Meet Jess & Jay
The Heart of Freedom2Fly
Co-founders of Freedom2Fly, are professional circus performers and educators dedicated to using the power of movement and performance to uplift, connect, and inspire.
With decades of combined international experience, Jess and Jay have performed around the world, from cruise ships to prestigious festivals, but their hearts are firmly grounded in Raglan, Aotearoa. Their shared passion for aerial arts, dance, and physical expression, and community building led them to create Freedom2Fly LTD, a vibrant hub where creativity, confidence, and collaboration take flight.
Together, their team teaches local tamariki and rangatahi each week in Raglan, offering accessible and inclusive circus-based education that builds not just strength and flexibility—but also self-esteem, resilience, and joy. Their flagship event, the Freedom2Fly Fest, is now the largest performing arts festival in Raglan, attracting artists and audiences from across New Zealand and beyond.
Jess and Jay are strong advocates for arts as a tool for social change, designing programs that reach youth, families, and underserved communities. Their work promotes mental and physical wellbeing, cross-cultural expression, and creative opportunity—all in line with local and national priorities around health, education, and youth development.
Why We Do What We Do
“We believe every child deserves the chance to fly—literally and metaphorically. Performing arts has a way of unlocking potential and building community like nothing else.”
— Jess & Jay
JaY Ramirez
A passionate circus performer, educator, and creative event producer with deep roots in community arts. My journey began as a performer, learning through countless shows, global travels, and genuine artistic collaborations. In 2019 with his wife Jess, they co-founded Freedom2Fly in Raglan, creating a vibrant space for circus & dance education, artistic expression, and community engagement.
Reviews":
“Jair's aerobatics are edge-of-your-seat stuff “ - The Stage, UK.
“Jair Ramirez acts have to be seen to be believed” - Evening Standard, UK.
“BBC described Jay’s performance as one of the “Highlights from Edinburg Fringe Festival 2016”
Jessica Ramirez (5.02.24)
a dedicated community professional and passionate educator in the performing arts field. As Co-Founder and Principal of FREEDOM2FlY, Jess brings a wealth of experience and global perspective to her work, blending professional artistry with community leadership.
Jess began her international performing career as a dancer after graduating from the prestigious ED5 Performing Arts course in Sydney in 2005. Her journey took her across the globe, performing at sea and on international stages. Along the way, she discovered a deep passion for aerial arts, finding her dance background to be the perfect foundation for this expressive and physically dynamic form.
Now based in Raglan, New Zealand, Jess leads FREEDOM2FlY with vision and heart. As the studio Dance Principal, she is committed to delivering inclusive, empowering, and high-quality performing arts education. Her teaching allows her to share the joy of movement with dancers, fitness enthusiasts, and young people—offering them not just skills in performance, but valuable tools for confidence, discipline, and self-expression that extend far beyond the studio.
“Jess and Jair are the most inspiring teachers and couple ever! #couplegoals
They make you feel 100% safe and comfortable with no judgment what so ever. They are magical. They push you and believe in you all the time, you can learn so much very quickly. I've learnt a great deal from them , they have an amazing repertoire of aerial skills combined together. Anything is possible with F2F by your side”
- Sophie Béphage, F2F Student