This Week — 3 December 2021

Published on by christiankloc

Where would we be without local artists? Those who dedicate their lives to performing, creating, building and reimagining our lives in countless ways. Whether they’re making handmade art or delectable edible creations, we love to support local artists during the holidays — and make it a habit that carries us through a year of gratitude and fulfillment. Check out our gift guide for your one-stop circus creator shopping list.

IN MEMORIAM

December 4

  • Celebrate the life of Monarca in Flight owner, aerialist, artist and educator Acoatzin Torres at the Parish Hall of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Annandale from 5-7 p.m. If you can’t be there in person, watch via a Facebook live stream at this link. Guests are encouraged to wear bright, colorful clothing, and to share their remembrances, as they also catch glimpses of the energy, joy and beauty Acoatzin brought to this world through photographs, videos, mementos and stories.

GIFT GUIDE

Studies show that giving money to local artists during the holidays (and throughout the year) vastly expands their opportunities to pay rent, feed themselves, and produce more of the spectacular art we love — whereas padding the pockets of billionaires just makes everyone a little more glum. Visit our gift guide for an exquisite selection of one-of-a-kind treasures for your loved ones. Here are a few DMV highlights:

  • Shawn G. Hart‘s gorgeous art prints, umbrellas and coloring books honoring the burlesque legend Josephine Baker. Website Etsy
  • Handmade woodworking built by juggling mastermind CDH Creations. Bottle openers, tables and wall art inspired by anime, circus and more. Etsy Facebook
  • Elegant and delicious cakes for your holiday party or circus rager by BCakes, expertly baked and decorated by Monarca in Flight owner B. Keith Ryder. Website
  • Circus playing cards, tarot decks, apparel and more designed by hand balancer Rachel Hipszer. Etsy

ONLINE EVENTS

December 4

  • If you missed the Gold Over America Tour during its trek across the U.S., fear not! The show will be livestreamed at 4 p.m. EST. This show explores empowerment, social media, mental health and positive body image in a series of electrifying gymnastics routines. Buy a general admission ticket for 24 hours of video playback, or purchase a VIP ticket for access to a chatroom with Simone Biles and others. Get tickets at this link.

December 5

LIVE SHOWS

***Stay safe, and know before you go! Be sure to check out each venue’s Covid safety regulations prior to attending in-person events.
December 4

  • The Adult Section at Library Tavern DC is excited to share their next installment of dinner theater, with sensational performances by Tempete LaCoeur, Jim Dandy, Eva Mystique and Delilah Dentata. A dinner of Persian dishes (included in your ticket price) will be served from 6:30-8 p.m., followed immediately thereafter by the show. Get tickets at this link.

December 17

December 17 & 18

  • Flushing (Make Room for Someone Else) is a show devised by Linda Parris-Bailey and Eric Bass, performed at Baltimore Theatre Project at 8 p.m. (12/17) and 2 p.m./8 p.m. (12/18). This work-in-process centers on the theme of transitions, of passing the baton onto the next generation. How do we let go and move on? How do those stepping in create their own path? Told through puppetry and song, this piece investigates the inevitability of time and change, and how we all grow and evolve. Get tickets at this link.

APPLICATIONS

  • The Atlas Intersections Festival will return to H Street from February 24 to March 6, 2022, presenting an array of performances that explore the ideas and issues of our time. Categories include movement, sound, story and family performances. Apply by December 10 at 5 p.m. As a former producer of an Intersections show, I highly recommend this festival to anyone seeking an opportunity to mount their work in a circus-friendly environment that covers many of your major costs. View the application at this link.
  • Circadium is now accepting applications for Fall 2022 students. Visit this link to fill out the application for this three-year program, designed to bolster your movement and performance skills and prepare you for a professional career in circus arts The deadline to apply is January 31, 2022. 
  • Circus artists who identify as persons of color living in the U.S. can now apply for CSAW‘s January $1,000 microgrant (deadline is Dec. 15). You can also consider applying for the upcoming tuition grant ($5,000), which can be used for any circus education related expenses. Find more information at this link.

GATHERINGS

December 5

December 8 & 10

December 9

  • The Fairfax Jugglers will meet on Thursdays from 7:30-10 p.m. in the Key Middle School cafeteria. Visitors must wear masks and sign a liability waiver.