In the picture above, Helen teaches first graders at The Nueva School.

As the Lower School Arts Specialist, she runs an integrated arts curriculum for PreK-4th graders that combines Visual Arts, Dance, and Theater.


Available for private and small group classes

Students develop gross motor coordination, dance, acrobatics, visual art and curriculum based movement inquiry.

Contact me for further info.

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“How do you think with your body?"

photo by Luigi Anzivino

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I am

a movement specialist and educator for youth ages 2.5-18. I am the Arts Specialist at The Nueva school and run an integrated program that combines Visual Art, Theater and Dance.

I teach private and small group classes that focus on developmental movement patterns, and gross motor skills specific to students’ needs and desires. Through acrobatics, creative movement, and circus arts my classes support students to develop the strength and confidence necessary to successfully and safely problem solve with their mind and body. I teach through positivity as a conduit to confidence in physical, emotional, and social contexts.

My Background

combines elite gymnastics, modern, and aerial dance. I received my BA in Dance and Psychology from Bard College. I am inspired by Body-Mind Centering, an anatomy study based on embryologic development. I am also inspired by Axis Syllabus, a movement analysis program grounded in neuromuscular patterns and efficient functional movement. I currently integrate ideas from Deborah Hay, Seymour Papert, Reggio Emelia, Axis Syllabus and Body-Mind Centering into my practice and teaching.

I Teach

creative movement, acrobatics, and circus arts, visual arts and theater. I am currently Arts Specialist at The Nueva school. In the past I have worked as a teaching artist at ODC, The Ranch, Marin Montessori, Mission Montessori, East Bay Center for Performing Arts, SFUSD, The Urban School, Zaccho Center, and numerous preschools and schools around the Bay Area.

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Logistics

I teach via zoom and in person - no special equipment necessary.

I am available to teach via zoom and COVID-safe outdoor spaces. I have a portable gym and am fully insured.

Rate depends on space, and number of kids.

Also available for birthday parties.

For further inquiry and information contact me at wicks.helen@gmail.com or 707-799-5636

Ms. Helen always encourages us to take risks as well as play and we even learn. She lets children be free in her class and we have lots of fun. She is always teaching us cool and new things, listening to songs, dancing, and acting. She taught me something that I’ve never learnt before and that is juggling. Ms. Helen is very friendly too.”
- 6 year old with parental secretarial typing services

“It was an eye opening experience to see Helen in action with this summer! Despite being on a live online platform, Helen was able to build warm, energetic and fun loving relationships anchored in trust with the kids. We saw our son taking risks trying out and learning new things, be it in the areas of theater, dance or comedy. We’re early awaiting Helen to offer her next set of classes.” - Parent

My daughter, (newly) 6, has been working with Helen for a year. What a difference it has made! She is stronger and more confident and progressing so much more than she did in years of group gymnastics lessons. We were so happy with our experience, our younger daughter (3) has just started working with Helen as well. We particularly love how mindful and knowledgable Helen is about mind-body development and how best to help kids develop at various ages.


“My family had the pleasure of working with Helen on a weekly basis for about a year, and I can’t say enough good things about our experience. Helen is a consummate professional who is an expert in her craft and is gifted in her ability to tap into children’s imaginations and create highly customized movement sessions. Both of my children, ages 4 and 6, adore her. I saw improvement in both of my children’s awareness of their bodies and fluidity of movements. They also learned how to complete movement sequences and have improved motor coordination as a result of working with Helen.”

“Helen started working with my daughter when she was 6 years old. She is now 9. She has helped Charlotte develop her core strength, through the many creative movement routines that they naturally evolve during their sessions. Two of the biggest changes we have seen in Charlotte are her confidence and stamina. Helen provides a safe, nurturing and collaborative environment where our daughter can explore and work on strengthening both her body and mind. Helen has a really clear understanding of Charlotte; her needs and the goals we are trying to accomplish. Helen consistently provides really insightful and helpful feedback to me as a parent. I highly recommend her.
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Class offerings for Toddlers - Teens

  • Creative Movement

  • Acrobatics 

  • Storytelling through Movement

  • Theater/Improv

  • Yoga

  • Circus Arts 

  • Strength and Flexibility (Integrated into play!) 

  • Act Creation 

    For adults: 

  • Dance Cardio

  • Stretch and Tone 

  • Movement Invention & Choreography 

  • Contemporary Dance 

  • Basic Acrobatics 

Virtual Movement Class Music Video – A Helen “Radio” Original

More about Helen Wicks - Movement Educator

Helen Wicks is a San Francisco based dancer and educator. Through her practice and teaching she facilitates methods on how to think with the body and connect to other people and the environment using breath, movement, and music. Helen’s training began as an elite gymnast where she was a member of the US National Team 2001-2004. She has studied extensive modern, ballet, and aerial circus modalities and dabbles in breakdancing. She earned a BA in Dance and Psychology from Bard College. She teaches creative movement, acrobatics, circus arts, and storytelling to youth at ODC, The Nueva School, Mission Montessori, Bay Area Discovery School, Mission Graduates, Zaccho Center for Dance and Aerial Arts, and various Bay Area creative centers and schools. Helen currently integrates ideas from Seymour Papert, Reggio Emelia, Maria Montessori, Axis Syllabus, and Body-Mind Centering into her practice and teaching.