Documents 

This thesis is rooted in a firm belief that circus is a unique and valuable life tool and art form that deserves advocacy and cultivation. I have nearthed the conditions that may be preventing or limiting the evolution of contemporary circus in the US, and propose suggested actions. Why is there an absence of high level, professional, contemporary circus in the United States? With a strong and growing youth circus sector, recreational circus presence, and a rich tradition and history of circus, what is holding the US back from developing an evolved professional contemporary circus sector? What kind of action is needed to activate the contemporary manifestation of this unique and communicative hybrid of art and sport?

In my research, I have integrated literature, qualitative open – ended interviews, website research, and practical reports from contemporary circus development initiatives in Europe and Canada. It is my intention that this study will invite action, and my hope that the ideas and information I have explored and synthesized will serve to strengthen and create circus networks and initiatives that will pave the way for a uniquely American contemporary circus legacy that honors the diverse visionaries who are drawn to circus in all forms. [author summary]

This short piece aims to provide context about the unique situation of social circus in the US as well as the ongoing work of the US-based not-for-profit American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO). In August 2014 Cirque du Soleil called a meeting of select AYCO members with whom it had “partnerships.” This gathering produced a core question that would inform the future actions of the AYCO: what kind of action in the circus sector will enable social circus growth within the unique United States context? A clear call to action for AYCO to take the lead on mobilizing the growth of social circus in the US surfaced. This led to the first study commissioned to research the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) outcomes of youth who participate in social circus programs, as well as a commitment to defining the often-debated term “social circus,” with the intention of galvanizing the sector to bolster growth and development. [editor summary]