion through its arts-integrative education outreach program. This experience ignited her passion for circus arts, culminating in a performance that left a lasting impact.
Kayla’s dedication led her to the Sailor Circus summer camp, where she discovered her love for performing on the Lyra under the guidance of coach Olga Coronas. Now entering her fifth year with the Sailor Circus Academy, she has continued to hone her skills and artistry.
As a 9th-grade student, Kayla is honored to be the youngest Roman Rings student training under an esteemed NEA Heritage Fellow. Her journey with the Sailor Circus Academy has been transformative, instilling perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to envision beyond yourself. Driven by her passion for aerial arts, she continues her journey and remains dedicated to excellence and innovation, embodying the true spirit of artistry and performance through the unwavering support of The Circus Arts Conservatory.
At a Glance
Key Facts
- Sasha Drapkin is a senior student who joined Sailor Circus in 6th grade after 6 years of mixed martial arts.
- Sasha has performed acts ranging from slack to flying trapeze and currently performs Ariel Lyra.
- Sasha hopes to continue training at FSU with the Flying High Circus program.
- Kayla Hayes has been involved in athletics and performance since age four, including cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics.
- Kayla was introduced to circus arts through The Circus Arts Conservatory's arts-integrative education outreach program.
- Kayla is now a 9th-grade student and the youngest Roman Rings student training under an NEA Heritage Fellow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sasha Drapkin get started in circus arts?
Sasha Drapkin joined the Sailor Circus in 6th grade after practicing mixed martial arts for 6 years.
What discipline does Sasha Drapkin currently perform?
She is currently in Ariel Lyra and has previously performed acts ranging from slack to flying trapeze.
What are Sasha Drapkin's future plans?
She hopes to continue her training at FSU with the Flying High Circus program.
How did Kayla Hayes discover circus arts?
During her elementary school years, The Circus Arts Conservatory introduced her to Newton's Laws of Motion through its arts-integrative education outreach program, which ignited her passion for circus arts.
What is significant about Kayla Hayes's current training?
As a 9th-grade student, she is the youngest Roman Rings student training under an esteemed NEA Heritage Fellow, now in her fifth year with the Sailor Circus Academy.


