Women in Circus

The Simultaneous Creations of Diana & Delusional

Diana Salles and Firenza Guidi both have enormous smiles. They speak from the heart and listen patiently with unwavering, attentive

Artists & Creators Europe

Getting Through It Together!

July 20, 2023July 20, 2023 Martin FrenetteFinland, Hand to hand, Women in Circus

“For better and for worse” doesn’t always apply. Whether a loving father walks the bride down the aisle or two

Artists & Creators CircusTalk Original Series PRO Exclusive

Is non-binary the modern feminism? An interview with Frédérique Cournoyer Lessard

June 5, 2023June 28, 2023 Madeline HoakCOVER STORY, Gender in Circus, In French/En Français, Women in Circus, Women Making Circus About Women Series

Frédérique Cournoyer Lessard is an interdisciplinary artist working through circus and film. I first saw their work at the Montréal

News and Events

Femmes Du Feu Creations Presents CIRCUS SESSIONS At The Bank Art House, Welland

May 8, 2023 Media MonitorWomen in Circus

Returning again for its seventh year, Circus Sessions is ready to party. Femmes de Feu Creations, in collaboration with Fez

Podcast

“Elbows In My Ears” with Trailblazing Clown DANISE PAYNE- Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep.56

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 Shenea StilettoClowning, Women in Circus

On this whimsical episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews Danise Payne, a circus clown

CircusTalk Original Series PRO Exclusive News and Events

The Rainbow is Enuf: an evolution, a healing, a joy

April 17, 2023June 28, 2023 Madeline HoakCOVER STORY, interview, Women in Circus, Women Making Circus About Women Series

Last September, I spoke with Veronica Blair. She was cozied up in a long, red sweater just starting her day

Artists & Creators History

Circus History Live! featuring Peggy Williams

March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 Chris BerryWomen in Circus

This Women’s History Month edition of Circus History Live! celebrates the career of 2023 Circus Ring of Fame inductee Peggy

A newspaper headline reads "Suffragists at Tea with Circus Women

PRO Exclusive News and Events

Authentically Honoring Women in Circus

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 Madeline HoakCOVER STORY, Women in Circus, Women Making Circus About Women Series

Morning Armor. I woke up thinking about this publication: an article about women in circus to be published in alignment

News and Events

Daring Dames, Europe’s Only All-Female Circus Festival, Announces Lineup

February 21, 2023February 23, 2023 CircusTalkFestival, Press Release, Women in Circus

Daring Dames – Europe’s only all-female circus festival – is putting women circus artistes in the centre stage. Over the

History Reviews

Elbows in My Ears: My Favorite Circus Book of 2022

February 21, 2023February 23, 2023 Bruce HawleyEquity and Inclusion, Book, Women in Circus

A trailblazing circus career makes more than just a good story to tell further down the line: it also provides

Advice Research

Does the Menstrual Cycle Negatively Influence the Performance of Menstruated Circus Artists?

December 8, 2022December 12, 2022 Sarah RepondPhysical Health, Women in Circus

Despite the increasing mediatisation around the effects of the menstrual cycle, this bolstered awareness of the topic has not yet

Artists & Creators CircusTalk Original Series Podcast

Portraits of Inclusion with Craig Quat – Ep.3. Territories of Circus Feminism [Circus Voices Podcast]

October 27, 2022February 2, 2023 Craig QuatEquity and Inclusion, Circus Voices Podcast, Portraits of Inclusion with Craig Quat, Women in Circus

Brought to you by the Circus Voices podcast, the Portraits of Inclusion series has host Craig Quat join fellow social change-making artists

Companies and Organizations Education

“Choosing Both”: Help Circus Moms to the Next Stage with Trainer Mayumi Yamamoto

July 1, 2022July 1, 2022 Carolyn KleinPhysical Health, Women in Circus

After the trials and changes that come with pregnancy, getting back on stage can feel like an uphill battle for

Circus artists Ginger Ana Griep-Ruiz, Holly Treddenick, and Gasya in photos with their children

Artists & Creators

Spotlights and Lights Out– Get to Know 3 Circus Super Moms

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022 Carolyn KleinWomen in Circus

With thriving careers and families, circus mothers seem to have the best of both worlds. But just because they can

Ulzii Mergen Kee, Mongolian acrobat and circus performer, during pregnancy. She does splits in an open orange robe.

Artists & Creators Opinion

A Circus Performer and a Mother. That Is Who I Am.

May 9, 2022May 12, 2022 Ulziibuyan MergenCOVER STORY, Women in Circus

My name is Ulziibuyan Mergen Kee. I’m a contortionist and a mom of 2 wonderful boys. I am writing this

graphic of circus in postcolonial India beside an Indian map

Research

From Postcolonial to Neoliberal: Identifying the “Other” Body in Indian Circus

April 8, 2022April 8, 2022 Aastha Gandhibody, India, Women in Circus

This article is part of my ongoing doctoral research work, A Critical History of Indian Circus, Performers and Performance Acts:

Hair-hanging artist Elena Suárez Pariente strikes a pose, and Ekpoawan Edem hangs from an aerial hoop

Artists & Creators

Celebrating Women in Circus: Ekpoawan Edem and Elena Suárez Pariente

March 25, 2022March 24, 2022 Em HoltWomen in Circus

Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues with two circus history makers in the making: Nigerian hoops artist Ekpoawan Edem

Historical circus photograph, black-and-white: a female circus performer stands against a target while axes are thrown at her

History

They’re Not Just Women – They’re Superwomen! – The Rise of the Female Circus Performer

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 Steve WardWomen in Circus

Every day across the world, thousands of women perform daring feats of circus agility, whether in the traditional circus under

Yevgeniya Obolonina, Ukrainian acrobat, extends a handful of dirt to partner in Recirquel's My Land

Artists & Creators Europe

As Women’s History Month Unfolds, Art Is Our Most Powerful Weapon

March 10, 2022March 11, 2022 Carolyn KleinUkraine, Women in Circus

To start off Women’s History Month, we would like to shine a light on Ukrainian circus performer Yevgeniya Obolonina, a

Reviews

“Female Aerialists in the 1920s and Early 1930s” is a Circus Library Must-Have

March 8, 2022March 8, 2022 Madeline HoakBook, Women in Circus

If early 1900s western circus history was a circus act, I would hire it. The stories have all the earmarks

History

The Story of Miss Lala, a 19th-Century Circus Star Who Could Lift Three Men Simultaneously

December 30, 2021December 30, 2021 Media MonitorEquity and Inclusion, Women in Circus

Historians say that in the 19th Century, women were the highest-paid circus performers, and Anna Olga Albertina Brown was no

News and Events North America

No Laughing Matter: Women Clowns Battle Sexism

September 22, 2021September 16, 2021 Media MonitorClowning, Mexico, Women in Circus

PUEBLA, MEXICO — In 2000, Darina Robles Pérez of Mexico City told a teacher from the Russian Circus of Moscow

News and Events South America

Catching Inspiration: Courtlynn Crowe First Female Trapeze Catcher in Peru Amateur Circus History

July 21, 2021July 20, 2021 Media MonitorFlying Trapeze, Peru, Women in Circus

Courtlynn Crowe wasn’t going to make the cut the first time she tried out to become a flying trapeze performer

Flying trapeze graphic that blends images of circus artists and uteruses

History Opinion Research

Flying Trapeze Won’t Make Women Infertile: How Victorian-era Infertility Myths Are Still Plaguing Modern Day Athletes

July 19, 2021July 15, 2021 Morgan BarbourEquity and Inclusion, Flying Trapeze, Women in Circus

The first time I was told that my career as a female flying trapeze catcher would make me infertile my

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 34: Chinese Pole Artist Léo Pilote

June 16, 2021June 15, 2021 Shenea StilettoChinese Pole, Women in Circus

Host Shenea Stiletto interviews Chinese Pole Artist Léo Pilote in this episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast. Léo

Mary hanging upside down in a stag position in the air

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 32: Legendary U.S Olympian In Rhythmic Gymnastics Mary Sanders

May 13, 2021May 9, 2021 Shenea StilettoCirque du Soleil, Women in Circus

For this celebratory episode of Motherhood & Circuspreneurship on the Live Like An Acrobat podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews Mary

Title graphic for episode 6 of Think Like An Acrobat

CircusTalk Original Series PRO Exclusive Advice

PRO Exclusive: Think Like An Acrobat — Let’s Work for Ourselves

April 6, 2021December 21, 2021 Shenea StilettoThink Like an Acrobat, Women in Circus

As part of our CircusTalk PRO membership content, available exclusively to PRO membership subscribers, please enjoy this PRO video series called

Australia and New Zealand News and Events

Women’s Own Circus Empowers Performers to Have Fun and Appreciate Their Bodies

April 2, 2021March 30, 2021 Media MonitorWomen in Circus

For two decades, members of this women’s circus have been working together, developing shows within a supportive community environment. Now a Wollongong Art

Michelle Matlock in ladybug costume spreads her arms wide and smiles at the camera against a white background

Artists & Creators North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 30: The “Ladybug” from OVO Michelle Matlock

March 31, 2021January 19, 2022 Shenea StilettoClowning, Women in Circus

Celebrating women making history in circus, host Shenea Stiletto interviews the “Ladybug “ clown character from Cirque Du Soleil’s touring

Shannon McKenna sits prettily on a blue aerial silk outdoors

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 29: Founder of The Artist Athlete Shannon McKenna

March 10, 2021March 8, 2021 Shenea StilettoWomen in Circus

On this celebratory episode honoring International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month on the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host

collage of circus performers titled Aging Circus Bodies

CircusTalk Original Series PRO Exclusive Advice

Circus Bodies: Aging Circus Bodies

March 1, 2021March 6, 2023 Madeline HoakEquity and Inclusion, Circus Bodies series, Women in Circus

Aging Circus Bodies is part of a new series called Circus Bodies. The introductory article speaks to the importance of

A Black woman wears a wet white gown, leaning back into a long crimson sash

News and Events Videos

New Release The Crown Features Black Women in Circus

February 19, 2021December 21, 2021 Lydia NordEquity and Inclusion, Film, Women in Circus

In celebration of Black excellence in circus, Veronica Blair has produced a video premiere featuring Black women aptly named The Crown.

An aerialist climbs a rope in full costume, with her hair down

North America Podcast

Hideaway Podcast Episode 99 – Blaze Birge, Creative Director and Owner of Flynn Creek Circus

February 17, 2021February 16, 2021 Hideaway PodcastWomen in Circus

On today’s episode Josh and Lyndsay talk about recent issues of plagiarism and copyright in the French circus community, a

Petra Massey smiles before the crowd, wearing her red hair in long pigtail braids and a cowboy hat

Artists & Creators North America Podcast

Hideaway Podcast Episode 98 – Petra Massey, Joint Artistic Director of SpyMonkey and MC of Atomic Saloon

February 10, 2021January 19, 2022 Hideaway PodcastClowning, Women in Circus

On today’s episode Josh and Lyndsay chat about the future of Blue Man Group in Orlando, if insurance payouts will

Europe News and Events

Perth Fringe World: Fremantle-Born Circus Artist Chloe Shadlow Lands on Her Feet

January 28, 2021January 27, 2021 Media MonitorWomen in Circus

Ten years ago, Fremantle-born circus artist Chloe Shadlow was recovering from a broken back after falling nine metres while performing

History North America

The Life of Circus Lady Josephine Demott

January 22, 2021January 21, 2021 Media MonitorWomen in Circus

In 2016, Milner Library received one of its largest grants ever to collaborate with Circus World in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and The John

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 24: @Cirque_Psych Founder Janelle Peters

December 25, 2020December 24, 2020 Shenea StilettoMental Health, Women in Circus

On this special holiday episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews Circus Artist & Founder

Dolly Jacobs performs a knee hang on the Roman Rings

North America Podcast

Hideaway Podcast Episode 94 – Dolly Jacobs, Queen of the Air and Co-Founder of the Circus Arts Conservatory

December 23, 2020December 23, 2020 Hideaway PodcastWomen in Circus

On today’s episode Josh and Lyndsay do a deep dive into Cirque Du Soleil‘s current financial challenges and credit rating,

Candace Cane performs an overspilt on the pole

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 23: “Exotic Aerialist ” Candace Cane

December 23, 2020December 23, 2020 Shenea StilettoWomen in Circus

On this episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews world famous pole performer, dance instructor,

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 21: Founder & Creative Director of SOAR Aerial Dance Gena DuBose

December 4, 2020December 3, 2020 Shenea StilettoAerial, Women in Circus

This weeks episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast hosted by Shenea Stiletto features special guest Founder & Creative

North America Videos

In Center Ring – Episode 28: Lisa B. Lewis: A Mission Of Joy

November 27, 2020November 30, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonIn Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring presents the beneficent Lisa B. Lewis, founder of Omnium: A Bold New Circus. In this episode Lisa

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 20: Alegria Hula Hoop Icon Elena Lev

November 25, 2020November 24, 2020 Shenea StilettoCirque du Soleil, Women in Circus

For this weeks episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto is joined by fellow CircusTalk contributor

North America Videos

In Center Ring – Episode 27: Jenny Vidbel: Animals Are Family

November 20, 2020November 24, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonIn Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring Presents the charming Jenny Vidbel, the celebrated animal trainer and guardian of the Al & Joyce Vidbel

Artists & Creators Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 18: The Contortion Sisters

October 28, 2020October 27, 2020 Shenea StilettoCirque du Soleil, Women in Circus

This weeks episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast hosted by Shenea Stiletto features the fierce Mongolian aerial contortion

North America Videos

In Center Ring. – Ep. 25: Susan Voyticky: “Circus is the Poetry in the Body.”

October 23, 2020October 21, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonIn Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring presents the brilliant Susan Voyticky, an groundbreaking and eclectic artist. In this episode Susan invites us to

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep.17: Dancing Is My Voice Founder Lisa Aneiva:

October 7, 2020October 6, 2020 Shenea StilettoHarassment & Abuse, Women in Circus

This week’s episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews Lisa Aneiva, founder of Dancing Is

History

The Rise of the New Woman Within the Circus

October 5, 2020December 21, 2021 Morgan BarbourEquity and Inclusion, Gender in Circus, Women in Circus

Women have always had a place in the circus, but it would not be until 1896 that the “New Woman”

Africa Videos

In Center Ring – Episode 22: Sosina Wogayehu: “Africa Is Calling Everyone”

October 2, 2020September 28, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonIn Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring Presents, the incomparable Sosina Wogayehu, the Abyssinian Contortionist. In this episode, Sosina walks us through some of

Companies and Organizations Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep.16: CIRQO Founder Sue Porrett

September 30, 2020October 20, 2020 Shenea StilettoWomen in Circus

This weeks episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews Sue Porrett; innovator of the newly

North America Videos

In Center Ring – Episode 21: Fanny Kerwich: “I Believe in the Power of Circus”

September 25, 2020September 22, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonIn Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring presents the innovative Fanny Kerwich, the visionary founder of Lone Star Circus. In this episode Fanny shares

North America Videos

In Center Ring – Episode 20: Getti Kehayova: Joy Is A Super Power

September 18, 2020October 6, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonIn Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring presents the amusing and amazing, Getti Kehayova. In this episode, Getti details her path to online sensation

North America Podcast

Live Like An Acrobat Podcast Ep. 13: Aerial Positivity with Summer Lacy

September 2, 2020 Shenea StilettoAerial, Women in Circus

On this episode of the Live Like An Acrobat Podcast, host Shenea Stiletto interviews womenpreneur & aerialist Summer Lacy who

Europe Podcast

The Artist Athlete Podcast, Episode 87: Irish Aerial Dance with Chantal McCormick

September 2, 2020September 1, 2020 The Artist Athlete PodcastAerial, Women in Circus

This week, the red-haired tornado herself joins the podcast to talk about how moving from her small town in Ireland

North America Podcast

In Center Ring – Episode 17: Kristin Mass: “Make It Work.”

August 31, 2020December 15, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonContemporary Circus, In Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring Presents the high flying Kristin Mass, a woman on a mission to make her beloved Central Florida

Europe Podcast

The Artist Athlete Podcast, Episode 85: Starting Contemporary Circus in the UK with Rebecca Truman

August 18, 2020August 18, 2020 The Artist Athlete PodcastContemporary Circus, Women in Circus

From a childhood history of designing costumes and “pratting about onstage” (7:05), Rebecca Truman began Skinning the Cat, one of

North America Podcast Videos

In Center Ring – Episode 15: Shenea “Stiletto” Booth – Part 2: “Don’t Let Them Tell You Who You Are.”

August 14, 2020December 15, 2020 Johnathan L. IversonHarassment & Abuse, In Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring presents the indomitable Shenea “Stiletto” Booth, triumphant in and out of the circus ring. In this second

History

The Female Aerialist: Androgyny, Femininity, and Muscularity

August 10, 2020April 5, 2021 Morgan BarbourEquity and Inclusion, Women in Circus

As a child, I was what some would call a tomboy, clad in baggy hand-me-downs while leaping from trees onto

Artists & Creators North America Podcast

In Center Ring – Episode 14: Shenea “Stiletto” Booth – PART 1: “You Can Say, ‘No’!”

August 7, 2020December 21, 2021 Johnathan L. IversonIn Center Ring with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Women in Circus

In Center Ring presents the astonishing Shenea Booth, world champion and hall of fame acrobatic gymnast turned circus star. In

News and Events

The Next Wave in the #METOO Movement, Listening to Victims’ Voices in Circus

August 4, 2020April 5, 2021 Kim CampbellEquity and Inclusion, Harassment & Abuse, Mental Health, Safety, Women in Circus

Content warning: emotional, physical, sexual abuse and harassment. The creators of Victims_Voices in Quebec must have sensed the change in

North America Podcast

The Artist Athlete Podcast Episode 83: WTF is Art? with Julie Marshall

July 30, 2020August 18, 2020 The Artist Athlete PodcastWomen in Circus

Listen in as hoop artist and self-proclaimed sparkling garbage, Julie Marshall, grapples with the question: WTF is ART anyway? And

Covid-19 News and Events North America

The Ringling Receives Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

June 12, 2020 Media MonitorWomen in Circus

Florida State University’s The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has been awarded a $30,000 grant by the National

Companies and Organizations Europe Videos

Transcending Boundaries–A Video Interview with Tilde Björfors of Circus Cirkör

November 27, 2018January 30, 2023 Nicki MillerDirecting, Cirkus Cirkor, Women in Circus

In this interview with Tilde Bjorfors of Circus Cirkor, we learn about the origins and mission of this socially progressive

News and Events North America

Emma Serjeant, The Traveling Circus Director–A Trend in Cross-Pollinating Circus Concepts

June 4, 2018December 21, 2021 Kim CampbellDirecting, Women in Circus

In Chicago, eight circus students just completed their second year of the pro training program at Aloft Circus Arts, a

History

15 Phenomenal Female Circus Performers

October 27, 2016January 15, 2017 Media MonitorWomen in Circus

For many the circus is a place of wonder and fantasy come alive. But for these 15 women, it was

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