Circus arts have come a long way. They represent high calibre movement art performances. They blend different art forms and technologies together and have attained international recognition for artistic excellence. They have also become accessible to all as great enjoyable fitness and an opportunity to build community.

The evolution of circus shows over the last 30 years has been influenced in large part by the creativity and entrepreneurship of Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, Les 7 Doigts de la Main and many other Canadian and international performance artists, companies and schools as well as international access to information and video sharing. Circus arts have become an integral part of Canadian culture and our Canadian artists have influenced these art forms worldwide. Circus shows are no longer just side shows, freaks, clowns and outcasts. Though traditional circus is still alive, contemporary circus embraces a high standard of excellence in multidisciplinary art. Not limited to only one art form, or one skill set, it combines them all, making contemporary circus the most creative of the performance arts, mixing theatre, dance, music, visual arts and technology. The main categories are prop manipulation with body movement art (such as juggling, hula hooping, poi, diabolo and many more), acrobatics (floor gymnastics, partner lifts and pyramids), physical theatre and aerial arts (trapeze, tight-rope, silks and many more).

Circus performances and training have always brought joy and inspiration to people of all ages. Contemporary circus arts still hold that magic. We plan to expand that magic in Ottawa.