If flying though the air with no plane, clowning around or sewing costumes has always been a dream but you are not sure where to start, one South Florida school is making it possible for youth and adults to run away to the circus, literally.
The Florida Circus Arts School, 15191 NE 21st Ave., North Miami Beach, offers classes to students who are interested in learning the skills that it takes to be part of Cirque du Soliel or the Ringling Brothers. They are also in the process of forming the first ever GLBT Rainbow Troupe in South Florida. FCAS Executive Director Laurie Allen said she is giving away free lessons to GLBT youth who need to express their curiosity and angst.
“There is no physical or theatrical outlet for these children and I want to provide that,” Allen said. “In the circus it’s a universal language of trust and a commitment to the acts. It’s one of the few sports that are non-competitive. The young adults that do not excel at traditional sports find a home in the circus.”
Allen said classes are available most evenings and weekends, and her students perform all over South Florida in various festivals, parades, presentations and other events. The Rainbow Troupe would most likely meet Tuesday’s from 6:30-8 pm.
Allen came up with the Rainbow Troupe idea after speaking to a young gay performer in Fort Lauderdale who said that the circus saved his life.
“Everyone loves performing with us, because we make everyone look good,” Allen said. “We want students who are looking for a performance venue where they can just be themselves because everybody belongs.”
For those who might not want to be on stage, the troupe is also looking for backstage personnel who want to sew costumes and assist the performers with their stunts, Allen said.
The FCAS was founded two years ago by renowned Russian Circus performer Yevgeny “Eugune” Baranok, and currently enrolls 50-70 children and adults as students. They are in the process of moving into an old high school gym to offer students a bigger learning environment.
She said some of her students have gone on to get scholarships to college for their circus performance abilities.
“Even Florida State University has a circus that represents the school,” Allen said.
For more information contact Allen at 954-540-1344.
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