Category: Uncategorized

This Week — 21 April 2023

Published on by christiankloc
Tomorrow is the last day to enter to win tickets to see A Simple Space by Gravity & Other Myths at the Strathmore 4/26 or 4/27. Click here for Facebook entry details or read the instructions below to enter via email.

Visit our linktree to see the ‘list version’ of this email.

Photo by DirkJan Ranzijn © 2011. https://flic.kr/p/acxYyf https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

TICKET GIVEAWAY

April 26-27

Win two (2) tickets to see Gravity & Other Myths: A Simple Space at Strathmore on 4/26 or 4/27.

Just complete these three steps and you’ll be entered.

1. Follow Strathmore on Facebook. If you don’t do Facebook, sign up for their listserv.
2. Sign up for the Circus District listserv here.
3. Comment ‘Listo!’ under this post, or in an email to circusdistrict@gmail.com.

BONUS ENTRY: Tag a circus friend in the comments of the FB post, or refer a friend to the Circus District listserv.

Rules: Maximum two (2) entries per person through a personal profile. ‘Pages’ do not count as entries. Two winners will be selected by a random drawing, with each winner receiving a pair of tickets to the show. Tickets will be held at the box office in your name, are not transferable and do not hold cash value. Giveaway ends on April 22, and winners will be notified no later than April 24. If you can no longer attend the performance, we will choose another winner from the remaining entries.
CIRCUS SHOWS

April 21-22

University of Maryland’s Gymkana gymnastics troupe presents their Home Show at the Xfinity Center, starting at 7 p.m. both nights. Get tickets to see the hard work and talent of these students in action, from expertly timed hoop-jumping to spectacular aerial and acrobatic maneuvers.

April 22-23

Flamenco dancer Yolit Yospe-Kachlon and aerialist Gwynne Flanagan join forces to present ¡Porque sí! at Theater J. This acrobatic, rhythmic, ecstatic production sold out quickly last time, so don’t miss your chance to see this riveting reboot. Buy tickets at this link.

April 23

Enjoy juggling, comedy and daredevil stunts by the iconic duo The Passing Zone at GMU Center for the Arts at 4 p.m. Arrive 45 minutes prior to the performance for an interactive juggling demonstration. Get tickets at this link.

May 20

Visiting artist Luther Bangert presents his solo juggling show Distillations at 7 p.m. at Rhizome DC. This show explores the ground state of the juggling universe, portraying the transformations that happen as the horizontal informs the vertical, and vice versa. Luther’s expressive style draws on dance and martial arts. He has performed internationally and was a longtime penpal/friend of Eric Carle’s. This is an outdoor event, with opening acts by multidisciplinary artists Claire Alrich and Kate Macyshyn. Get tickets at this link.
FESTIVALS

May 5-7

The University of Maryland will host the Congress of Jugglers. This three-day festival is open to everyone. Enjoy games, workshops, fire jams and a free show on Saturday evening, plus open juggling all weekend at Ritchie Coliseum. More details are available on their event page.
BURLESQUE SHOWS

April 21

You will never see your old chemistry textbook the same way after Noble (G)Asses, a burlesque and variety tribute to the periodic table. With acts by Rosie Beret, Bearcat Betty, Poppy La Fae and more, don’t miss this extremely scientific seduction at Bier Baron Tavern. Doors are at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Get tickets at this link.

May 5

The Sweet Spot Burlesque will visit the Howard Theatre for an 8 p.m. show. This show frequently evolves and changes to bring you fresh acts, from variety to comedy to burlesque. Get tickets at this link.

May 7

Visit the Bier Baron Tavern for Yolks on You: A Burlesque & Variety Brunch featuring a stellar cast of performers to awaken your senses as you enjoy a great menu of drinks and food. Hosts Jim and Delilah will introduce you to Bebe Bardeaux, Ruby Spruce, Andie Mars, Aquarius Moon, Anna Steasya and Poppy La Fae. Doors open at noon for this 1 p.m. show. Get tickets at this link.

May 6 

Comixxx: A Tippitywitchet Collection is a scintillating evening of nerdlesque and variety celebration in honor of Free Comic Book Day. This show will delight comic book collectors, burlesque fans, and the high percentage of people who fit into both of those categories. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for this 8 p.m. show at ArtFarm Annapolis. Get tickets at this link.
PHOTOGRAPHY

May 14

If you’re looking for quality photos for your personal or professional needs, Emma Mattson Photography is hosting a boudoir marathon in Baltimore. Spots are open for 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. photo shoots. In addition to a 45-minute shoot, you will also receive assistance with makeup, posing ideas and a variety or backdrops. Emma will be there to support and encourage you throughout the shoot. Visit her website to sign up.
EDUCATION

April 25

Visit Xtreme Acro and Cheer in Rockville for a Hand to Hand Class with Axl Osborne, a retired competitive gymnast who is currently on tour with Gravity & Other Myths. This is multi-level class focuses on refining the fundamentals of being a stable base and learning to control moving balance points. Some prior experience with hand to hand is recommended. Visit this link for more information. 

May 6

Get your floor work in shape with Mx. Kitty Kai at Burlesque Floor Werk, a class exploring leg circles, drop splits, and other transitions between standing, floor work and back again. This class takes place at Dance Exchange in Takoma Park at 6:15 p.m. Proof of vaccination including at least one booster shot is required. Get tickets at this link.

June 5-9

Circadium in Philadelphia is offering a weeklong summer circus intensive. This program is for students 16 and older, with the curriculum modeled after a typical week in Circadium’s professional degree program. Training in aerial, acrobatics and juggling is accompanied by circus, theatre, dance and artistic creation classes. This is designed for intermediate and advanced students, and a coach recommendation letter is required. Sign up at this link.June 15-18Take a variety of great classes in aerial arts, acro, movement, rigging and more during C4 Circus Workshop Weekend 2023 at Monarca in Flight. Some classes have prerequisite skills, while others are open to all levels. See the list of workshops and instructors at this link.
SUPPORT

MMCC Global, which runs social circus programs in Afghanistan and more recently Ethiopia, is raising money to provide costumes (t-shirts and scarves) for its 27 youth performance troupes bringing joy to 11 provinces in Afghanistan. Visit their Facebook fundraiser page to give whatever you can.
GATHERINGS

April 23

Circus folks will meet at Malcolm X Park at 4 p.m. Join the Sunday Circus Facebook group for updates. 

April 27

The Fairfax Jugglers will meet on Thursday from 7:30-10 p.m. in the Key Middle School Cafeteria. 

April 28

The UMD Juggling Club will meet on McKeldin Mall (or in the Art/Sociology Building in cold/rain) from 4-6 p.m. Join their Facebook group for updates.

April 29

The extraordinary community organizers behind Irresistible Revolution will be hosting their April [FUN]draiser at the Olde City Garden from 5-10 p.m. Enjoy an animal flow class led by Kai Hall, music from local DJs, and a fire circle run by Sam Stevens of Sunset & Chill. Registration is free, but a $25 donation is encouraged. Visit this link for tickets. This event will help support their future productions.

June 1-5

Beauty in the Backyard presents The Chrysalis, a five-day outdoor retreat featuring live music, flow arts jams, yoga classes, potlucks and more. Choose tent camping, glamping or a cabin for your stay at Roots to Sky Sanctuary in Oakland, Maryland. Get tickets at this link.
JOBS

New York City

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus is looking for a Marketing, Communications and Media Manager who lives within 70 miles of the NYC metro area. This is a part time position requiring a combination of remote and in-person work. Preference for folks who have experience working with performing arts non-profits. Find out more at this link.

Spring & Summer

Scorpio Entertainment is hiring event assistants to work various gigs throughout the spring and summer. Job duties include event setup/breakdown, guest check-in, and lending a hand wherever it is needed. Ideal candidates are quick on their feet and able to lift 25-45 pounds. Most event locations are metro accessible. Having a car is helpful, but not required. Pay is $18-28/hour. Visit this link to apply.

Ongoing

Activate Entertainment is casting artists and creatives for current and future projects. Current roles include ground circus acts, dancers, musicians/singers and other special talents that don’t require aerial rigging. Visit this link to apply.

This Week — 15 April 2023

Published on by christiankloc
Happy World Circus Day! Circus is a force for good internationally, but we are especially enamored with the uniqueness, diversity and community right here in DC.

Celebrate by entering to win tickets to see A Simple Space by Gravity & Other Myths at the Strathmore 4/26 or 4/27. Click here for Facebook entry details (it’s super simple!) or read the instructions below to enter via email.

Visit our linktree to see the ‘list version’ of this email.

Photo by Luca Rossato (c) 2014. https://flic.kr/p/jhkUsv https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

TICKET GIVEAWAY

April 26-27

Win two (2) tickets to see Gravity & Other Myths: A Simple Space at Strathmore on 4/26 or 4/27. Just complete these three steps and you’ll be entered.

Follow Strathmore on Facebook. If you don’t do Facebook, sign up for their listserv.

Sign up for the Circus District listserv here.

Comment ‘Listo!’ under this post, or in an email to circusdistrict@gmail.com.

BONUS ENTRY: Tag a circus friend in the comments of the FB post, or refer a friend to the Circus District listserv.

Rules: Maximum two (2) entries per person through a personal profile. ‘Pages’ do not count as entries. Two winners will be selected by a random drawing, with each winner receiving a pair of tickets to the show. Tickets will be held at the box office in your name, are not transferable and do not hold cash value. Giveaway ends on April 22, and winners will be notified no later than April 24. If you can no longer attend the performance, we will choose another winner from the remaining entries.
CIRCUS SHOWS

April 15

Yennega Circus of Burkina Faso is performing Journee Mondiale du Cirque, a special World Circus Day production with a livestream available for U.S. viewers at noon eastern time. Tickets are available at this link.

April 20 

UpSpring Aerial Lab and Kundalika present a preview of Elemental: An Exploration of Earth’s (Im)Balance Through Aerial Dance and Music at Joe’s Movement Emporium at 8 p.m. Kundalika blends Indian classical melody with other musical traditions as a backdrop for UpSpring’s aerial arts. This experience gives you a sneak peek into the progress toward this piece exploring how people are experiencing climate change. Get tickets at this link.

April 21-22

University of Maryland’s Gymkana gymnastics troupe presents their Home Show at the Xfinity Center, starting at 7 p.m. both nights. Get tickets to see the hard work and talent of these students in action, from expertly timed hoop-jumping to spectacular aerial and acrobatic maneuvers.

April 22-23

Flamenco dancer Yolit Yospe-Kachlon and aerialist Gwynne Flanagan join forces to present ¡Porque sí! at Theater J. This acrobatic, rhythmic, ecstatic production sold out quickly last time, so don’t miss your chance to see this riveting reboot. Buy tickets at this link.

April 23

Enjoy juggling, comedy and daredevil stunts by the iconic duo The Passing Zone at GMU Center for the Arts at 4 p.m. Arrive 45 minutes prior to the performance for an interactive juggling demonstration. Get tickets at this link.

May 20

Visiting artist Luther Bangert presents his solo juggling show Distillations at 7 p.m. at Rhizome DC. This show explores the ground state of the juggling universe, portraying the transformations that happen as the horizontal informs the vertical, and vice versa. Luther’s expressive style draws on dance and martial arts. He has performed internationally and was a longtime penpal/friend of Eric Carle’s. This is an outdoor event, with opening acts by multidisciplinary artists Claire Alrich and Kate Macyshyn. Get tickets at this link.
FESTIVALS

May 5-7

The University of Maryland will host the Congress of Jugglers. This three-day festival is open to everyone. Enjoy games, workshops, fire jams and a free show on Saturday evening, plus open juggling all weekend at Ritchie Coliseum. More details are available on their event page.
BURLESQUE SHOWS

April 20

Dive into a ‘nine course feast’ of burlesque acts during DishAbille, a tantalizing offering at Crazy Aunt Helen’s starting at 8 p.m. Executive Chef London St. Juniper will guide you through the evening. While the show is food themed, dinner and drinks are sold separately from your ticket price. Snag your plate at this link.

April 21

You will never see your old chemistry textbook the same way after Noble (G)Asses, a burlesque and variety tribute to the periodic table. With acts by Rosie Beret, Bearcat Betty, Poppy La Fae and more, don’t miss this extremely scientific seduction at Bier Baron Tavern. Get tickets at this link.

May 5

The Sweet Spot Burlesque will visit the Howard Theatre for an 8 p.m. show. This show frequently evolves and changes to bring you fresh acts, from variety to comedy to burlesque. Get tickets at this link.

May 6 

Comixxx: A Tippitywitchet Collection is a scintillating evening of nerdlesque and variety celebration in honor of Free Comic Book Day. This show will delight comic book collectors, burlesque fans, and the high percentage of people who fit into both of those categories. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for this 8 p.m. show at ArtFarm Annapolis. Get tickets at this link.
EDUCATION

April 22

In the Dark Circus Arts presents a wonderful opportunity for families to experience circus performance and education at Enchanted Circus: Performance and Children’s Workshop. Enjoy a 40-minute circus performance followed by a one-hour workshop for children of all ages at Mobtown Ballroom. Kids and adults are encouraged to dress up to fit the fantastical, mythical theme. The 3-5 p.m. showing includes the hands-on workshop, while the 7 p.m. event is just the show. Get tickets at this link.

Dody DiSanto offers a monthly drop-in clinic from 10 a.m.-Noon at the Center for Movement Theatre. This class helps you stay primed for your movement practice and performance through exercises meant to strengthen your balance, coordination and ensemble cohesion. See more class listings – including summer intensives – at this link.

May 6

Get your floor work in shape with Mx. Kitty Kai at Burlesque Floor Werk, a class exploring leg circles, drop splits, and other transitions between standing, floor work and back again. This class takes place at Dance Exchange in Takoma Park at 6:15 p.m. Proof of vaccination including at least one booster shot is required. Get tickets at this link.

June 5-9

Circadium in Philadelphia is offering a weeklong summer circus intensive. This program is for students 16 and older, with the curriculum modeled after a typical week in Circadium’s professional degree program. Training in aerial, acrobatics and juggling is accompanied by circus, theatre, dance and artistic creation classes. This is designed for intermediate and advanced students, and a coach recommendation letter is required. Sign up at this link.

June 15-18

Take a variety of great classes in aerial arts, acro, movement, rigging and more during C4 Circus Workshop Weekend 2023 at Monarca in Flight. Some classes have prerequisite skills, while others are open to all levels. See the list of workshops and instructors at this link.
APPLY

APPLY TODAY! April 16 Deadline

The Cannonball Festival is an artist-run and community-curated festival providing substantial support for creatives as they bring their ideas to the Fringe Festival stages of Philadelphia this September. Visit this link to apply and choose the production or stipend track that’s right for you.

Circus Students Around the World (CSAW) is offering a new grant for new work by circus artists of color at the Cannonball Festival. This $5,600 award will culminate in an opportunity to perform your work sometime between September 7-24, 2023. Visit this link to learn more and apply.
JOBS

New York City

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus is looking for a Marketing, Communications and Media Manager who lives within 70 miles of the NYC metro area. This is a part time position requiring a combination of remote and in-person work. Preference for folks who have experience working with performing arts non-profits. Find out more at this link.

Spring & Summer

Scorpio Entertainment is hiring event assistants to work various gigs throughout the spring and summer. Job duties include event setup/breakdown, guest check-in, and lending a hand wherever it is needed. Ideal candidates are quick on their feet and able to lift 25-45 pounds. Most event locations are metro accessible. Having a car is helpful, but not required. Pay is $18-28/hour. Visit this link to apply.

Ongoing

Activate Entertainment is casting artists and creatives for current and future projects. Current roles include ground circus acts, dancers, musicians/singers and other special talents that don’t require aerial rigging. Visit this link to apply.
GATHERINGS

April 16

Circus folks will meet at Malcolm X Park at 4 p.m. Join the Sunday Circus Facebook group for updates. 

April 19 & 21

The UMD Juggling Club will meet on McKeldin Mall (or in the Art/Sociology Building in cold/rain) from 4-6 p.m. Join their Facebook group for updates.

April 20

The Fairfax Jugglers will meet on Thursday from 7:30-10 p.m. in the Key Middle School Cafeteria. 

April 29

The extraordinary community organizers behind Irresistible Revolution will be hosting their April [FUN]draiser at the Olde City Garden from 5-10 p.m. Enjoy an animal flow class led by Kai Hall, music from local DJs, and a fire circle run by Sam Stevens of Sunset & Chill. Registration is free, but a $25 donation is encouraged. Visit this link for tickets. This event will help support their future productions.

June 1-5

Beauty in the Backyard presents The Chrysalis, a five-day outdoor retreat featuring live music, flow arts jams, yoga classes, potlucks and more. Choose tent camping, glamping or a cabin for your stay at Roots to Sky Sanctuary in Oakland, Maryland. Get tickets at this link.

This Week — 18 February 2022

Published on by christiankloc

Whether you’re ready for a night on the town or an evening at home with a cup of tea, the Circus District has offerings to keep you entertained, informed and engaged.

SUPPORT

February 19

LIVE SHOWS

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

February 25-27

  • Witness a triumphant reimagining of the mythological tale of Eurydice at Songs From the UnderWorld, created by Baltimore artist ellen cherry. This show opens with a Jim Henson Foundation-sponsored work of puppetry by Anna Fitzgerald, and follows with multimedia storytelling inspired by ellen cherry’s recovery from a car wreck a few years ago. Show times are 8 p.m. (2/25 & 2/26) and 3 p.m. (2/27). Get tickets at this link.

February 26

April 3 – second show added!

NEWS

  • Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) is putting great ideas into action. Artists in New York can apply for a guaranteed $1,000 income per month for 18 months, with 2,400 spots available in the program. CRNY Is also setting up an Artist Employment Program, which partners with various organizations to provide solid employment to artists ($65k per year + benefits!), allowing creatives to fully devote themselves to their craft.
  • This program stems from the not-so-revolutionary idea that if you provide for the most basic needs of individuals, they can prioritize acquiring gigs, creating valuable work, educating themselves, and building generational wealth. It’s important to think about the power of a guaranteed income when we evaluate the institutional support for artists in our region. While grant programs and residencies enable some growth in the creative sector, guaranteed income can remove many barriers to entry/continuance for artists to survive and thrive in our communities.

GATHERINGS – VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

February 18 & 23

February 23

  • The District Rope Group will hold a Virtual Rope Jam via Zoom from 8-10 p.m. This is a great place to share your skills, ask questions, and suggest topics for discussion/education. You are welcome to join this gathering however you feel comfortable (camera/audio on or off), but recording of any kind is not permitted. RSVP by joining the group and responding to the Facebook event page.

February 24

  • 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. 

EDUCATION

March 13

APPLICATIONS

  • Circus artists who identify as persons of color living in the U.S. can now apply for CSAW‘s April $1,000 microgrant. The deadline is March 15. Find more information at this link.
  • If you’re interested in applying to a circus school in the U.S. or abroad, check out CSAW’s application mastersheet, with a comprehensive list of deadlines and school ambassadors, who are available to answer your questions and guide you through the selection process. Whether you’re currently applying to schools or considering applying in a year or two, this list is an invaluable resource.

NYC HAPPENINGS

Through February 19

  • Delve into 4,000 years of juggling history through the innovative and playful mind of Jay Gilligan in his show REFLEX, presented by Hideaway Circus. This intimate show uses unique props, inventions and robots to reveal a mesmerizing world of object manipulation. Appearing at Theater Mitu580, with tickets at this link.

Through March 6

  • We are over the moon to report that Happenstance Theater is debuting their show BAROCOCO at 59E59 Theaters in Manhattan. This production transports you to the late Baroque era and its lavishly adorned characters whose lifestyles are on the brink of extinction, told through exquisite physical comedy and seamless ensemble work. Get tickets at this link.

Photo by DirkJan Ranzijn © 2010 https://flic.kr/p/anfc7e https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/

This Week — 26 November 2021

Published on by christiankloc

At this time of year (and all year long, actually), we’re thankful for you, our readers, for putting our words into action at every turn. An extra-special shout-out to our Patreon sponsors, who help us conquer our web hosting bills while also dreaming about another year rich with community circus content.

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. 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.

LIVE BURLESQUE 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 1

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

GIVING TUESDAY

November 30

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 goes far beyond an exhibition of elite gymnastics, delving into themes of empowerment, social media, mental health and positive body image in a series of electrifying 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.

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

November 28

December 1

December 2

  • 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. 

This Week — 30 July 2021

Published on by christiankloc

As we approach the last vestiges of summer, let’s look forward to some local circus shows and high-caliber online productions!

PRIDE ALL YEAR

August 1

IN-PERSON SHOWS

August 21

  • UpSpring Studio presents Summertime, an outdoor celebration of beach vibes set to an upbeat summer soundtrack at Joe’s Movement Emporium. Featuring new aerial choreography from local artists. Masks are required, and guests will be socially distant during the show. Get tickets at this link.

GATHERINGS

July 29

  • The Fairfax Jugglers will are meeting on Thursdays from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Key Intermediate School Cafeteria (6402 Franconia Rd., Springfield, VA). All are welcome to join this fun and casual juggling meet-up, happening every Thursday that Fairfax County Schools are hosting evening activities. They will likely start the evening outdoors in nice weather, then migrate indoors to the school gym. Check out this map for specific location information.

July 30

TOURING SHOWS

July 10 – August 8

July 30 – August 16

  • Circus Hermanos Vazquez is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a tour that will appear at Tysons through August 16. Get tickets at this link.

VIRTUAL FESTIVALS

July 30-August 7

  • Enjoy the Virtual Aerial Dance Festival, with workshops in aerial theory, dance, juggling, flexibility, creativity, pilates, improvisation, burlesque and more. There will also be panel discussions on a variety of topics including aging in aerial arts, implicit bias of BIPOCs in entertainment, intersectionality in aerial dance and circus, and aerial and motherhood. Register at this link.

The Circus Ship: Review

Published on by christiankloc

The Circus Ship

By Chris Van Dusen

Published 2009 by Candlewick Press

This copy is from Christian’s collection.

In many children’s books on the topic, ‘circus’ becomes synonymous with ‘a gaggle of animals.’

Fortunately, due to Chris Van Dusen’s marvelous illustrations in The Circus Ship, we can forgive him for this egregious generalization.

As a review on the back of the book states, ‘the pictures are the true stunners.’ In each of his illustrations, Van Dusen depicts the vivid story of an ill-fated ship, its determined animal survivors, and the momentarily skeptical townspeople who receive these unexpected guests.

The story was inspired by a real event. In 1836, a vessel described as a ‘steamer and a sailing vessel with the advantages and disadvantages of each’ experienced a devastating fire about a mile off the coast of Maine. On board were more than 90 passengers and crew, as well as a variety of circus animals, who had just finished a three-month tour of the Maritimes in Canada1.

In Van Dusen’s version, the steamboat hits a ledge with a ‘CRASH’ and a ‘BASH.’ As the vessel sinks, the domineering circus boss Mr. Paine demands that his sole crewman Mr. Carrington row him to safety — with no regard for the animals’ welfare.

Luckily, in this completely non-tragic retelling, all of the animals can swim!

I applaud Van Dusen for incorporating vocabulary like ‘bedraggled’ into his description of the wild creatures’ state upon arriving to shore. Many authors limit the sophistication of their prose when writing for ages 4-8, when that age group has much to gain from ‘challenge’ words enveloped by strong visuals.

The town that receives the animals is based on the island of Vinalhaven, from whose coast residents witnessed the real-life steamboat catastrophe. It’s unsurprising that despite the event’s serious casualties (31 people drowned, while all of the animals were lost), rumors persisted about the animals’ true fate.

Van Dusen embraces this adventurous notion of townspeople suddenly finding ostriches, monkeys and elephants in their midst. The accompanying pictures capture incredible perspective and depth as the animals work their way into the town’s heart — making this a great book for young readers to get lost in.

For a read-aloud, I find some of the book’s four-line poems to be clunky and lazy, in keeping with its convenient plot devices (see: tiger rescuing a child from a burning shed to earn the town’s trust).

The predictable story nonetheless bears fruit in a splendidly illustrated spread featuring 15 cleverly hidden animals evading their red-faced owner’s retrieval (like any good villain, Mr. Paine charts a furious rowboat into the horizon).

BOTTOM LINE:

While I loved the colorful illustrations and the spirit of the book, I wouldn’t recommend it as a stellar read-aloud on the topic of circus. Kids who love animals will adore the detailed drawings. The human characters have very little depth, but for those who love seeing a mean-spirited man get what’s due, this is a cathartic read.

CITATIONS
  1. Harry Gratwick (2010, June 15). ‘The Tragedy of the Royal Tar: Maine’s 1836 Circus Steamboat Disaster.’ The Working Waterfront Archives. http://www.workingwaterfrontarchives.org/2010/06/15/the-tragedy-of-the-royal-tar-maines-1836-circus-steamboat-disaster/

How do we decide which books to review? These book reviews are not paid by either the authors or publishers. We do sometimes receive a free book though, which is pretty great. We love books. We are not obligated to post any review, positive or otherwise; we post reviews because few others seem to be doing so and we wanted to read circus book reviews. We hope they’re helpful to you as well. Some books were already part of our collection and we wanted to show them off. Some books we found in a small free library or the thrift store or bought for ourselves like capable adults. If you’d like us to review your book, or a book of your choosing, email us at circusdistrict@gmail.com.