If you need any more evidence that burlesque is a diverse and expansive art form, the DMV has this case covered — or uncovered as it may be.
BURLESQUE SHOWS
***Be sure to check out each venue’s Covid safety regulations prior to attending in-person events.
March 4-6
- Enjoy immersive burlesque entertainment at Airotic, a show featuring an incredible cast of performers from Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, France, Spain, Chile, Argentina and the U.S. 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. The creators of this show have also founded XY Foundation, which helps LGBTQIA+ people in countries with repressive practices.
March 9
- Delicious pie and extravagant burlesque entertainment, all on H Street NE? Don’t wait, buy your tickets now to Pies ‘n Pasties at Pie Shop DC. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m.
March 10
- Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School is back at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore at 7 p.m. This art-fueled evening invites you to enjoy a live performance by Betty O’Hellno while creating sketches inspired by the performer. Remember to bring your own drawing materials, as well as cash tips for the burlesque artist. Get tickets at this link.
March 17
- Visit The Crown in Baltimore for Lady Luck Bingo + Burlesque, combining your favorite senior home pastime with exquisite acts of burlesque. Even if you don’t win a prize, you’ll leave with no regrets. The show starts at 7 p.m., with tickets available here.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
March 18
- The Trapeze School New York – DC presents its spring showcase, featuring students and staff performing their latest circus acts. Get tickets on the TSNY-DC website by clicking ‘sign up for a session’ and selecting March 18.
April 3
- Discover ¡Porque Si! from collaborators Yolit Flamenco and Gwynne Flanagan.This exciting new work combines aerial choreography with flamenco, accompanied by live music. Visit this link to get tickets for the 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. performances in Rockville.
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 will soon be available to the general public at this link.
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.
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.
FESTIVALS
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.
FILM
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.
APPLICATIONS
- Dance Place‘s open call for local artists identifying within the vast spectrum of ‘disabled.’ This is a paid one-week residency, providing 40 hours of rehearsal time, a $4k honorarium and a $1k accessibility stipend from June 19-24. Visit this link for more information.
- CSAW‘s April $1,000 microgrant. Deadline is March 15. Find more information at this link. Plus, check out CSAW’s application mastersheet, with a comprehensive list of deadlines and circus school ambassadors.
GATHERINGS
March 9 & 11
- The UMD Juggling Club will meet 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.
March 10
- 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.
Photo by Jame H. © 2017 https://flic.kr/p/SjKkss https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/