Madison Circus Space Is Flying High

Fearless flyers tumbling down silks from on high. Dazzling displays of virtuosity from jugglers and hoop artists. Amazing demonstrations on the German wheel. Peals of laughter from crowds of children and adults alike.

Children and adults got an opportunity to try circus arts for themselves at the Madison Circus Space grand opening in October. Photo by Tona Williams.

You’ll find all this and more at Madison Circus Space’s new facility. Funded in part by a $50,000 grant from Madison Community Foundation, the new space was custom-built to suit the needs of a wide variety of circus arts practitioners. From the high ceilings and open spaces to the separate smaller classrooms, this facility is a dream come true for the Madison Circus community.

A Connection With the Past, and a Vision for the Future

Wisconsin has long had a connection with circus arts – both the Ringling Bros. Circus and P.T. Barnum’s Circus started here. Baraboo is still home to the Circus World Museum, and aerial troupes such as Cycropia call Madison home. And growing enthusiasm for circus arts of all types have made Madison Circus Space the largest circus community in Wisconsin.

But that popularity and community also meant crowded practice spaces where a hoops artist might have to dodge flying objects from an aspiring juggler. Classes offered to the community filled up too quickly and generated long waiting lists.

As Madison Circus Space has grown, so too has its vision. When Madison Circus Space started, its founders wanted to create a place where people who already were training in circus arts could practice. Today, however, that vision has expanded and youth programming and recreational circus activities play a large role.

Partnering With the Community and Creating an Inclusive Space

Enjoying the show. Photo by Tona Williams.

With more than 30 classes currently being offered in everything from beginning hoop dance to aerial conditioning classes, many of which are specifically designed for children and youth, nearly everyone can find something of interest. Madison Circus Space strives to be inclusive to a wide range of people – offering classes specifically designed for older adults, members of the LGBTQIA community, people with mobility issues and more.

Stephanie Richards, MCS Development Director and aerialist explains that MCS works to connect with the community by working with other organizations. MCS has partnered with more than 50 local and national community-based organizations since it started, including the Goodman Community Center, East Madison Community Center, and One City Early Learning to create youth programs.

In addition to being able to expand their after-school programming, MCS hopes it’s more fully accessible space will increase its ability to offer people with disabilities the opportunity to experience and learn circus arts. They also hope to strengthen their relationships with other area nonprofits, including the Goodman Center’s alternative high school program and the Madison Community Montessori School.

A tightrope walker demonstrates his skills at the Madison Circus Space grand opening. Photo by Tona Williams.

Shining a Light on the Possible

While the circus arts may seem impossible to many of us, the members of the MCS community hope to show more people how possible it can be for them to do amazing things.

Madison Circus Space is an example of what can be done with a vision, some passion and support from the community.

December 12, 2019