Click to go directly to section news!

ACE membership keeps you connected, engaged, and in the know! ACE memberships are available for circus educators and organizations. Our most popular member benefits include content management system discounts for organizations, insurance connections, eligibility to attend national events, and discounts on regional events. Click the button below for more information and to join!

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

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

Psst! EdCon is calling your name. If you’re ready to take your circus education and teaching skill to the next level then EdCon is where you want to be. It’s three days of non-stop learning, connecting and growth going down October 7-9, 2022. We’ve got an ah-mazing lineup of workshops, panels, roundtables, social events, and more from our industry experts in the areas of: 

• Apparatus Training and Technique
• Programming and Discussion on Working With Youth
• Body Care for Circus Artists and Athlete
• Mental Wellness in Circus
• Diversifying your Teaching for All Body Types
• Insight on improving the Business of Circus
• Safety and Safe Practices in Circus

Sign-ups are now open, but are filling up quick! So click on the button below to get more information about the speakers and schedule and then be sure to register and save your spot.

Register for EdCon!

If you haven’t registered for EdCon yet, avoid the FOMO and click the button below to secure your spot and savings now because October will be here before you know it! PS: we’ve created a virtual attendance option. Grab your virtual only ticket for $50. Virtual ticket will include recordings of some, limited sessions.

Do you know a circus educator that is raising the bar in the circus classroom? Show them some circus love by nominating them for the 2022 ACE Awards!

What are the ACE awards? We’re so glad you asked! Here’s the 411: 
Every two years ACE gives awards to celebrate our thriving community and the individuals who inspire and drive circus education forward. The two awards presented are the American Circus Educators Association Excellence in Circus Education Award and Innovation in Education Award. These biennial awards are given to individuals based in the USA that exemplify passion, ingenuity and dedication to the circus community. Awards will be presented at EdCon (October 7-9, 2022) Click the button below to learn more about the two awards, nominate your favorite circus educators and check out our past winners!

PS: The deadline for nominations is September 15, 2022 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.

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

Any substance, whether food, drink, drug or supplement can be used, misused and abused. This session will provide the participants with a 7 element “Taking it” informed decision approach and increase your awareness on issues related to substance use. Commonly used substances such as marijuana (THC and CBD), caffeine and protein will be discussed in detail. This background for the use of this informed decision making model will be highlighted briefly. The latest research and information will be provided on a variety of common substances. Participants will increase their awareness of issues related to substance use, increase their knowledge of specific substances, and have a framework from which they can approach any substance.  

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

Details coming soon!

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!

New format, same great Social Circus Connection Call. 

In 2022, the ACE Social Circus Program is changing the registration structure for our Connection calls; participants will need to register for each individual call. Join us for our next call, Tuesday, October 11th at 9am PST / 10am MST / 11am CST / 12pm EST.

Calls are *free* to ACE members | $0-10 for non-members

Wise Fool is Seeking Show Director: ReUnite
Wise Fool is seeking a show director for our new production, ReUnite!
Here is a link to more information:
https://wisefoolnewmexico.org/reunite/
 
Wise Fool is Hiring: Co-Executive Director
Wise Fool is looking to hire a third Co-Executive Director to join our leadership team!
Please send letter of interest and resume to Board@wisefoolnm.org 
Here is a link to more information:
https://wisefoolnewmexico.org/executivedirector/

Spend a few days completely absorbed in your favorite circus discipline and take home skills that will keep you busy long after the workshop ends. Find info on all Immersions here: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/training/workshops/
 
* Nov. 4-5 | Lyra w/ Megan Mallouk
* Nov. 11-13 | Straps w/ Sebastian Rojas
* Nov. 18-20 | Hand Balancing w/ Fleeky Flanko
* Nov. 18-20 | Vertical Dance w/ Nimble Arts
* Nov. 26-27 | Russian Bar w/ Jon Roitman

Come learn rigging and risk management principles for aerial acrobatics, circus, and dance in these rigging workshops at NECCA!
 
* Aerial Rigging Basics: Oct. 22-23
https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4979#EventID=2222800

* Advanced Topics: Oct. 24-25
https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=4979#EventID=2222799

Both Aerial Rigging Basics and Advanced Topics will feature practical demonstrations using computerized load-cell technology, and will provide access to an array of skills and techniques for safe and effective performance rigging.
 
FIND MORE INFO AND REGISTER ONLINE: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/about/aerial-rigging-basics/

Register for L1 Aerial Straps 40-hour Online Teacher and Performer Training – coming Fall 2022

Created and produced by Aaron Koz, and co-taught by Max March-Steinman, founder of CircSci, the Level 1 Straps Teacher Training draws on over 10 years of aerial and movement instruction in the field. Key information will be shared via lectures, group discussion, and practical application. Concepts addressed include: lesson and curriculum development, skills, spotting techniques, safety, anatomy, injury prevention, creativity, progression, grip strength training, dynamic and strength technique, and teaching tips. Register here!

This 50 hour Remote Teacher Training Course is a comprehensive and fully interactive training that you can do in your local studio or on your approved home rigging. It includes independent study, group instruction & personalized feedback as well as lifetime access to over 200 recorded reference videos and other course materials. There are 3 weekly zoom classes delivered in multiple time zones over the 4 week program.
 
Upcoming Trainings:

Level 1 Silks, Rope, Trapeze or Lyra

• Dates: Sept 3 – Oct 1, 2022
• Registration opens July 4th, 2022
• Register by July 10th, 2022 for Early Bird Discount ($100 off)

Level 2 Silks, Trapeze or Lyra

• Dates: Oct 29 – Nov 26th, 2022
• Registration opens August 29th, 2022
• Register by September 4, 2022 for Early Bird Discount ($100 off)

Visit the WEBSITE for more information.

Circus Arts Institute is thrilled to be continuing our training programs online!  Plus, we will be hosting our Intermediate Aerial Teacher Training in-person!  Please visit our website to learn more about Circus Arts Institute’s online training program and our current course offerings.

Registration is NOW OPEN for Circus Arts Institutes’ Upcoming Aerial Teacher Trainings Intermediate: October 21-24, 2022 * 
Beginner: Nov. 4-7, 2022 (Silks, Lyra or Trapeze)**
* This will be live/in-person in Atlanta, GA.  Beginner Certification from Circus Arts Institute is a pre-requisite for this training.
** This will be online. Please let us know if you are interested in Spanish Web, we will add based on interest.  

For details and to register, visit: https://www.circusartsinstitute.com/attreg.html

Questions? Email info@circusartsinstitute.com

Registration is NOW OPEN for Circus Arts Institutes’ Upcoming Circus Arts Therapy® Trainings this Winter all ONLINE!

Level 1: March 13-19, 2023
Includes 25 hours Circus Arts Therapy® Level 1 Training + 20 hours Adaptive Aerial Teacher Training

Level 2: March 24-26, 2023
Includes 20-hours Circus Arts Therapy® Level 2 Training
For BOTH Level 1 and Level 2  
   – Pricing information
   –  Social Work CEUs are available 
For details and to register, visit: https://www.circusartsinstitute.com/attreg.html
Questions? Email info@circusartsinstitute.com

Sky Candy is holding Bungee Teaching Training in March 2023. Want to check out what this new fitness trend is all about before committing to the full teacher training? You can try out bungee for yourself and learn the fundamentals of teaching bungee as an apparatus at the EdCon session, Bungee Basics: Low Impact High Fun New Fitness Trend hosted by Amy Myers and Winnie Hsia that was just added to the schedule for Sunday, October 9th at 10:45am.

Check out info on the teacher training here:
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=28231&stype=-110&sView=day&sLoc=0

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  

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.

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

Science-based infection control is an important part of health and safety in circus education. The ACE Guidelines for Safety in Circus Arts state that programs should comply with all applicable industry standards, local codes, and regulations for such as  infection control, and provide appropriate PPE for all identified hazards, including training in proper use. 

Monkeypox has now been declared a state of emergency in many of our communities. It is important that we can recognize symptoms, understand how it is transmitted, and support isolation, cleaning, vaccination and treatment guidelines. This can all be found at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/

Monkeypox may be of particular concern in circus arts because:

a) Some circus disciplines or spotting techniques include physical contact, and Monkeypox can be spread through direct contact with active rash or sores. 

b) Many facilities share equipment such as fabrics, costumes, or mats, and Monkeypox can be spread through contact with such items.

Please review and share the facts and resources at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/ and from local public health departments. As the global COVID pandemic continues, these ACE resources may also be helpful: https://www.americancircuseducators.org/covid-19-resources-for-circus-organizations/

Together, we can support our educators and students who have been impacted, and help prevent new infections.

Eating behaviors range along a spectrum from Healthy Eating to Clinical Eating Disorders. In the middle of the spectrum lies a range of disordered behaviors, which include: restriction, rules that go against hunger cues or limit proper nutrition, and many others.

Dr. Fleur van Rens recently published a research article (which she summarizes here) about disordered eating and exercise addiction in circus artists and showed that 36% of circus artists participated in disordered eating behaviors and were considered ‘at risk’ of an eating disorder. Furthermore, an exploratory study by Stephanie Greenspan showed that disordered eating was associated with increased injury.

A challenge with disordered eating behaviors is that they tend to be promoted and considered normal and healthy in diet and fitness culture, so it can be challenging to know what behaviors are actually disordered. Healthy eating behaviors are essential to the physical and mental wellbeing of circus artists.

For resources, please visit the AYCO/ACE Resources page: https://www.americancircuseducators.org/resources/

The Health and Wellness Committee is looking for experienced volunteers to join their task forces. Joining a task force is a wonderful way for community members to get involved in creating safer and more welcoming environments in circus. Community members with expertise in health and wellness topics are encouraged to apply.

Led by a committee member or co-chair, each task force focuses on a variety of specialized health and wellness topics in the circus community. Topics range from sexual violence prevention/response and disordered eating, to concussion prevention/response and suicide prevention. Please note that time commitments for each task force may vary.

If you are interested in joining a Health and Wellness task force, please fill out the application here.

Versatile Arts was established in early 2007 as Seattle’s first full-time school dedicated to aerial arts for adults. Starting out in a shared studio with a dozen students, VA quickly outgrew that space and moved into our own facility in August of 2008. We now have four separate studio spaces, 20 instructors, a vibrant youth program, and have expanded our curriculum into hand-balancing and flexibility. We offer dozens of classes per week as well as open gym sessions almost every day. We teach a structured curriculum that has been refined over 15 years of operation, and we stress safety and control at all levels of instruction. We also love to put on shows, and after having to go mostly-virtual during COVID, we are back to producing our two annual in-person student shows, our youth show, and yearly traditions like Manuary and Silver Foxes (for performers 45 and over).
 
Versatile Arts has also held yearly workshop events that were put on hold during COVID, but we have just opened registration for our 2022 Workshop Week, to be held Aug 30-Sept 4. We have an amazing lineup of instructors coming in, including Gena DuBose, Jenn Bruyer, Gunnar Field, Elizabeth Rose, and Anna Thomas-Henry. The workshop schedule includes teacher-focused sessions, multi-day immersions, and tons of skills-focused topics as well. Come to Seattle for Labor Day – it’s the best weather of the year!
 
Safety has always been baked into the program at Versatile Arts, but being part of the ACE Safety Network has been a valuable source of continuing education as well as a form of accountability. Beverly Sobelman, VA’s founder, was honored to be asked to be one of the original Safety Committee members, and is proud of the work they have done to develop and modify the program to serve the needs of the circus community. “Safety isn’t a static thing, ” she says, ” and it’s not pass/fail. It’s something we can always be learning more about, and always be improving. The ACE safety network keeps us talking and keeps us working toward improving our methods and processes.”

Check out their 2022 Workshop Week from Aug 30-Sept 5! 

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! 

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 visit: https://www.csawcircus.org/financial-aid

 Looking to contribute? Please consider supporting CSAW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/csawcircus.org

Donations help: 

• Provide another year of microgrants to U.S. circus artists of color in need of financial assistance for circus-related expenses
• Support U.S. circus artists of color further their education through our tuition grants
• Expand CSAW’s impact on the circus community and create more programs to encourage participation in the circus arts
• Continue to pay CSAW’s administrative team for the work they do

In Good Wealth nonprofit organization invests in Black-owned wellness and movement focused businesses to ignite generational wealth and equity in health. $1,500 grants are awarded on a rolling basis to early stage businesses. Circus is included as a wellness and movement field. To learn more and apply, 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.

https://americancircuseducators.org

PO Box 1123, Easthampton, MA 01027

We are a nonprofit 501(c)3

Support ACE with a Donation