By now, it’s clear that I am a huge fan of the circus arts. However, I am also a huge fan of women’s empowerment. I received the best of both worlds when I heard about Circus Artemis, an all female circus organization in Portland, Oregon.
Circus Artemis came about in 2009 when a few women in the Portland area came together to talk about women. Specifically, women in the circus. In many circuses, and most other places you go, there is a lot of pressure on women to be sex objects (aside from the strongwomen and bearded ladies in sideshow acts). They are often dressed up in revealing outfits so the audience can gawk at them.
One of the members of this conversation, known by her stage name Revolva, found it difficult to perform her comedy/clown routines in circuses because they wanted her to instead play a nymph-like character. Revolva and the other female circus artists decided to create their own circus, one where they would be free to represent themselves in any way they saw fit. And thus, Circus Artemis was born.
After discovering the enormous amount of female talent in the Portland area, Circus Artemis put on three performances in 2009 (all of which sold out). The success of Circus Artemis is a tribute to the often overlooked strength in women. Perhaps their story will inspire more female circuses to spring up in other cities. I think Boston would be a great place to start such a project.
If you happen to be in the Portland area, be sure to look up Circus Artemis. Almost all of the women in their organization also teach various workshops and classes in the area. Also look out for future performances and events by Circus Artemis, as they plan to do a fundraiser this fall and run another show sometime in March 2011.
I look forward to seeing more diversity in female circus performances in the near future. After all, if you can’t be yourself in the circus, where else could you possibly run to?
You Want More? Find out more about Circus Artemis by heading to their website, their Facebook page, or watch their videos on YouTube.
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