People approach me with curiosity when it comes to aerial circus. The wrapping of fabric around your body to create different shapes and fly in the air isn’t something people see everyday. Interest glows on their face when they think about trying it themselves, but that glow quickly dims when they assume they aren’t strong enough or coordinated enough to be able to give it at try.

This is the mentality I am trying to squash. It is rare that someone is already perfect at something the first time they attempt it.

When we decide to make improvements in our lives and invest in our mental or physical health, we often think of paying for a subscription for a healthy diet we saw on social media, or an online workout that we assume we will stick to. Maybe we invest in some nice, expensive clothing because it makes us feel great and gives us the confidence we desire.

But what about an investment in yourself that has both mental and physical benefits? What if I told you that focusing on something physical- equally as graceful and strong- can help you release and express your inner emotions and thoughts through movement? What if I told you that anyone can do it?

Circus arts is not just a learning hub for physical strength and coordination, but also inner expression and artistry, which keeps us both physically and mentally healthy.

Fear or hesitation of the unknown is a natural feeling when jumping into something new. The feeling is almost like being a child again. Going to a new primary school with new teachers and students and no knowledge of what is to come. But similarly to school, you end up learning, having fun and making life long friends.

This is true for both kids and adults! The impact of braving out your fears and learning new skills opens up a variety of different positive outcomes you might have never encountered.

Serenity Smith Forchion, cofounder of New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), former Cirque du Soleil performer and a well known circus instructor throughout the circus community, recently wrote a published article explaining the benefits of circus arts.

In this article she explains that there are multiple studies around the world that have found that joining the circus is good for your mind and body!

“In a multiple-case study on circus arts instruction published in 2022 in the journal Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, it was reported that "circus arts can help students develop physical literacy because it's based on fundamental human body movements, and the activities can engage students regardless of their age, gender, race, interests, or ability level."

Click below to read her article about the effects of circus arts:

She also writes, “While youth learn to juggle, they discover shapes on a low trapeze, help one another cross a tightwire, and build group pyramids that finish in a "ta-da" flourish. They gain dexterity, they learn to communicate as they climb on one another, they get to name a trapeze skill after themselves, and they celebrate together when they succeed.”

If you have any interest in taking a circus class, but you’re still unsure if you can do it, you’ll never know until you try.

Join us this Winter for our Intro to Circus: Winter Workshop where we will introduce basic circus skills for one week, stress free for those who have never done it before!

Sign up now and stay in the loop for more workshops, ensembles, shows and more!