Ashley (Sylvi) Sylvester

Ashley Sylvester (Sylvi) is the owner and founder of Chicago Aerial Arts, the largest circus training facility in Chicago, dedicated to providing high-quality instruction for all bodies and skill levels. A lifelong performer, Ashley has been immersed in the performing arts since the age of six, with a background in dance and theater that eventually led her to discover her passion for circus arts in 2012.

She refined her craft at the Actors Gymnasium's Professional Circus Training Program, graduating in 2016 with a specialization in aerial sling and hula hooping. Her training has taken her across the globe, from Greece to Los Angeles, working with top industry professionals. In addition to her circus expertise, she is a 200-hour Yoga Alliance-certified instructor with additional certifications in Yoga Sculpt, Barre, Pilates, and Aerial Yoga. Her movement disciplines include aerial sling, lyra, silks, hula hoops, aerial yoga, dance, duo trapeze, acrobatics, character acting, and fire performing.

Beyond Chicago Aerial Arts, Ashley is the artistic director and founder of Sylvi Circus Arts, a premier production company specializing in high-caliber entertainment for corporate and private events. She has performed for major clients such as the NFL, Green Day, and LinkedIn and regularly appears at Chicago venues, including Alhambra Palace, The Drifter, and Untitled Supper Club.

Ashley is also a curator of aerial retreats, offering immersive training experiences in breathtaking destinations worldwide and in her own city of Chicago. Through her work as a performer, instructor, business owner, and retreat leader, she continues to inspire and elevate the circus arts community both locally and globally.