This Week — 18 March 2022

As the weather warms and we reimagine what’s (once again) possible in the realm of human interaction, take a look at the delightful list of upcoming shows and festivals to reinvigorate your love of circus!

SHOWS

***Be sure to check out each venue’s Covid safety regulations prior to attending in-person events.

March 18 – April 9

Enjoy immersive burlesque entertainment at Airotic, a show featuring a global cast. Their beautiful aerial acts will astound and amaze you at Hook Hall in Columbia Heights, with shows at 10 p.m. Friday/Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Grab tickets at this link.

April 3

Discover ¡Porque Si! from collaborators Yolit Flamenco and Gwynne Flanagan. Watch the trailer here. This exciting new work combines aerial choreography with flamenco, accompanied by live music. Visit this link to get tickets for the 4 p.m. performance in Rockville.

April 8

Visit The Lodge in Frederick for The Big Grind, presented by Honeybee Burlesque. Bearcat Betty, Commodore Bailey and Kit Valentine are among the performers who will entertain and enchant you. Show starts at 10:30 p.m., preceded by an 8 p.m. showing of RuPaul’s drag race. RSVP at the Facebook event page. Entry is $8 at the door.

July 29 – September 25

The extremely popular Cirque du Soleil show Kurios is returning to Tysons this summer for a long run of shows. Enjoy this imaginative exploration of outlandish inventions and mechanical feats under the big top. Tickets are now available at this link (just change the dropdown menu from Toronto to DC).

Ongoing

SIR male burlesque is a recurring Sunday production of live entertainment including dancing and aerial acts at SAX Restaurant and Lounge. Reserve a table or purchase a general seating ticket at this link. Seatings are at 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Monarque in Baltimore presents circus acts, dancing and a late-night DJ on Friday and Saturday evenings, frequently including hand balancing by ShellyFlex, hooping by Erin Jeannier, contortion by Tonya Letunovskaya and juggling by Kathryn Carr. Reserve a table for dinner at this link.

FESTIVALS

March 14 – April 16

The Circus International Film Festival returns to its virtual platform this year, with daily emailed film screenings for your viewing pleasure throughout the festival dates. At the end of the event, vote for your favorite films in five different categories. Get tickets at this link.

July 11-17

The International Jugglers Association is returning to an in-person festival this year in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Register at this link for a week of extraordinarily fun juggling performances, workshops, games and competitions. If you have financial need, apply for a scholarship to cover your full/partial expenses at this link. Covid protocol information is viewable here.

SUPPORT

Ukraine is home to so many incredible circus artists, whose country and livelihoods are currently in jeopardy. To help those affected by the invasion, donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which aims to provide millions of people access to clean water and other humanitarian assistance.

GATHERINGS

March 23

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.

March 30 & April 1

While they’re off this week for spring break, the UMD Juggling Club will resume meetings on Mckeldin Mall (or in the Art/Sociology building if it’s cold/rainy) from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. All are welcome to attend. Join the club’s Facebook group for updates and follow them on Instagram for fun content.

EDUCATION

March 26

In the Dark Circus Arts presents Intro to Circus Wheel, a beginner-level class acquainting you with the wonderfully spinny, topsy-turvy worlds of cyr wheel and German wheel. Happening from 4:45-6:30 p.m. at Mobtown Ballroom. Students must wear closed-toe athletic shows with tread on the bottom. Sign up at this link.