What is Circus Pagan

Circus Pagan is the intersection of neo-Pagan and circus arts.

Over the years, as I have described the feeling I get when practicing my art, people repeatedly tell me it sounds like a zen experience. When I am in the fabric, the rest of the world melts away and it’s just me and my apparatus moving through time and space and the troubles of life disappear for a bit. In talking to many artists, I’m not alone in this feeling.

Circus aligns well with the framework provided by Pagan traditions. The elements have numerous representations: Air-aerials; Earth-tumbling, partner acro, handstands, dance; Water: mermaiding, any movement that evokes fluidity; Fire: fire flow, fire juggling. And these are just the disciplines with which I am familiar. There are plenty of other disciplines that apply, and many that can cover multiple elements like veil fans which could be air, water, or earth; pole dance which could be air or earth, juggling which could fit any element depending on what you’re juggling; and the list goes on.

Additionally, both classes and performance are an exchange of energy. Coaches hold space for their students and guide them through new movements. In turn, the students can then use those movements to express themselves and give energy back. Performers gather energy and send it to the crowd and crowds show their appreciation by sending energy back.

These are just the seeds of our movement. We can only grow from here. Eventually, we will become the Orchard.

I invite you to explore the orchard, pick the fruit, and enjoy the spoils of your journey.