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Want to stay connected, engaged, and in the know in the circus world? Become an ACE member today!  ACE memberships are available for circus educators and organizations. Our most popular member benefits include content management system discounts for organizations, insurance connections, eligibility to attend national events, and discounts on regional events. Click the button below for more information and to join!

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be sure to tag us using #AmericanCircusEducators and use our new hashtags: #WeCircusBetterTogether and #TheFutureIsCircus (You can follow these hashtags too!)

This time of year, we’re thinking about everything we’re grateful for – help us to spread the appreciation vibes! 

• Step One: Tag someone in your circus community that you’re grateful for!
• Step Two: Use the hashtag #CircusGratitude
• (Optional) Step Three: Donate to our Giving Tuesday Facebook fundraiser!

Your generous donation will make it possible for us to continue offering increased access through sliding scale programs and resources to those doing the hands-on work with circus students. Every bit helps, no matter the amount!

Thank you – we’re grateful for you, our circus community!

Are you frustrated about your insurance situation for your circus organizations? You’re not alone!
 
Interested in helping create affordable and comprehensive insurance for the circus education industry in the US?  The Insurance Committee for American Circus Educators is working to address challenges for studios, schools and teachers to find proper coverage to make it possible for our industry to grow. 
 
If you’re interested in helping with this initiative, contact the committee at insurance@americancircuseducators.org. The committee meets monthly on Zoom.  New membership will begin in January 2023.  We appreciate your help in making insurance available for our industry. 

We’re excited to welcome Aerial Fit to our member perks! As an ACE member you can get 15% off monthly and yearly subscriptions to Aerial Fit Online AND 15% off all courses using code ACEROCKS. Visit Aerial Fit Online to redeem.

We have updated the ACE Games Book! New games! Old games! So many games! With over 100 games for use in cooperative movement based settings, this is a must have for every circus school, teaching artist, and arts education program! Each game includes age, number of participants, and a number of tags including ice breaker, non-contact, and include special notes for working with a variety of populations that may require adaptation or modifications to each game.
 
You can purchase directly from the AYCO/ACE store, on Amazon (print and eBook available), or as an eBook from a variety of vendors! Don’t miss your chance to have this great teaching tool! 

Missed out on getting your ACE Circus swag at EdCon and suffering from a little FOMO? Not to worry, you can get your ACE gear from our online store. PS they also make great holiday gifts for your favorite circus instructor or student! 

Join us for our next Social Circus Connection call, Tuesday, December 13th at 9am PST / 10am MST / 11am CST / 12pm EST. Just a reminder, each individual will need to register. Calls are *free* to ACE members | $0-10 for non-members

Circus Harmony is looking for interns who want advanced training and performance opportunities in exchange for  teaching basic circus arts to children in their unique social circus school. If interested, email circusday@circusharmony.org. 

Like many social circuses, Circus Up relies on grants to fund our programming and we are looking for volunteer grant writers! Whether you have years of experience or are looking to learn this skill, we’d love to hear from you! If interested, email info@circusup.com.

This dedicated point person will coordinate community partnerships, support creating additional classes that serve youth, and streamline and energize an existing volunteer base to assist with this growth. This position means that there will be more opportunities for the community to safely participate in activities at a space specifically built for circus and movement arts. This position will help share MCS’s resources with the community by expanding our reach. Apply at: https://madisoncircusspace.com/hiring/

“Circus Center, the oldest and largest circus training and performing arts center on the West Coast, is on the lookout for talented professionals to teach in our youth and adult training programs. Currently, we are seeking instructors in the following skills:  
 
• Flying Trapeze, (line-pullers and catchers)
• Upper-level contortion
• Straps
• Silks
• Upper-level Handstand
 
Consider joining our team! More information may be found on our Careers Website.  If interested, please fill out our Instructor Employment Application here.”

NECCA’s DEI Taskforce is looking for community members, students, and staff to support the efforts in improving the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NECCA.
 
We are a collective of students, staff, and board members working together to advise NECCA leadership and the board on ways that we can improve our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion efforts in meaningful ways.
 
If you are interested in improving DEI at NECCA please send an email to DEI@necenterforcircusarts.com for more information.
 
More info: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Spend a few days completely absorbed in your favorite circus discipline and take home skills that will keep you busy long after the workshop ends. Find info on all Immersions here: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/training/workshops/
 
* Nov. 18-19, Dec. 10 | Flying Trapeze Workshops
* Nov. 18-20 | Hand Balancing Immersion
* Nov. 18-20 | Vertical Dance Immersion
* Nov. 26-27 | Russian Bar Immersion

Now accepting applications for our August 2023 – May 2024 program! Jumpstart your aerial career with 9 months of professional training in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. 
 
Early Decision Application Deadline: February 1, 2023. Learn More & Apply Here

This 50 hour Remote Teacher Training Course is a comprehensive and fully interactive training that you can do in your local studio or on your approved home rigging. It includes independent study, group instruction & personalized feedback as well as lifetime access to over 200 recorded reference videos and other course materials. There are 3 weekly zoom classes delivered in multiple time zones over the 4 week program.
 
Upcoming Trainings: 

Level 1 Silks, Rope, Trapeze or Lyra

• Dates: February 18th – March 18th, 2023
  Registration opens December 5th, 2022
  Register by December 11th, 2022 for Early Bird Discount ($100 off)

Visit the WEBSITE for more information.

Email Paper Doll Militia at teachertraining@paperdollmilitia.com with any questions

Circus Arts Institute has opened registration for our 2023 training programs online!  Please visit our website to learn more about Circus Arts Institute’s online training program and our current course offerings.

Registration is NOW OPEN for Circus Arts Institutes’ Upcoming Circus Arts Therapy® Trainings this Winter all ONLINE!
Level 1: March 13-19, 2023
Includes 25 hours Circus Arts Therapy® Level 1 Training + 20 hours Adaptive Aerial Teacher Training

Level 2: March 24-26, 2023 Includes 20-hours Circus Arts Therapy® Level 2 Training
For BOTH Level 1 and Level 2  
   – Pricing information
   –  Social Work CEUs are available 

Registration is NOW OPEN for Circus Arts Institutes’ Upcoming Aerial Teacher Trainings

Beginner: March 3-6, 2023 (Silks, Hammock or Trapeze)*
* This will be live/in-person in Atlanta, GA.  Beginner Certification from Circus Arts Institute is a pre-requisite for this training.

For details and to register, click here. Questions? Email info@circusartsinstitute.com

Elena Brocade is a performing artist, coach, and costume designer based in Los Angeles, where she has worked internationally in the aerial arts and illusion magic for over 15 years. Elena’s work centers around archetypal storytelling, where transformation plays a role both figuratively and literally. Valuing exploration and innovation, she created the first-ever aerial quick change act on Spanish web and introduced the relationship of dance and acrobatics to the setters role. Elena interweaves the existential and the narrative alike – using aerial acrobatics and costume as moving illustration. Her stage and film credits range from The Magic Castle, Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, Circus Flora, Master’s of Illusion CW, Public Enemies directed by Michael Mann, and The Go Big Show TBS. 
 
“Being a part of the ACE Safety Recognition Program has been a two-fold experience for me. It is exciting to see how the circus community shares and dialogues both over the technical issues and practices to create better environments of safety, as well as, builds policy stipulating physical safety is as just much inclusivity and mental health as it is rigging. I encourage more studios to take part in the program to collaborate and broaden our collective view of safety.” ~ Elena Brocade

The Gainesville Circus Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit social circus and a licensed child care facility. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive community through the practice of social circus. 

Our vision is: to make circus and movement arts accessible to children and adults of all backgrounds; to promote cultural and generational exchange; to build a thriving artistic community and performing arts economy; and to promote professionalism and professional development in the field of circus arts. We believe cultivating community consists of: promoting individual growth on personal and professional levels; supporting collaborative projects; and contributing to the local economy. 

Located in Gainesville, Florida, Gainesville Circus Center offers kids and adult recreational and professional training programs; flying trapeze; after school and summer camps; equestrian arts training and performances. Learn more about them at: https://www.gainesvillecircus.com

The Power of Us Workforce Survey is the first, most comprehensive survey of the professionals and volunteers who work with youth in all settings outside the classroom. The survey is open through December 31st, and you are encouraged to participate!
 
The Power of Us Workforce Survey is administered by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally. This project was commissioned and funded by The Wallace Foundation as part of its mission to support and share effective ideas and practices. Through the Power of Us Workforce Survey, youth-serving professionals and volunteers can contribute to a national effort to explore, define, and elevate their work with youth. The data from the survey can help to inform policy, practice, and further research to better support the workforce.

Circus Harmony will be offering circus Holiday Camps in December and Circus Sampler Classes during January, in their downtown St Louis, City Museum ring. They started filming for their second Architecture and Acrobats project. This one is at Fort Belle Fontaine, along the Missouri River. See clips on their social media. 

VIVA Fest is excited to announce that registration for the 2023 festival is now open! Early registrants will receive a free ticket to the World Circus Arts Championships, which will be held in conjunction with VIVA Fest. This is a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best circus performers compete, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this offer. Early registration ends November 30th, so don’t delay! Register today and join us for an unforgettable experience.
 
https://www.thevivafest.com

Greater Bay Area | December 8-9, 2022

This gathering will be an opportunity for circus researchers in arts & sciences to share their work with fellow researchers and the circus community. It will include a series of events at different locations around the Greater Bay area. Thursday will start with research rounds at Stanford University (lunch included) with a Keynote presentation from Patrick Leroux of the Montreal Working Group on Circus and continue at Kinetic Arts Center with another research rounds targeted to the circus community. The day will conclude with attendance at “Dear San Francisco” by 7 Fingers at Club Fugazi. On Friday afternoon there will be a tour followed by the Winter Show at Circus Center in San Francisco.

For more details and to register for the event go to the Circus Arts Life & Sciences events page https://journals.publishing.umich.edu/site/events/

Ring in the New Year with NECCA! Book private lessons over your holiday break and create your own circus training program. Train in our custom built Trapezium (with heated floors!) then head out to the winter wonderland of Vermont for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, or just cozy up to a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Treat yourself to the circus training you’ve been dreaming of and level up with our world renowned coaches!
 
WHEN: Dec. 2022 – Jan. 2023.
Book soon to lock in 2022 pricing – any lessons booked before Jan. 1, 2023 receive 2022 rates for you and your friends!
 
WHERE: 10 Town Crier Dr.
Brattleboro, VT 05301
 
BOOK by filling out this form.
 
PRIVATE LESSON INFO: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/training/private-lessons/
 
LODGING/TRANSPORTATION INFO: https://necenterforcircusarts.org/contact/visit-necca/

Frequent Flyers® Aerial Dance Professional Training Program is now accepting applications for our August 2023 – May 2024 program! Jumpstart your aerial career with 9 months of professional training in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. 
 
Early Decision Application Deadline: February 1, 2023. Learn More & Apply Here.

Are You, Your Students or Your Kiddos Getting Ready to Audition for Circus Schools This Year? CSAW is Here to Help!
 
CSAW – Connecting Circus Students Around the World has released their 2022 Circus School Application Deadline Mastersheet! Click here: https://bit.ly/csawcircusschoolsheet
 
This spreadsheet includes: 
• Circus schools
• Links to applications
• Application deadlines
• Audition dates
• The CSAW Ambassador for the school 
• How to contact that ambassador! 
• What is a CSAW Ambassador? 
 
A CSAW Ambassador is a current student of their international circus school. They are here to support you through applying, auditioning and attending circus school. If you have a question about a school just send the Ambassador an email or a DM and get an honest answer from a student of that school asap!
 
There are currently 16 CSAW Ambassadors to help future circus generations. You can find all of the current CSAW Ambassadors by clicking here: https://www.csawcircus.org/ambassadors

The Health and Wellness Committee is looking for experienced volunteers to join their task forces. Joining a task force is a wonderful way for community members to get involved in creating safer and more welcoming environments in circus. Community members with expertise in health and wellness topics are encouraged to apply.

Led by a committee member or co-chair, each task force focuses on a variety of specialized health and wellness topics in the circus community. Topics range from sexual violence prevention/response and disordered eating, to concussion prevention/response and suicide prevention. Please note that time commitments for each task force may vary.

If you are interested in joining a Health and Wellness task force, please fill out the application here.

Circus Up’s community troupe, Kirkos, has performed 11 shows at festivals and community events throughout the greater Boston area in 2022. Some of these have included the Wake Up the Earth Festival, Fenway Porchfest, and the Commonwealth Circus Center student shows. Check out their latest performance at the Circus Up Benefit here! 

Materials:None

How to Play: This game can be played with or without an audience, though I find it works better with an audience. Set up an “offstage” area on either side of the playing space. Let the group on stage know the rules. 
1. The goal is to cross the space 
2. You may not stop on stage 
3. The stage can never be empty. 

Encourage them to try as many different ways to cross as possible while also letting them know it’s okay to just walk as well as to copy others if they see something they like. The facilitator calls the stop/start of the game – as well as if the stage is empty. As the students at the end – what was interesting, what was funny, what did they see that they liked?
 
If you like this game, be sure to check out our Games Book! You can purchase directly from the AYCO/ACE store, on Amazon (print and eBook available), or as an eBook from a variety of vendors! Don’t miss your chance to have this great teaching tool! 

Got a game you’d love to share? Reply to this email and tell us about it!

CSAW – Connection Circus Students Around the World met their fundraising goal for the second year in a row and it means that they can provide another year of Microgrants! To be eligible to apply for a CSAW Microgrant for US Circus Artists of Color you must identify as a person of color who is a citizen, resident alien, or permanent resident of the United States looking to further their education in circus and/or fund their circus related projects and needs. All applicants must be 14 years or older to apply for and receive a Microgrant. Applications are open from the 1st-15th of every month. For more information visit: https://www.csawcircus.org/financial-aid
 
Looking to contribute? Please consider supporting CSAW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/csawcircus.org

Donations help: 

• Provide another year of microgrants to U.S. circus artists of color in need of financial assistance for circus-related expenses 
• Support U.S. circus artists of color further their education through our tuition grants
  Expand CSAW’s impact on the circus community and create more programs to encourage participation in the circus arts
• Continue to pay CSAW’s administrative team for the work they do

In Good Wealth nonprofit organization invests in Black-owned wellness and movement focused businesses to ignite generational wealth and equity in health. $1,500 grants are awarded on a rolling basis to early stage businesses. Circus is included as a wellness and movement field. To learn more and apply, click here.

Want to get discounts with these awesome Circus vendors? Discounts are just another awesome perk of being an ACE member.  Become a member today!

Like discounts like this? The more our members use them, the more leverage we have as an organization to encourage companies to provide discounts!

Interested in including your news or events relevant to the national circus community in AYCO/ACE’s newsletters? Send your submissions to communications@americanyouthcircus.org by the 2nd Friday of the month to be included in our monthly newsletter. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words, written in the third person, and include appropriate links and contact information if relevant. We cannot include PDFs or images, but we can link to them. Please also indicate if you would like your submission included in the AYCOgram (directed towards youth), ACE News (directed towards organizations and educators), or both.

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