This is Emily Fulton, a 16-year-old hand balancer and aerialist from New Hampshire. Emily is on the AYCO Hup Squad and dreams of one day attending professional circus school before joining a contemporary circus company. This photo was taken during golden hour at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic Coast.

AYCO Monthly Newsletter
AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

• Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
• Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
• Discounts on events and merchandise
• Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!
• Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

Click to go directly to section news!

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. You’ll get engaging circus content and our favorite shares from our members. 

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 19th – Giving Tuesday! Look out for our Facebook fundraiser and contribute to help us meet our goal and unlock a matching donation! Circus arts education promotes healthy mental, physical, and emotional youth development. AYCO/ACE helps make this work possible by providing vital community networking, discussions, and events for circus educators as well as important resources and support for circus schools and organizations!
 
This year during Giving Tuesday we’ll also be thinking about everything we’re grateful for – help us to spread the appreciation vibes!

• Step One: Tag someone in your circus community that you’re grateful for!
• Step Two: Use the hashtag #CircusGratitude
• Step Three (optional): Donate to our fundraiser – we’ll be extra grateful

Thank you – we’re grateful for you, our circus community!

Show off your circus and get your AYCO gear from our online store. PS they also make great holiday gifts for your favorite circus instructors!

Are you or do you know a circus obsessed teen who wants to join AYCO’s Hup Squad Youth Action Team? Applications are now open for our 2023 Hup Squad! Apply by January 1. 
 
The AYCO Hup Squad is a group of super cool, circus obsessed teens. The Squad designs and creates content such as reviews, interviews, and articles for the AYCO CircusIsMyLife blog and AYCOgrams, and advises on swag for youth members and AYCO’s social media presence. Hup Squad members receive special Hup Squad Swag, access to interview professional artists, and opportunities to see and review performances and events. Being on the Squad means you get both the prestige of being a national youth circus leader and a built-in peer community to support your developing leadership.

Take a read at our latest blog post! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

The ACE Educators Conference 2022: A Personal Review
In October of 2022, Guest Writer Stacy Gubar had the incredible honor of attending the American Circus Educators EdCon. The event itself was an experience like no other, but even more exciting was seeing ideas manifest to reality. Continue Reading…

The Importance of Warm Up

IAs circus performers, we love learning new tricks, impressive feats, and pushing ourselves to do hard things. It’s tempting to jump right into a training session, and not “waste time” with a warm up or cool down but in actuality this will do way more harm in the long run than good. You’ll get more out of your training if you prepare your body for the training, and protect it from injury so that you can continue to train. Continue Reading…

The Importance of Assistance

Hup Squader Annika Egerstedt recently graduated from high school and moved from Atlanta to Las Vegas to attend college. She shares her experience of moving, stepping outside of her comfort zone and how important her support system is. Continue Reading…

Circus Harmony will be offering circus Holiday Camps in December and Circus Sampler Classes during January, in their downtown St Louis, City Museum ring. They started filming for their second Architecture and Acrobats project. This one is at Fort Belle Fontaine, along the Missouri River. See clips on their social media. 

Ring in the New Year with NECCA! Book private lessons over your holiday break and create your own circus training program. Train in our custom built Trapezium (with heated floors!) then head out to the winter wonderland of Vermont for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, or just cozy up to a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Treat yourself to the circus training you’ve been dreaming of and level up with our world renowned coaches!
 
WHEN: Dec. 2022 – Jan. 2023.
Book soon to lock in 2022 pricing – any lessons booked before Jan. 1, 2023 receive 2022 rates for you and your friends!
 
WHERE: 10 Town Crier Dr.
Brattleboro, VT 05301
 
BOOK by filling out this form.
 
PRIVATE LESSON INFO: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/training/private-lessons/
 
LODGING/TRANSPORTATION INFO: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/contact/visit-necca/

VIVA Fest is excited to announce that registration for the 2023 festival is now open! Early registrants will receive a free ticket to the World Circus Arts Championships, which will be held in conjunction with VIVA Fest. This is a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best circus performers compete, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this offer. Early registration ends November 30th, so don’t delay! Register today and join us for an unforgettable experience.
 
https://www.thevivafest.com

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes:
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

Circus Up’s community troupe, Kirkos, has performed 11 shows at festivals and community events throughout the greater Boston area in 2022. Some of these have included the Wake Up the Earth Festival, Fenway Porchfest, and the Commonwealth Circus Center student shows. Check out their latest performance at the Circus Up Benefit here! 

Materials: None

How to Play: This game can be played with or without an audience, though I find it works better with an audience. Set up an “offstage” area on either side of the playing space. Let the group on stage know the rules. 
1. The goal is to cross the space 
2. You may not stop on stage 
3. The stage can never be empty. 

Encourage them to try as many different ways to cross as possible while also letting them know it’s okay to just walk as well as to copy others if they see something they like. The facilitator calls the stop/start of the game – as well as if the stage is empty. As the students at the end – what was interesting, what was funny, what did they see that they liked?
 
If you like this game, be sure to check out our Games Book! You can purchase directly from the AYCO/ACE store, on Amazon (print and eBook available), or as an eBook from a variety of vendors! Don’t miss your chance to have this great teaching tool! 

Got a game you’d love to share? Reply to this email and tell us about it!

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

Welcome!

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support AYCO with a Donation

In this picture, Adelyn is showing off her aerial splits in silks during the “Kids Night In” event hosted by Brande Morrow of Aerial Spirit at Virginia Beach Aerial Arts Collective. @aerialspiritdance @vbaerialartscollective

Click to go directly to section news!

AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

• Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
• Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
• Discounts on events and merchandise
• Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!

Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. You’ll get engaging circus content and our favorite shares from our members. 

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 19th – Giving Tuesday! Look out for our Facebook fundraiser and contribute to help us meet our goal and unlock a matching donation! Circus arts education promotes healthy mental, physical, and emotional youth development. AYCO/ACE helps make this work possible by providing vital community networking, discussions, and events for circus educators as well as important resources and support for circus schools and organizations!
 
This year during Giving Tuesday we’ll also be thinking about everything we’re grateful for – help us to spread the appreciation vibes!

• Step One: Tag someone in your circus community that you’re grateful for!
• Step Two: Use the hashtag #CircusGratitude
• Step Three (optional): Donate to our fundraiser – we’ll be extra grateful

Show off your circus and get your AYCO gear from our online store. PS they also make great holiday gifts for your favorite circus instructors!

Take a read at our latest blog post! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

Improving Through Injuries

Injuries are common for athletes. Our bodies get tired from excessive use. And when an injury happens, it’s difficult to continue training and maintain strength as the injury heals. Continue Reading…

The New England Center for Circus Arts’ Virtual Alumni Showcase brings together dazzling performers gracing the cyber stage from across the globe for a high-flying online event featuring graduates of NECCA. The artists will live emcee each other’s pre-recorded circus acts sharing stories of their journey from NECCA to the world stage followed by a real time Q&A for direct audience interaction. Meet your favorite NECCA performers and raise funds for outreach and programing at NECCA.
 
WHEN: Sat, Nov. 12 at 7:00 pm EST
 
WHERE: Online
 
PRICING: $15 single viewer
| $25 multiple viewers on 1 device
| $50 Supporter Ticket (donations accepted)
 
BUY TICKETS: https://our.show/alumni2022

MORE INFO: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/about/alumni-showcase

VIVA Fest is excited to announce that registration for the 2023 festival is now open! Early registrants will receive a free ticket to the World Circus Arts Championships, which will be held in conjunction with VIVA Fest. This is a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best circus performers compete, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this offer. Early registration ends November 30th, so don’t delay! Register today and join us for an unforgettable experience.
 
https://www.thevivafest.com

The THIRD ANNUAL CSAW Fundraiser is Here! Can you help CSAW raise $25,000 to continue providing grants for US Circus Artists of Color?
 
This year CSAW is raising $25K in order to:

Offer yet ANOTHER year of $1K microgrants to US Circus Artists of Color
Continue to provide resources for circus artists around the world
AND Ensure the sustainability of our organization by paying our staff for their work!
CSAW is a non-profit circus organization that works to increase accessibility of information and funding for circus artists of all backgrounds. By October 1st 2022, CSAW will have awarded $41,500 in grant funding to 30 different US Circus Artists of Color. Can you help them continue to provide these resources for BIPOC artists? CSAW is committed to continuing to take action against racism and they hope you will join them in these efforts.
 
CSAW will be raising $25,000 again this year to fund our Microgrant Program and to support more grant programming in 2023!  All grant awardees are chosen by paid selection committees composed entirely of established circus artists of color.
 
To date, more than 250 U.S. circus artists of color have applied for CSAW grants. CSAW knows that these long-term, sustainable, programs are crucial to our community. They need your help to continue them. Donate and learn more at: https://igg.me/at/csawgrants2022

The 10th Annual West Coast Aerial Arts Festival (WCAAF) is open for registration!
 
November 10 – 13, 2022
Aerial Dance Theater, Costa Mesa, California
Competition Dates: November 11 & 12, 2022
 
This aerial competition features categories ranging from 7-year-olds to seniors, novice to professional, various apparatuses, and group entries. Competitors receive participation medals, judges’ feedback, and swag bags. The premium competition package includes an audience ticket and free workshop taught by established educators. Top three winners receive cash prizes, a trophy or medal, social media exposure, and the opportunity to perform their winning piece in the award ceremony. Best of all, participants get to make new friends, choreograph pieces with fellow aerialists, and visit Southern California attractions like Disneyland and Hollywood!
 
Celebrating a decade of festivities, WCAAF provides community and competition that nurtures and inspires professional and non-professional aerialists. To learn more: www.westcoastaerialartsfestival.com.

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes:
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

If you like seeing the game of the month, then you’ll love the ACE Games Book! It’s packed with over 100 games for use in cooperative movement based settings, this is a must have for every circus school, teaching artist, and arts education program! (It also makes a great holiday gift – wink wink!)

Each game includes age, number of participants, and a number of tags including ice breaker, non-contact, and include special notes for working with a variety of populations that may require adaptation or modifications to each game.
 
You can purchase directly from the AYCO/ACE store, on Amazon (print and eBook available), or as an eBook from a variety of vendors! Don’t miss your chance to have this great teaching tool! 

Got a game you’d love to share? Reply to this email and tell us about it!

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

Welcome!

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support AYCO with a Donation

Congratulations Briella! This action photo was taken with her coach @agus.afs at Vertical Fix in Tempe, Arizona. Briella defies all odds stacked against her with a spinal chord/nerve injury that paralyzed her arm at birth. This firecracker is working with synthetic nerves and works hard at strengthening so she can fulfill her dreams of being a part of Cirque du Soleil. 

Click to go directly to section news!

AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

• Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
• Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
• Discounts on events and merchandise
• Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!

Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. You’ll get engaging circus content and our favorite shares from our members. 

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

Take a read at our latest blog post! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

How the HUP Squaders spent their Summer!

Wow! The Hup Squad had a jam packed summer full of workshops, intensives, and more! Read on to find out more about all the different programs and places they traveled to Continue Reading…

Changing Your Mindset

Many of us in circus and sports communities in general struggle with feelings of self doubt and comparing ourselves with others. I found myself struggling with these feelings a lot this summer when I was in a circus intensive program. I’ve trained mainly in aerial, and I didn’t have the tumbling, dance, or hand balancing backgrounds that some of the other participants had. This led me, especially at the beginning, to have a lot of doubt about whether or not I deserved to be there and I worried  about my abilities. Continue Reading…

Join the American Circus Alliance for a two part virtual tent workshop! 

Part 1: Considerations before you buy a Circus Tent 

So you want to buy a circus tent?  Talk to the experts about what to consider before you buy. Also known as ‘don’t get surprised by all the incidentals’, budgeting for lots of stakes and sledge hammers, planning the initial set up, anticipating all the maintenance, etc.Led by Nat Brown – tent owner, and consultant for buyers and users.

When: September 19 (Monday), 12 – 1 pm Eastern

Part 2: Touring with a Tent aka Logistics

Before you buy a circus tent, understand the logistics of touring with it – trucks and trailers, permits, location scouting, seating, electricity, water, parking, and more. Led by Danny Rodriguez – Operations Director, UniverSoul Circus.

When: October 17 (Monday) 12 – 1 pm Eastern

Both are free for ACA members/ annual membership is only $25/year
Register at www.americancircusalliance.org

The THIRD ANNUAL CSAW Fundraiser is Here! Can you help CSAW raise $25,000 to continue providing grants for US Circus Artists of Color?
 
This year CSAW is raising $25K in order to:

Offer yet ANOTHER year of $1K microgrants to US Circus Artists of Color
Continue to provide resources for circus artists around the world
AND Ensure the sustainability of our organization by paying our staff for their work!
CSAW is a non-profit circus organization that works to increase accessibility of information and funding for circus artists of all backgrounds. By October 1st 2022, CSAW will have awarded $41,500 in grant funding to 30 different US Circus Artists of Color. Can you help them continue to provide these resources for BIPOC artists? CSAW is committed to continuing to take action against racism and they hope you will join them in these efforts.
 
CSAW will be raising $25,000 again this year to fund our Microgrant Program and to support more grant programming in 2023!  All grant awardees are chosen by paid selection committees composed entirely of established circus artists of color.
 
To date, more than 250 U.S. circus artists of color have applied for CSAW grants. CSAW knows that these long-term, sustainable, programs are crucial to our community. They need your help to continue them. Donate and learn more at: https://igg.me/at/csawgrants2022

Acting for Climate Scandinavia is thrilled to invite you to RIPPLES | THE SAILING CIRCUS PERFORMANCE which will be presented at Ofelia Plads, Copenhagen, in September 2022. 
 
The seed of Acting for Climate was planted in Norway in 2014, with a dream of using our profession as artists to inspire action for a sustainable future. Now, we are a company creating and touring our own performances, and a growing network of people, artists and activists that nurture collaboration for sustainability.
 
The sailing circus performance “Ripples” set sail across the Baltic sea to inspire people to act for a more sustainable future. Combining performing arts and environmental activism, we set sail for hope, for action and for change. Ripples will be played on decks, and high up in the rig and masts of the sail ship Swallow from 1926.
 
With extreme acrobatics all the way up to the top of the 20 meters high masts, the ship as stage, a world-class international team of artists, and a soundscape blending in voices of climate activists all around the world, Ripples is a one of a kind performance. We present a voyage into the future, into the hopes of a new generation who feels truly connected to nature and to what being an artist means. Artistic expression is a powerful tool to empower society, to embody ecological grief and hope for the future within the ship’s magnificent framework. 
“Ripples” reaches out to people and creates space to reflect. Join us!
 
The schedule can be found here: https://www.actingforclimate.com/ripples

You can now learn Pole and Rope Mallakhamb at your convenience from your space. 
 
Mallakhamb Federation USA (MFU) has created a Mallakhamb Marketplace ™ to support adoption of Mallakhamb globally. Top 5 features are:

• Learn Pole and Rope Mallakhamb in three stages – Recreational, Intermediate, and Advanced. Learn Pole and Rope Mallakhamb skills by categories – Mount, Dismount, Yoga, Intercepts and combinations. Videos are ~ 1 min.
• Collaboration with Mallakhamb enthusiasts. No fake users as user registration requires email and phone validation. 
• If you need more guidance contact us on mallakhambapp@gmail.com and we will allocate a coach to you for FREE.
• Rope and Pole Mallakhambs can be sourced through recommendations from Mallakhamb Federation USA (MFU).
• Learn history of Mallakhamb, apparatus required for learning, different forms of Mallakhamb, competitive Mallakhamb and many more.

Download the app now on iOS and Android.
 
For any suggestions, concerns please write an email to mallakhambapp@gmail.com.

The 10th Annual West Coast Aerial Arts Festival (WCAAF) is open for registration!
 
November 10 – 13, 2022
Aerial Dance Theater, Costa Mesa, California
Competition Dates: November 11 & 12, 2022
 
This aerial competition features categories ranging from 7-year-olds to seniors, novice to professional, various apparatuses, and group entries. Competitors receive participation medals, judges’ feedback, and swag bags. The premium competition package includes an audience ticket and free workshop taught by established educators. Top three winners receive cash prizes, a trophy or medal, social media exposure, and the opportunity to perform their winning piece in the award ceremony. Best of all, participants get to make new friends, choreograph pieces with fellow aerialists, and visit Southern California attractions like Disneyland and Hollywood!
 
Celebrating a decade of festivities, WCAAF provides community and competition that nurtures and inspires professional and non-professional aerialists. To learn more: www.westcoastaerialartsfestival.com.

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes:
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

Circus Harmony previewed their Architecture and Acrobats program as the keynote at the Missouri History Museum’s Coloring STL exhibit about the architecture of St. Louis. Architecture and Acrobats tells the story of historically and architecturally significant sites in the St Louis through circus arts. 
 
For the American Circus Educators Conference, October 7-9, in Austin, Circus Harmony staff will be presenting workshops on Circus Class Infrastructure, Two Highs, and Academic/Circus Arts Integration plus serving as part of a Social Circus panel. Are you registered? https://www.americancircuseducators.org/edcon-2022/

Circus Up is proud to announce that their annual benefit will be on Saturday, October 15th. This year’s benefit will be at the beautiful Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA and will feature an open bar, raffle, and a live performance. We will showcase our community troupe, Kirkos, as well as beloved local circus artists and dancers. This event is Circus Up’s major annual fundraiser and all funds raised from this event will go towards supporting their mission to use circus arts to overcome social barriers and build community with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Purchase your ticket or donate here to show your support! 

Materials Needed: None!

How to play: Have everyone get into pairs. Explain to them that they are going to take
turns acting as the other’s mirror, trying to copy the movements of their
partner.
 
Level One:
Have the partners stand about 2 feet apart – tell them that there is a line exactly in the middle between the two of them, called their “center line.” Partner A will start. It’s partner B’s job to copy their every movement. It’s important to explain to the teams that:

• They must move slowly at first.
• The trick is to copy the movements at exactly the same time that they happen, exactly as they are observed.
• Try to have the partners always be equidistant from their center line.
• The partners are not allowed to touch.

Once partner A has had a chance to go for a few minutes, have the partners
switch roles.
 
Level Two:
Ask the partners to add more movement to their actions. Try mirroring each other as they move forward or backwards, use up and down levels, or move around in the room.

• Remind them that they must maintain their relationship to the center line at all times.

Level Three:
Tell them that this time, there is no specified leader. They have to try to be in sync with each other as they move, never fully knowing who is actually starting each movement.

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

Welcome!

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support AYCO with a Donation

Congratulations to this amazing German wheel trio from Circus Academy Tucson. They are our August AYCO Photo Contest Winners! This amazing shot was captured during Circus Academy Tucson’s advanced circus camp as the trio were crafting together the perfect performance for the ‘Murder Mystery’ showcase! We hear it was a mysterious, humorous, and inspiring display of skills!

Click to go directly to section news!

AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

• Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
• Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
• Discounts on events and merchandise
• Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!

Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

We’re loving all of the follows and friend requests flooding our feed! If you haven’t done so already, connect with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. You’ll get engaging circus content and our favorite shares from our members. 

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

Hup Squad is throwing a virtual youth circus hang time and you’re invited!!

Come hang out with us! Meet, chat, play, and share your experiences with circus friends from around the country.  We’ll have breakout rooms for social stretching, games, and a general hangout space.

This event is *free* to all members and $0-10 for non members! 

Once you register for the event, you will receive an email with a Zoom link!

Take a read at our latest blog post! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

 Postcard from NECCA

Hup Squad member, Daisy is sending you a virtual posted card from NECCA, in Vermont. Check it out! I have been training at NECCA for the past couple weeks for the Performance Boot Camp: a fantastic intensive where we each create and develop our own acts to perform in a show at the end! My experience has been so amazing, from training all day long (an absolute dream) to getting to explore the town of Brattleboro and all the fun things it has to offer (which includes goat yoga)! This program has been a fantastic chance to train seriously, to learn new skills, and to spend my summer away from home! Continue Reading

Training to Failure as An Aerialist Workshop – August 28th, 10:30 EST

Co-taught by Aaron Koz and Max March-Steinman, the When/Why To Train to Failure (TTF) workshop is intended to help you, as a student OR coach, understand the merits and RISKS of training to failure in different types of exercises. Gain an understanding of which exercise types are safer to failure-train and which may be more trouble than they’re worth. Learn a framework for implementing TTF effectively in your broader training structure and program to increase your strength gains while keeping injury risk low. Learn more and sign up here.

The 10th Annual West Coast Aerial Arts Festival (WCAAF) is open for registration!
 
November 10 – 13, 2022
Aerial Dance Theater, Costa Mesa, California
Competition Dates: November 11 & 12, 2022
 
This aerial competition features categories ranging from 7-year-olds to seniors, novice to professional, various apparatuses, and group entries. Competitors receive participation medals, judges’ feedback, and swag bags. The premium competition package includes an audience ticket and free workshop taught by established educators. Top three winners receive cash prizes, a trophy or medal, social media exposure, and the opportunity to perform their winning piece in the award ceremony. Best of all, participants get to make new friends, choreograph pieces with fellow aerialists, and visit Southern California attractions like Disneyland and Hollywood!
 
Celebrating a decade of festivities, WCAAF provides community and competition that nurtures and inspires professional and non-professional aerialists. To learn more: www.westcoastaerialartsfestival.com. Early Bird rate ends August 1, 2022.

For the fourth year in a row, WheelFest will take place. Wheel Fest is a chance to learn new skills, try new things, and meet new people. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of circus coaches, professionals, and performers.
 
Workshops include flexibility and stretching, harness training, handstands, Cyr and Gym wheel, and more! Get a chance to learn how to flip and fly in Arcadia, IN at Ripfest https://www.ripfest.net/
 
There will also be a tournament with single, duo, and fun wheel competition.
 
Wheel Fest is a great opportunity you don’t want to miss. More information can be found at www.usawheelgymnastics.comThe focus is not only on training, but also on making new contacts and friendships.  

Are you curious? Take a look here: https://www.usawheelgymnastics.com/2021-wheelfest 
  
Location & date: 
August 17-20 in Chicago, Willye White Park (610 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626).  
August 20-21 in Arcadia IN at RIPFEST Diving (108 South Olive St, Arcadia, IN 46030). 
 
Do you have any questions? Contact Mearieta Clemente: mearieta@gmail.com  

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes:
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

Diamond Family Circus is pleased to again be selected by the Massachusetts Housing Authority as its statewide social circus provider at public housing sites for low-income families, elders, and people with disabilities.  MassHousing’s TAP Resident Programs work to improve quality of life for public housing residents and help to maintain healthy housing communities by offering diverse on-site programs and workshops.

After a successful Summer filled with exciting programming such as CircEsteem’s annual Around Chicago Summer Tour and several sessions of Summer Camp at their Uptown location, CircEsteem welcomes and ushers in the changing season with its Fall programs. Registration for their well-known Homework & CircusWork program, which is situated in several elementary schools throughout Chicago, is currently open, along with Chicago Youth Circus (CYC) Saturday classes at their Uptown location. Registration for CYC’s new location at Humboldt Park Field House, will open soon. Current CircEsteem youths may be considered for Performance Troupe. Stay up-to-date on registration. 

CircEsteem is also proud to announce that they have purchased the building they reside in and will soon undergo an extensive remodel of their facility, starting January 2023. In addition to a new building, CircEsteem is always open to adding to their team. Come work with them.

Materials: None!

How to play: This is a tag game! There are two rolls: The Spider and the Flies. The Spider is “it” and can only move in a crab walk. Everybody else are Flies and can only move by hopping on one foot. Once the Spider tags a fly, the Fly also becomes a Spider until everyone is a Spider! 

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

Welcome!

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support AYCO with a Donation

Charlene is 15 and has been doing circus at Trapeze Las Vegas since she was 4. She has toured the world with Le PeTiT CiRqUe, performed for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, with Lucas Graham, and with Jordan World Circus. She has also done circus stunts in the movies Me Time and Chicken Girls: The Movie.

Click to go directly to section news!

AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
Discounts on events and merchandise
Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!

Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

Are you following us on social media? 👀 If not, hit that follow button so we can connect! We want to see more of you in our feed so we can send you social love and share your highlights, training gains, shows and more. You can follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where we like to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on in the world of circus, with our organization and members. Plus we like to share circus inspo, helpful resources and more. What are you waiting for? Click and connect!

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

Our HUP Squad has been hard at work this month, and have written four new blog posts with helpful and insightful circus information. Take a read! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

Circus in the Pandemic

During the pandemic, we all experienced a radical change. Whether it was a newfound love for online shopping, devotion to cooking, or even, some new form of circus! I personally took up handstands because I was spending so much time surrounded by walls I might as well use them for something! Here are some experiences my fellow Hup Squaders and AYCO Staff had while they were stuck at home. Continue Reading

Review of the 2022 regional AYCOfest

On April 23rd, 70 circus loving youth came together to attend the Regional AYCOFest hosted by the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. There were 42 workshops offered as well as a showcase where youth performers could show off their amazing skills. One of the Hup Squad team was there to represent, learn, and perform. Please enjoy following review by Jocelyn! Continue Reading

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes:
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

At Smirkus Camp, kids develop new ways to challenge themselves, learn skills like teamwork and problem solving, get terrific physical conditioning, and enjoy fun summer camp traditions like singalongs, costume themed dinners, kickball, and more!
 
This summer, Circus Smirkus is offering the following sessions at Smirkus Camp, including placement-based camps that require a video submission, as marked with ★ below:
Smirkling Camp | 1 day | June 18 | Ages 5-11
All Levels Circus Camp | 1 week | June 19-June 24 | Ages 8-16
All Levels Circus Camp | 2 weeks | June 26-July 8 | Ages 8-16
Intermediate Camp | 2 weeks | July 10-22 | Ages 12-18
★ Intermediate Skills Intensive | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Ensemble | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Individual Acts | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
 
Get more information and sign up at www.smirkus.org/camp-sessions

Get your tickets to come see the 2022 Big Top Tour: On the Road Again. Come see the joy of 30 circus youth ages 11-18 perform under our beautiful Big Top on tour across New England in our 35th Anniversary show! Full details at www.smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/

 
★ Greensboro, VT:  July 2
★ Essex Junction, VT:  July 6, 7, 8 & 10
★ Hanover, NH: July 13, 14, 16, 17 
★ Marshfield, MA: July 20-23
★ Waltham, MA: July 26-August 1 (includes our annual Gala: The Smirktacular on June 28)
★ Newbury, MA: August 4-5
★ Kennebunkport, ME: August 9-10
★ Greensboro, VT: August 13-14

Aerial Dance Festival 2022: July 31-August 12. Boulder, CO.
 
3-Hour Immersions, 90-Minute Classes, Workshops, Panels, Performances, and more in-person in Boulder, CO! Learn from this year’s incredible line-up of Faculty Artists: Megan Cattau, Terry Crane, Gena DuBose, Cosmo Dudley, Danielle Hendricks, Shannon McKenna, Valerie Morris, Nancy Smith, Sofia Rodriguez, and Anastasia Timina. Join us for one week or two! Learn More and Register Here.
 
https://frequentflyers.org/aerial-dance-festival/

The Summer Circus & Dance Creation Lab is a two-week program that culminates in a performance.  Students will have the opportunity to take technique classes in dance and circus such as contemporary dance, jazz, hip-hop, aerial silks, trapeze, lyra, juggling, and acrobatics. Students will have the opportunity to choose their technique classes for the two weeks.  Pending on the goals of the students (see Audition Form), we have the capacity to include faculty in other disciplines such as African Dance, Latin Dance, Cyr Wheel, and Aerial Straps.

When: July 18 – 29 (2 weeks) | Performance July 30
For Ages 8+
*Virtual Audition Required
Deadline: April 22 or when all spaces are full ​
Get more details at: https://www.cltcirquedancecenter.org/summercreationlab

Is it possible to look fabulous dancing/moving, feel amazing in your body, AND remain joyful? Absolutely, it is. But is it as easy as some people make it out to be? Definitely not. If you want to successfully look stunning and feel vibrant at the same time, there are a few things you need to know. (And we’re going to tell you!)

Found out what they are in the Fit, Fabulous and Fearless Bootcamp. It’s 14 straight days of wholehearted access to top experts who want to help YOU become a healthier, confident and breathtaking dancer/mover/artist. Our panel includes dancers, artistic athletes, physical therapists, registered dietitians, personal trainers, body image coaches & psychologists that are excited to share their stories, struggles and breakthroughs while busting popular beliefs about body image, fitness and health.

Claim your free front row seat to this epic online event. Learn more and sign up here.

WILTON, NH — Flying Gravity Circus (FGC) is partnering with High Mowing School (HMS) to offer the residential Circus Studies Program (CSP). Aspiring circus artists get:

• A liberal, arts and sciences high-school education, and
• Training in physical and artistic circus skills and performance.
  
  

“This is the only program like it in the United States — and is a culmination of years of planning and a decade of dreaming,” says Jon Roitman, FGC artistic director and CSP program director. 

The CSP includes:

• Academic Classes: math, science, English, world language
• Growing Circus Curriculum: sports psychology, nutrition, anatomy, career management
• On-Site Circus Training: in our fully equipped studio
• Performance: in FGC’s advanced troupe 

CSP graduates will have the academic credits required by traditional colleges, plus the skills to apply to a circus college or support a performing arts career.  

Learn more at www.highmowing.org/circus.

June 20 – 24: Nimble Arts Introduction to Teaching Aerials hosted by NECCA in Brattleboro, VT for anyone embarking on or expanding your teaching practice.  Learn the foundations including spotting, skill progressions, classroom management, posture analysis, injury prevention etc.

July 2-7: Tree Dancing Workshop in collaboration with certified arborist, in Weare, NH. Learn the ropes of how to ascend into trees and dance with them in this outdoor combination of aerials, harness dancing and creativity.  Great for beginners and experienced movers alike this workshop is excellent for generating environmentally focused creative material within the natural landscape.

For info & registration visit: http://nimblearts.org/upcomingworkshop

Circus Harmony congratulates their alumni, Kyran Walton and Oliver Layher, on their graduation from Ecole Nationale de Cirque, their first professional contract with Seven Fingers, and on their first international circus festival, Young Stage, where they were awarded three prizes!
 
St. Louis Arches alumni, Claire Wallenda, will be appearing with Circus Flora alongside the current St Louis Arches.
 
Melvin Diggs and Terrance Robinson are touring with Cirque du Soliel’s Luzia which is currently in Geneva, Switzerland.
 
Chauncey Kroner is coaching the new hoop diving act which will be part of Circus Harmony’s Architecture and Acrobats!
 
Kellin Quinn and his partner, Danielle Saulnier, will be spending the summer performing on Iles de la Madeleine in Quebec for Cirque Eloize. 
 
Tiffany Harris is a 5th grade teacher at Ames Elementary School. Her students took Circus Harmony’s Circus Science class this Spring and did an end of year show. 
 
Keaton Hentoff-Killian was just at Circus Harmony visiting and did some great guest coaching before rejoining Circa Contemporary Circus for a performances in Romania and the Canary Islands. 

How to play: Have one student create the beginning of a fiction story in front of the class. Ask students to raise their hand and interrupt the story by saying, “I’m sorry, did you say…” and change a detail in the story. The storyteller then repeats the sentence with the new addition/suggestion and continues the story. After a few minutes, change the storyteller.
 
Variation: Have the storyteller choose when to call on someone to change the story. Work in pairs or groups of 4. 
 
Reflections: At the end, debrief with the group; how did someone else’s ideas affect your story? How was your creativity challenged?

CSAW – Connection Circus Students Around the World met their fundraising goal for the second year in a row and it means that they can provide another year of Microgrants! To be eligible to apply for a CSAW Microgrant for US Circus Artists of Color you must identify as a person of color who is a citizen, resident alien, or permanent resident of the United States looking to further their education in circus and/or fund their circus related projects and needs. All applicants must be 14 years or older to apply for and receive a Microgrant. Applications are open from the 1st-15th of every month. For more information click here.

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

Welcome!

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support AYCO with a Donation

Congrats to the May #AYCOPhotoContest winner Sharon. For the last 12 years, Circus has given the opportunity to travel the world performing and teaching (46 countries) and I can truly say that Circus really is one big family & we don’t need to speak the same language to communicate & share our skills when we already speak circus.

AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

• Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
• Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
• Discounts on events and merchandise
• Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!

Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

Hey AYCO Family, more exciting news! We just added another new discount to your membership perks! Our friends at Circus Boss are hooking you up with savings on business workshops! So if you’re looking to become a Confident Circus Entrepreneur then be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this email or check the Member Deals and Discount Center for details!

Are you following us on social media? 👀 If not, hit that follow button so we can connect! We want to see more of you in our feed so we can send you social love and share your highlights, training gains, shows and more. You can follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where we like to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on in the world of circus, with our organization and members. Plus we like to share circus inspo, helpful resources and more. What are you waiting for? Click and connect!

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

EdCon registration is LIVE and October will be here before you know it!  This years event will be held at Sky Candy in Austin, TX October 7-9th 2022! We are thrilled with the positive response as the circus community is already buzzing with excitement after such a long hiatus! We can’t wait to see you there!

This 3-day event is just what the circus world needs. Packed with workshops, discussions, private lessons, special learning opportunities and more, this is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss. Be sure to register and schedule your travel and lodging accommodations sooner rather than later to lock in the best rates and secure your spot.

We have made EdCon ticket pricing as accessible as possible – simply choose where you fall on the sliding scale. Please not that you must be an ACE member to attend, as EdCon is by and for the circus education community – and ACE membership is also priced on a sliding scale for accessibility and equity.

In addition to attending EdCon, there are a few other ways for you to get involved. We are looking for presenters and volunteers to help make this an experience to remember – applications for both are open until July 1, 2022.

⚠️ Just a heads up, EdCon is happening the same weekend as ACL (Austin City Limits – a huge music festival) and accommodations will both get booked up fast *and* be pricey if you wait. Check out our website to get our top tips on booking your accommodations. 

🗓 Tuesday July 12th, 2022: Shoulder Health

In this discussion, we’ll be diving into Myofascial release, mobility, and recovery for the shoulder. If you’ve ever experienced training setbacks due to shoulder injuries or immobility then this workshop is for you. We’ll briefly discuss the anatomy of the shoulder and move to the hands-on portion where we’ll practice evidence-based myofascial release, mobility, stability, and strengthening exercises.

It’s important you leave with the confidence and competence to immediately begin integrating this methodology and these techniques. This is why we’ll spend the remaining time discussing how you can transfer these new skills to your own training and self-care programs, as well as those of your students. 

The systems approach we will take stems from our research-based, internationally-known RAD Mobility Continuum, which is also present in our Healthy Shoulders programming available online.

Equipment needed: (use discount code RADCIRCUS15% for 15% off one order)

RAD Rounds, Point Release Kit, or tennis ball and yoga block
Light resistance band
RAD Rod or stick
 

Upcoming ACE discussions to add to your calendar:

🗓 Tuesday September 13th, 2022: Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse

🗓 Tuesday November 8th, 2022: Opening and Closing Routines for Inclusive Circus Practice

About the ACE Discussion Series:

The American Circus Educators Association is excited to present a bimonthly online discussion series for continuing education and professional development for circus educators. Each session is based on a particular topic and facilitated by a community expert in that topic!

Attendance is FREE to current ACE/AYCO members.
Non-members pay a small sliding-scale fee, $5-20.
Space per session is limited.

Sessions are one hour long, every other month on the second Tuesday, at 12pm Eastern Time/11am Central Time/10am Mountain Time/9am Pacific Time. The sessions are not recorded, in order to create a space where attendees are comfortable participating fully in discussion – though some of the facilitator’s introduction may be recorded and made available to registrants after the session. Check out the upcoming events below!

Our HUP Squad has been hard at work this month, and have written four new blog posts with helpful and insightful circus information. Take a read! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

Learn more about the nuts and bolts of Aerial Fabric Rigging

Safe rigging is essential to ensure aerialists stay safe in the air. While rigging should be done only by someone trained in rigging, it’s important for all aerialists to understand their equipment, basic rigging, and how often equipment should be checked and inspected. Continue Reading

AYCO Board Member Marisa Diamond

Marisa Diamond is an active board member for AYCO as well as co-founder of the Diamond Family Circus and created and directed the first International Circus Film Festival. Marisa began her circus journey at the age of 6 having done gymnastics 3 years prior. After seeing a Circus Smirkus tour show and taking a session with Tito Gaona through her Girl Scout troop, she fell in love with the circus. Continue Reading

The Circus Academy of Tucson provides aerial and circus arts education through recreational programs, performance troupes, camps, and community outreach for participants of all ages. Their goal is to offer circus to ALL in the community who wish to participate regardless of age, body type, socio economic status, race, religion, culture, physical or developmental challenges, gender identity, or any perceived barrier to participation.
 
They strive to offer a well-rounded education that goes beyond circus arts. The Circus Academy of Tucson is part of their student’s overall educational life working towards becoming prepared adults and responsible community members. This includes offering community service opportunities and lessons on setting and completing goals, working as part of a team and exploring the self to develop awareness and grow as human beings and world citizens.
 
“Being a part of the safety program really helped me to think deeply about safety and our overall program. It is a great resource to go to as things come up. I feel like it has improved our program in so many ways, not just by helping me to think about safety, but getting me into a practice of analyzing all aspects of the program and always striving to make it better. It helps me as a business that operates in a place where circus is not very well known to be able to point to something and say, yes, not only have we thought about safety and prioritize safety, but there is a whole national organization dedicated to circus education!”

~ Katherine Tesch, Director

https://circusacademytucson.com

We’d like to give a Circus sized welcome to Circadium our two newest Safety Network Members!
 
🎪 Circadium is a full-time, 3-year, professional training program for circus artists. We are the first school in the United States to be state-licensed, granting a Diploma of Circus Arts.  As a non-profit vocational college, we have the mission of cultivating, inspiring, and innovating contemporary circus performance in America.

🎪 Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, “Best of Philly Winner” for kid’s classes, is the region’s center of contemporary circus arts for all ages and abilities (ages 3 – adult). PSCA believes that circus classes are for EVERY body.  Seasoned faculty lead a curriculum featuring aerials (static trapeze, sling, aerial silks and lyra), flying trapeze, juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling, acrobatics, pole, and physical conditioning.  In addition to ongoing classes, PSCA also offers introductory workshops, birthday parties, rental space, summer camp and special guest workshops.

Are you feeling overwhelmed on how to manage all your event entertainment inquiries?
Join Circus Boss, Tuesday May 31st, in a live virtual workshop where we’ll walk you through the steps to build an effective sales process for booking more events without feeling like a pushy salesperson! https://circusboss.com/salesworkshop

Circus Harmony is excited to again have their St. Louis Arches youth circus troupe performing with Circus Flora under the big top in St. Louis from June 9 – July 3, 2022. Among the other performers will be Claire Wallenda, a former St. Louis Arch who now walks wire with the Flying Wallendas. Following that, the Arches are thrilled to be heading to Montreal to participate in the Montreal Completement Cirque festival!

Circus Harmony will also be running summer programming for local St. Louis organizations while holding their own summer camps, classes, and daily performances in their City Museum home. Circus Harmony is always looking for circus teaching interns, learn more at https://circusharmony.org/work-with-us/. They are also still interviewing itinerant performers who can also teach. If interested, email CV to circusday@circusharmony.org.

The 5th annual MyKingstonKids Fest is all about the circus! Featuring a parade and performances from Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, this event provides an opportunity for children of all ages to enjoy an exciting day of activities and circus arts. Your children will be amazed, excited and engaged. Costumes are encouraged! Free registration is encouraged but not required to attend.
 
Sat, May 21, 2022
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Barmann Park, Kingston, NY
 
More info: https://mykingstonkids.com/index.php/2019-05-24-19-04-28/kids-events-kingston-ny

Aloft is overjoyed to announce that “Brave Space” will perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at the Underbelly Circus Hub! Performing alongside companies like Circa and Cirque Alfonse, this is an incredible opportunity to share the inventiveness and creativity of US circus with an international audience.
 
After two years thwarted by the pandemic, the dream is finally coming true. However, taking a cast of 8 (plus equipment!) across an ocean is no small task. Aloft is fundraising to offset costs. There are awesome thank you gifts, plus you’ll know you are helping spread the innovations of American circus around the globe! Planning on attending the fringe? Tickets are on sale now through the Underbelly website. Thank you for supporting this endeavor by donating, buying a ticket or just sending good vibes! It really means the world!
 
Please donate here to help us take this next step in our journey.
https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/aloft-circus-arts/campaigns/4893

The 2022 Big Top Tour show is called On the Road Again in celebration of taking our nonprofit youth circus back on tour. Come see the joy of 30 circus youth ages 11-18 perform under our beautiful Big Top on tour across New England. Full details at www.smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/
 
★ Greensboro, VT: July 2
★ Essex Junction, VT: July 6, 7, 8 & 10
★ Hanover, NH: July 13, 14, 16, 17 
★ Marshfield, MA: July 20-23
★ Waltham, MA: July 26-August 1
★ Newbury, MA: August 4-5
★ Kennebunkport, ME: August 9-10
★ Greensboro, VT: August 13-14

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes:
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

The Summer Circus & Dance Creation Lab is a two-week program that culminates in a performance.  Students will have the opportunity to take technique classes in dance and circus such as contemporary dance, jazz, hip-hop, aerial silks, trapeze, lyra, juggling, and acrobatics. Students will have the opportunity to choose their technique classes for the two weeks.  Pending on the goals of the students (see Audition Form), we have the capacity to include faculty in other disciplines such as African Dance, Latin Dance, Cyr Wheel, and Aerial Straps.

When: July 18 – 29 (2 weeks) | Performance July 30
For Ages 8+
*Virtual Audition Required
Deadline: April 22 or when all spaces are full ​
Get more details at: https://www.cltcirquedancecenter.org/summercreationlab

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance presents the 24th international Aerial Dance Festival 2022: July 31-August 12. Boulder, CO.
 
3-Hour Immersions, 90-Minute Classes, Workshops, Panels, Performances, and more in person in Boulder, CO! Learn more about the festival and this year’s incredible Faculty Artists Here.
 
First come – first served. This is your opportunity to get your spot in classes first! Register Here.

June 20 – 24: Nimble Arts Introduction to Teaching Aerials hosted by NECCA in Brattleboro, VT for anyone embarking on or expanding your teaching practice.  Learn the foundations including spotting, skill progressions, classroom management, posture analysis, injury prevention etc.

July 2-7: Tree Dancing Workshop in collaboration with certified arborist, in Weare, NH. Learn the ropes of how to ascend into trees and dance with them in this outdoor combination of aerials, harness dancing and creativity.  Great for beginners and experienced movers alike this workshop is excellent for generating environmentally focused creative material within the natural landscape.

For info & registration visit: http://nimblearts.org/upcomingworkshop

At Smirkus Camp, kids develop new ways to challenge themselves, learn skills like teamwork and problem solving, get terrific physical conditioning, and enjoy fun summer camp traditions like singalongs, costume themed dinners, kickball, and more!
 
This summer, Circus Smirkus is offering the following sessions at Smirkus Camp, including placement-based camps that require a video submission, as marked with ★ below:
Smirkling Camp | 1 day | June 18 | Ages 5-11
All Levels Circus Camp | 1 week | June 19-June 24 | Ages 8-16
All Levels Circus Camp | 2 weeks | June 26-July 8 | Ages 8-16
Intermediate Camp | 2 weeks | July 10-22 | Ages 12-18
★ Intermediate Skills Intensive | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Ensemble | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Individual Acts | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
 
Get more information and sign up at www.smirkus.org/camp-sessions

WILTON, NH — Flying Gravity Circus (FGC) is partnering with High Mowing School (HMS) to offer the residential Circus Studies Program (CSP). Aspiring circus artists get:

• A liberal, arts and sciences high-school education, and
• Training in physical and artistic circus skills and performance.
  
  

“This is the only program like it in the United States — and is a culmination of years of planning and a decade of dreaming,” says Jon Roitman, FGC artistic director and CSP program director. 

The CSP includes:

• Academic Classes: math, science, English, world language
• Growing Circus Curriculum: sports psychology, nutrition, anatomy, career management
• On-Site Circus Training: in our fully equipped studio
• Performance: in FGC’s advanced troupe 

CSP graduates will have the academic credits required by traditional colleges, plus the skills to apply to a circus college or support a performing arts career.  

Learn more at www.highmowing.org/circus.

Circus Harmony was excited to present their first in a series of shows sponsored by the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission and the City of St. Louis’ Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative at the central branch of the St. Louis Public Library. These shows will be presented at various venues and events throughout downtown St. Louis as part of the plan “to activate downtown’s cultural potential while improving public safety.” Follow their social media for announcements of our future DEPSI shows!
 
Circus Harmony congratulates their alumni, the K.O. Duo, Kyran Walton and Oliver Layher, on their graduation from Ecole Nationale de Cirque and their first professional booking with 7 Fingers!

Brought to us by Tara Jacobs and Natalie Keller
 
Materials Needed: Two aerial fabrics, each with landing mats underneath
 
How To Play: Players should have already been taught how to invert on the fabrics from standing on the ground and be able to do so without a spot. (‘Tagging’ the fabric with toes to complete the inversion is acceptable). Players may wrap for better grip or put on ‘wrist locks’. Two players stand underneath their own aerial fabric, with a landing mat underneath. They both chant, “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Hup!” On ‘Hup’, both players invert into the position of their choice:

• tuck (rock)
• straddle (scissors)
• straight/hollow body/arrow (paper).

Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, paper beats rock. If tied with the same position, repeat. Can play for a single round or ‘best of three’.

Tips: Players should have already been taught how to invert on the fabrics from standing on the ground and be able to do so without a spot. Decide if ‘tagging’ the fabric with toes to complete the inversion is acceptable. 

Variations: Don’t have aerial equipment as part of programming? Create your own rock/paper/scissors for juggling, unicycle, or German Wheel! You can have students come up with the movements and what beats what! 

CSAW – Connection Circus Students Around the World met their fundraising goal for the second year in a row and it means that they can provide another year of Microgrants! To be eligible to apply for a CSAW Microgrant for US Circus Artists of Color you must identify as a person of color who is a citizen, resident alien, or permanent resident of the United States looking to further their education in circus and/or fund their circus related projects and needs. All applicants must be 14 years or older to apply for and receive a Microgrant. Applications are open from the 1st-15th of every month. For more information click here.

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

Welcome!

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support AYCO with a Donation

Congrats to the April #AYCOPhotoContest winner Abigail! This stunning photo of her was captured in the original production, Belissima. In addition to aerial arts, Abby studies dance, musical theater and stilt walking. She is one of three coaches for the NCC Youth performing troupe, and the main coach for stilts classes.

From the Original Production of Bellisma Fata, written by Allison Barbari
Expression City Arts and Fitness
Nashville Circus Center

AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
Discounts on events and merchandise
Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!

Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

In the spring of 2021, the AYCO/ACE Board of Directors embarked on the task of creating a set of values that would align with the mission of the organization, and continue to support and guide the work for the future. Over the course of the last year, the AYCO/ACE  advisory committees were invited to participate by contributing their ideas and perspective on what core values the organization has embodied in the past and should continue to reach for in the future. Along with suggestions from Board members, all input was evaluated and common themes and threads were identified. Finally, the Governance Committee of the Board crafted the statement. The culmination of this process is the Values Statement which the Board has officially adopted. Community feedback is welcomed, as we see this as a living process. (Please email info@americancircuseducation.org with any input.)

We are delighted to share with our community our newly established Values Statement! The AYCO/ACE community holds these values in making circus education a space where all are welcome and safe:
 
SAFETY: We affirm that physical, socio-emotional, and psychological safety are rights of everyone in our community.
 
INCLUSION – We pledge to amplify and cultivate diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities in pursuit of equity.
 
COLLABORATION – We foster cooperation through clear communication, and collective action, to strengthen our interconnected community.
 
FUN – We delight in the joy of play, and in the creation of open minds, expressive bodies, and vibrant souls through circus arts.

Over this past weekend, we celebrated World Circus Day by hosting our #TheFutureIsCircus Fundraiser! Together with your help, we were able to raise $1,315 to put torward the future of circus!

We are thankful to everyone that donated and shared this event. We could not have done this without YOU! Still want to donate? You can donate anytime here:

Exciting news! We just added another new discount to your membership perks! Our friends at Hoopologie are hooking you up with savings on hoop goodies! Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this email or check the Member Deals and Discount Center for details!

Are you following us on social media? 👀 If not, hit that follow button so we can connect! We want to see more of you in our feed so we can send you social love and share your highlights, training gains, shows and more. You can follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where we like to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on in the world of circus, with our organization and members. Plus we like to share circus inspo, helpful resources and more. What are you waiting for? Click and connect!

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

Mark your calendars, EdCon 2022 is on the way! We are planning for EdCon 2022 to be LIVE and in person at  Sky Candy in Austin, TX October 7-9th 2022!

We anticipate that travel and gathering will feel comfortable and safe by that time, and of course we will have specific COVID policies in place. There will be an online component for those that can’t attend, but we are so very excited to foster an event with physical workshops and face-to-face connections after such a long hiatus! More details to come! Registration opens May 1st!

The American Circus Educators Association is excited to present a bimonthly online discussion series for continuing education and professional development for circus educators. Each session is based on a particular topic and facilitated by a community expert in that topic!

Attendance is FREE to current ACE/AYCO members.
Non-members pay a small sliding-scale fee, $5-20.
Space per session is limited.

Sessions are one hour long, every other month on the second Tuesday, at 12pm Eastern Time/11am Central Time/10am Mountain Time/9am Pacific Time. The sessions are not recorded, in order to create a space where attendees are comfortable participating fully in discussion – though some of the facilitator’s introduction may be recorded and made available to registrants after the session. Check out the upcoming events below!

Tuesday May 10th, 2022: Supporting Students with Anxiety and Panic

This discussion will start with an expanded excerpt from the longer training “Unafraid – Mental Health Tools for Circus Communities”. We will discuss elements of anxiety and panic as adaptive traits, and what happens when they become overwhelming or disordered in circus students. Participants will leave with concrete tools for supporting their students who experience anxiety and panic, as well as tools they can use to soothe and ground themselves as needed.

Our HUP Squad has been hard at work this month, and have written four new blog posts with helpful and insightful circus information. Take a read! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

Just Get Creative: An Interview of the Professional Juggler Jay Gilligan

Jay Gilligan is a professional juggler who just wrapped the New York City World Premiere of his show REFLEX: Unraveling 4,000 Years of Juggling. A juggler for 35 years, his show demonstrates how juggling can be more than just throwing and catching objects. His unique juggling style is incredibly impressive and quite beautiful. Continue Reading

10 Aerialists I Think You Should Follow:

Instagram is a great place to get inspiration for tricks you want to learn with your aerial coach, performance style ideas, and places you might want to train when you have the opportunity. I want to share some of my favorite aerial Instagram accounts. Continue Reading

WorkingThrough Obstacles with Circus:

Hi, my name is Marah. I’m a 14 year old acrobat from New York and I am legally blind. When I was 3 years old, my parents realized that I could read things up close but not far away. After taking me to a doctor they learned that my vision was severely impaired and that I would need to wear very thick glasses to see. . . For a while I thought that my vision would interfere with my ability to enjoy participating in physical activities. Since becoming an acrobat, I’ve realized that that doesn’t have to be the case. Continue Reading

Aerial Physique focuses on offering online courses, in-person classes, teacher training programs, and valuable resources for aerialists around the world. Visit www.aerialphysique.com to check out their incredible programs
 
“The ACE Safety Network has helped our program thrive. The invaluable resources that are provided and the high standards held that help keeps our students and staff are well worth it. When it comes to safety it’s vital to be proactive versus reactive. ACE has been excellent at helping us stay on top of our game to provide a teacher training course that is both informative and thorough on the topics of safety, risk assessment and class etiquette.” Jill Franklin (founder)

The Philadelphia Regional AYCO Festival hosted by Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is coming your way April 23, 2022!! It’s one day jam packed with circus learning, training and connection! Tap the link in our bio and get in on all of this fun and gains 👇🏾
 
This year’s festival includes:
🤹🏽 5 training workshops
🍽 Group Dinner
🤸🏽‍♀️ Festival showcase
🎪 Cirque Us Show
 
Yep, we’re doing all the things! Regional Festivals are hosted by our member organizations and are a great way to learn from different coaches, perform for your peers, and meet circus youth from your region!

Starring guest artists from circuses around the world, this is a unique opportunity to see some of today’s most renowned high flying aerialists, acrobats, and jugglers in an event that raises funds for programming and outreach at the New England Center for Circus Arts.
 
This evening of incredible, world-class entertainment for the entire family features Ringmaster Troy Wunderle leading a cast that includes Mandy Hackman (aerial sling), Ripley Burns (antipodism), Elsa Hall (straps), Morgan Oldham (chair balancing), Alexis Hedrick (cyr wheel), Rachel Rees (rope), Liam Gundlach (diabolos), Ariana Ferber-Carter (contortion), and Caroline Wright and Rachel Barringer (duo lyra).
 
Circus Spectacular 2022 was recorded live on March 6, 2022 and now you can enjoy the show on demand from the comfort of your own home.
 
When: April 16 – April 30, 2022 | Where: Online – streaming on demand
 
Cost:  $15-50 | Purchase Your Ticket at: https://our.show/spectacular2022
 
Get a sneak peek at: https://youtu.be/R0eUr_VMxoE
 
For More Info Visit: https://www.necenterforcircusarts.org/about/circus-spectacular-on-demand/

After a two year hiatus, the Big Top Tour is back on tour this summer! The 2022 Big Top Tour show is called On the Road Again in celebration of taking our nonprofit youth circus back on tour. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2022. Full details at www.smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/
 
★ Greensboro, VT:  July 2
★ Essex Junction, VT:  July 6, 7, 8 & 10
★ Hanover, NH: July 13, 14, 16, 17
★ Marshfield, MA: July 20-23
★ Waltham, MA: July 26-August 1
★ Newbury, MA: August 4-5
★ Kennebunkport, ME: August 9-10
★ Greensboro, VT: August 13-14

Circus with a twist! Entertainment that bends the rules of gravity and more! Co-presented by Frog Meadow Farm and NECCA.
 
Join NECCA’s delightfully fun and mischievous fundraising event to bolster the Frog Meadow Queer Circus Arts Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ+ students at the New England Center for Circus Arts. Welcoming and open to LGBTQ+ and allies.
 
Begin with hors d’oeuvres, libations, special entertainment, a silent auction, and quirky fun followed by a special showing of the Capstone Circus Project from the graduating class of NECCA’s ProTrack – pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus theater – then stay for a Meet & Greet with the Artists following the show!
 
LGBTQ+ students are faced with discrimination that leads to housing, employment, financial and other disparities. This scholarship helps to close the gap and provide a safe and inclusive environment for queer circus students of all ages and backgrounds across all of our programs.
 
WHEN: May 6, 2022, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
 
WHERE: NECCA Trapezium
10 Town Crier Drive
Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
 
TICKETS: $50-250 https://our.show/necca/fundraiser
 
DONATE: https://necenterforcircusarts.asapconnected.com/#DonationID=714
 
BECOME A SPONSOR: https://necenterforcircusarts.asapconnected.com/#DonationID=834
 
MORE INFO: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/about/queer-circus-arts-scholarship-fundraiser/

La Prairie des Talons is the Capstone Circus Project from the graduating class of NECCA’s ProTrack, pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus theater. Working with internationally renowned director Paúl Gomex, the talented acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and movers poised to burst upon the world stage, reflect on the collective quest of a generation in search of meaning and identity. It is an ode to the impermanence of life, and to this turbulent, COVID-challenged, rapidly changing world.
 
WHEN & WHERE: April 30, Claremont, NH | Claremont Opera House

May 7 & May 8, Brattleboro, VT | New England Center for Circus Arts

May 10, Derry, NH | Stockbridge Theater
 
TICKETS: $15-$30 https://our.show/lesprairie
 
MORE INFO: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/about/la-prairie-des-talons
 
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: Paúl Gomex is a Venezuelan-American pluri-disciplinary performer and director. He is the founder of Clowns Without Borders Switzerland and 406Cirque, the Circus School of Bozeman, Montana.

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes:
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

The Summer Circus & Dance Creation Lab is a two-week program that culminates in a performance.  Students will have the opportunity to take technique classes in dance and circus such as contemporary dance, jazz, hip-hop, aerial silks, trapeze, lyra, juggling, and acrobatics. Students will have the opportunity to choose their technique classes for the two weeks.  Pending on the goals of the students (see Audition Form), we have the capacity to include faculty in other disciplines such as African Dance, Latin Dance, Cyr Wheel, and Aerial Straps.

When: July 18 – 29 (2 weeks) | Performance July 30
For Ages 8+
*Virtual Audition Required
Deadline: April 22 or when all spaces are full ​
Get more details at: https://www.cltcirquedancecenter.org/summercreationlab

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance presents the 24th international Aerial Dance Festival 2022: July 31-August 12. Boulder, CO.
 
3-Hour Immersions, 90-Minute Classes, Workshops, Panels, Performances, and more in person in Boulder, CO! Learn more about the festival and this year’s incredible Faculty Artists Here.
 
First come – first served. This is your opportunity to get your spot in classes first! Register Here.

June 20 – 24: Nimble Arts Introduction to Teaching Aerials hosted by NECCA in Brattleboro, VT for anyone embarking on or expanding your teaching practice.  Learn the foundations including spotting, skill progressions, classroom management, posture analysis, injury prevention etc.

July 2-7: Tree Dancing Workshop in collaboration with certified arborist, in Weare, NH. Learn the ropes of how to ascend into trees and dance with them in this outdoor combination of aerials, harness dancing and creativity.  Great for beginners and experienced movers alike this workshop is excellent for generating environmentally focused creative material within the natural landscape.

For info & registration visit: http://nimblearts.org/upcomingworkshop

At Smirkus Camp, kids develop new ways to challenge themselves, learn skills like teamwork and problem solving, get terrific physical conditioning, and enjoy fun summer camp traditions like singalongs, costume themed dinners, kickball, and more!
 
This summer, Circus Smirkus is offering the following sessions at Smirkus Camp, including placement-based camps that require a video submission, as marked with ★ below:
Smirkling Camp | 1 day | June 18 | Ages 5-11
All Levels Circus Camp | 1 week | June 19-June 24 | Ages 8-16
All Levels Circus Camp | 2 weeks | June 26-July 8 | Ages 8-16
Intermediate Camp | 2 weeks | July 10-22 | Ages 12-18
★ Intermediate Skills Intensive | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Ensemble | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Individual Acts | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
 
Get more information and sign up at www.smirkus.org/camp-sessions

WILTON, NH — Flying Gravity Circus (FGC) is partnering with High Mowing School (HMS) to offer the residential Circus Studies Program (CSP). Aspiring circus artists get:

• A liberal, arts and sciences high-school education, and
• Training in physical and artistic circus skills and performance.

“This is the only program like it in the United States — and is a culmination of years of planning and a decade of dreaming,” says Jon Roitman, FGC artistic director and CSP program director. 

The CSP includes:

• Academic Classes: math, science, English, world language
• Growing Circus Curriculum: sports psychology, nutrition, anatomy, career management
• On-Site Circus Training: in our fully equipped studio
• Performance: in FGC’s advanced troupe 

CSP graduates will have the academic credits required by traditional colleges, plus the skills to apply to a circus college or support a performing arts career.  

Learn more at www.highmowing.org/circus.

Circus Harmony coaches present these shows in the City Museum ring: Elliana Grace’s This Is Why. Briland Schack-Farnell’s, Seaside Silliness. Hula hooping heroine, Maya Z’s self-titled show, Laura Lippert, hangs by and hangs things from her hair, and Sensational Sabrina’s Oh the Places I Will Go! https://circusharmony.org/calendar/

Materials Needed: Long rope – long jump rope or silk/sling/fabric work, too!

How to play: Everyone holds onto a long rope. They can move their hands on the rope, but they cannot change places with one another. The goal is to then form a five-sided star with the rope. They have 10 minutes, and there shouldn’t be any rope leftover at either end.

Variations: Start off easier with a triangle, square, then add the ultimate challenge of a star if students are younger or you are working with a newer group.

Skills: This game works on cooperation and better communication skills.

CSAW – Connection Circus Students Around the World met their fundraising goal for the second year in a row and it means that they can provide another year of Microgrants! To be eligible to apply for a CSAW Microgrant for US Circus Artists of Color you must identify as a person of color who is a citizen, resident alien, or permanent resident of the United States looking to further their education in circus and/or fund their circus related projects and needs. All applicants must be 14 years or older to apply for and receive a Microgrant. Applications are open from the 1st-15th of every month. For more information click here.

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

Welcome!

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support AYCO with a Donation

Congrats to the March #AYCOPhotoContest winner Noelle. She has been a member of a youth circus named Circus Minius for 8 years. She is 15 years old. She is a sophomore in high school. Her other interests are volleyball and student government. This photo was taken at one of our weekly practices. The young man in the photo is Christian Kennedy. He is 18 years old and has been training with our team for 3 years.

AYCO Youth Membership costs $35 per year and is for anyone 21 and under and college students who are passionate about circus arts. This is your chance to plug into the national circus community, network and show off  your circus pride.

Membership benefits include:

Surprise swag mailed to your door three times a year
Eligibility to perform in AYCO event showcases
Discounts on events and merchandise
Monthly email AYCOgram newsletter filled with circus opportunities, news, and videos just for you!
Want to join? Grab an adult and click the button below!

Are you following us on social media? 👀 If not, hit that follow button so we can connect! We want to see more of you in our feed so we can send you social love and share your highlights, training gains, shows and more. You can follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where we like to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on in the world of circus, with our organization and members. Plus we like to share circus inspo, helpful resources and more. What are you waiting for? Click and connect!

Be sure to tag us using #AmericanYouthCircusOrganization and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

Mark your calendars, EdCon 2022 is on the way! We are planning for EdCon 2022 to be LIVE and in person at  Sky Candy in Austin, TX October 7-9th 2022!

We anticipate that travel and gathering will feel comfortable and safe by that time, and of course we will have specific COVID policies in place. There will be an online component for those that can’t attend, but we are so very excited to foster an event with physical workshops and face-to-face connections after such a long hiatus! More details to come!

The American Circus Educators Association is excited to present a bimonthly online discussion series for continuing education and professional development for circus educators. Each session is based on a particular topic and facilitated by a community expert in that topic!

Attendance is FREE to current ACE/AYCO members.
Non-members pay a small sliding-scale fee, $5-20.
Space per session is limited.

Sessions are one hour long, every other month on the second Tuesday, at 12pm Eastern Time/11am Central Time/10am Mountain Time/9am Pacific Time. The sessions are not recorded, in order to create a space where attendees are comfortable participating fully in discussion – though some of the facilitator’s introduction may be recorded and made available to registrants after the session. Check out the upcoming events below!

Tuesday May 10th, 2022: Supporting Students with Anxiety and Panic

This discussion will start with an expanded excerpt from the longer training “Unafraid – Mental Health Tools for Circus Communities”. We will discuss elements of anxiety and panic as adaptive traits, and what happens when they become overwhelming or disordered in circus students. Participants will leave with concrete tools for supporting their students who experience anxiety and panic, as well as tools they can use to soothe and ground themselves as needed.

Exciting news! We just added new discounts to your membership perks! Our friends at Mighty Grip, Rubberbandtiz and Circus Doc are hooking you up with savings on their Circus training and learning tools. Not a member yet? Now’s a great time to join!

Our HUP Squad has been hard at work this month, and have written four new blog posts with helpful and insightful circus information. Take a read! And be sure to share with a circus friend!  

How to Stay Safe on the Internet – By Jocelyn Bridges

We know that the internet can be very beneficial for many things: publicity, getting discovered, making friends/connecting with people, and widening your knowledge. But, what about the downsides? Here are 3 ways to protect yourself from these unwanted problems. Continue Reading

Who Is Judy Finelli – by Emily Fulton

When you think of Judy Finelli, what comes to mind? I’m guessing your response was either “Hold up; you didn’t tell me this was a test” or “I have no clue, tell me more.” Those are both completely valid responses, and probably how I would have answered that question just six months ago. Continue Reading

How to Practice Aerial at Home Safely – By Annika Egerstedt

During the Covid shutdowns, there has been an influx of home rigs. A home rig seems like a good idea to keep up strength and tricks or even to get some extra practice in between classes. However, if done incorrectly it becomes dangerous real quickly. . .Here are some advice I give to my students when they ask about home rigs. Continue Reading

30 Minutes of Aerial Warm-up and Stretches – Daisy Coleman

Do you ever set up your silks or Lyra or circus apparatus, and then realize you have no idea where to begin? If you’re wondering what are the best and easiest ways to warm up, stretch, and condition safely on the ground, here are some suggestions! Continue Reading

Paper Doll Militia is a recognized member of the Safety Program specializing in aerial education and theatrical productions. Their pieces seamlessly weave together dynamic physicality, aerial arts, and visual theatre. They emphasize a mixture of modern and vintage mediums as well as invented aerial apparatus to create their signature aesthetic; dreamy, whimsical, and dark.
 
Paper Doll Militia’s teacher training and certification program is available worldwide through their remote format and they have two scholarship programs to help address inequity within the industry. Paper Doll Militia also offers retreats in beautiful locations around the world. The next retreat will be in Panama, Oct 2022, and will feature aerial classes on sailboats! Stay up to date with all their current offerings by signing up to their Mailing list. The next opportunity to join a remote teacher training is in June of 2022. Details on the website: www.PaperDollMilitia.com

 
“Paper Doll Militia’s Teacher Training Program has been recognized through ACE for almost 3 years. We have loved being a part of this amazing community. Every year, we look forward to the ACE and AYCO conferences as a place to reignite our passion and connect with other teaching professionals. The amazing detail of the Safety Program has helped us to continue to update our programming and continually improve upon our offerings to the community.”

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes: 
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

Tickets are on sale now for the 2022 Circus International Film Festival, which runs online from Pie Day (March 13) to World Circus Day (April 16), at https://filmfreeway.com/CircusInternationalFilmFestival/tickets

Please contact circusinternationalfilmfest@gmail.com for sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, and follow @circusinternationalfilmfestival on FB and IG, or visit http://www.circusinternationalfilmfest.com for more information.

The 2022 Cirques Experience is hosting the annual March Weekend. Held in the north side of Chicago, Wheel Weekend is a great opportunity to expand circus artists’ skills and knowledge in the world of wheel.

There are several workshops including Cyr wheel, Gym Wheel, Judging, Coaching and More! Whether the focus is performance, competition, physical fitness, or merely FUN, all are welcome! Whether a beginner or a professional this is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.

When: March 18, 8:00AM – March 20, 5:00PM

Where: 5944 N. Magnolia Ave | Chicago, IL, 60660 | USA

More information can be found below as well as registration for Wheel Weekend.

https://www.usawheelgymnastics.com/wheel-weekends

https://www.cirquesexperience.org/event-details/2022-chicago-march-wheel-weekend

The Summer Circus & Dance Creation Lab is a two-week program that culminates in a performance.  Students will have the opportunity to take technique classes in dance and circus such as contemporary dance, jazz, hip-hop, aerial silks, trapeze, lyra, juggling, and acrobatics. Students will have the opportunity to choose their technique classes for the two weeks.  Pending on the goals of the students (see Audition Form), we have the capacity to include faculty in other disciplines such as African Dance, Latin Dance, Cyr Wheel, and Aerial Straps.

When: July 18 – 29 (2 weeks) | Performance July 30
For Ages 8+
*Virtual Audition Required
Deadline: April 22 or when all spaces are full ​
Get more details at: https://www.cltcirquedancecenter.org/summercreationlab

Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance presents the 24th international Aerial Dance Festival 2022: July 31-August 12. Boulder, CO.
 
3-Hour Immersions, 90-Minute Classes, Workshops, Panels, Performances, and more in person in Boulder, CO! Learn more about the festival and this year’s incredible Faculty Artists Here.
 
ADF 2022 Early Bird Discount Package Registration OPEN NOW through March 28. First come – first served. This is your opportunity to get your spot in classes first! Register Here.

June 20 – 24: Nimble Arts Introduction to Teaching Aerials hosted by NECCA in Brattleboro, VT for anyone embarking on or expanding your teaching practice.  Learn the foundations including spotting, skill progressions, classroom management, posture analysis, injury prevention etc.

July 2-7: Tree Dancing Workshop in collaboration with certified arborist, in Weare, NH. Learn the ropes of how to ascend into trees and dance with them in this outdoor combination of aerials, harness dancing and creativity.  Great for beginners and experienced movers alike this workshop is excellent for generating environmentally focused creative material within the natural landscape.

For info & registration visit: http://nimblearts.org/upcomingworkshop

At Smirkus Camp, kids develop new ways to challenge themselves, learn skills like teamwork and problem solving, get terrific physical conditioning, and enjoy fun summer camp traditions like singalongs, costume themed dinners, kickball, and more!
 
This summer, Circus Smirkus is offering the following sessions at Smirkus Camp, including placement-based camps that require a video submission, as marked with ★ below:
Smirkling Camp | 1 day | June 18 | Ages 5-11
All Levels Circus Camp | 1 week | June 19-June 24 | Ages 8-16
All Levels Circus Camp | 2 weeks | June 26-July 8 | Ages 8-16
Intermediate Camp | 2 weeks | July 10-22 | Ages 12-18
★ Intermediate Skills Intensive | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Ensemble | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
★ Advanced Individual Acts | 3 weeks | July 24-August 12 | Ages 12-18
 
Get more information and sign up at www.smirkus.org/camp-sessions

The flying children of Circus Harmony are taking off at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport! What more natural place to exhibit Circus Harmony’s fabulous flying children than the airport? Who better to welcome visitors or returning residents than the bounciest ambassadors of this metropolis? The young subjects of these photos are amazing aviators themselves. The photography exhibit Watch Out for Flying Children, will be at the Lambert Gallery on the lower level from March 15- September 15, 2022.  The exhibit is a photographic journey that follows the flying children of Circus Harmony as they defy gravity, soar with confidence and leap over social barriers in St. Louis and beyond! The photos span from 2004 through 2022. You can also follow the flying children via their website, www.circusharmony.org, and social media. You might even see them flipping, flying, and flinging live some days at the airport!

CircEsteem has expanded quickly in the past couple of years.  CircEsteem now has 7 long-term satellite sites and one main hub site located throughout Chicago offering social circus programming to 425 youth each week!
 
Five years ago, CircEsteem had one program site.  CircEsteem students continue to grow more committed to the community, many graduating high school and going off to college, but always coming back to support the organization during breaks by teaching their younger peers.  Several of our youth have grown up, gone to college (or not), and now work leading programs for the next generation of CircEsteem kids.  
 
The organization is working to realize a city-wide model, where neighborhood programs interact with each other intentionally in order to fulfill our mission of uniting youth across all backgrounds and identities, while also working towards our goal of equitable access for youth from around the city.
 
Our goal is to bring all the different neighborhoods together to take part in our Summer Circus Tour, which performs 15 times in 15 different communities during the summer time!

Materials Needed: Music playing device

How to Play: Play a popular school appropriate song with a strong beat. Demonstrate various dances using different body parts. For example: Nodding your head to the core beat, moving your fingers on a mat as if they were legs, leaning side to side. Ask students to join you in the simplest of movements. If some students choose to sing along, welcome that.

Variations: You can assign students to lead a dance move, popcorn, go around the circle, or drop a name list into the chat (if online). Remember to encourage participants to keep it simple and repeatable. 

Reflections: What was it like to move as a group? How is your focus after moving your body? 
Teacher Notes: Song choice is everything. If students suggest a song, make sure you preview it ahead of time. People get teased a lot for their dance skills. This activity is best with only small movements so there can be a communal experience without any shaming. 

CSAW – Connection Circus Students Around the World met their fundraising goal for the second year in a row and it means that they can provide another year of Microgrants! To be eligible to apply for a CSAW Microgrant for US Circus Artists of Color you must identify as a person of color who is a citizen, resident alien, or permanent resident of the United States looking to further their education in circus and/or fund their circus related projects and needs. All applicants must be 14 years or older to apply for and receive a Microgrant. Applications are open from the 1st-15th of every month. For more information click here.

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.