he American Youth Circus Organization
Seattle, WA – (July 17, 2013) – For kids and young adults that have always dreamed of flying on the trapeze or walking the tightrope, the American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO) has opened the door to make that dream a reality this summer. Each year the festival rotates locations and this coming august, Seattle will play host.
Nearly 300 participants from around the world including the United States, Sweden and England, are expected to participate in the festival. The AYCO is partnering with the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) located in Seattle to support the growing circus community, and the young people that are a part of it.
The festival, which is a biennial event, provides programs for circus educators, young adults, young professionals, and enthusiasts to gather and socialize with their peers. Participants can choose from over 150 workshops and participate in social events and showcases. Intensives are also offered in contortion, tumbling and acrobatics, aerial techniques and creative acts.
AYCO, and the event, benefits and educates the circus community, and provides a way to support and inspire youth circus programming throughout the United States. This year’s location in Seattle will benefit both its local circus community, as well as the city as whole.
“The benefits of the festival go far beyond learning how to juggle,” explains Amy Cohen, Executive Director of AYCO. “It does, of course, teach participants how to master many circus acts, but it also promotes social skills, self-discipline, and commitment. It promotes self-esteem, provides a creative outlet, and helps kids stay fit and succeed in school. The festival does not just help young people become better circus performers – it helps them become better individuals and community members as well.”
The benefits of the festival also extend to the local community and economy. It sheds light on Seattle’s growing circus community, and strengthens its influence worldwide. The city boasts the largest circus school in the United States and its pre-professional program is one of three in the nation. With the event bringing in so many participants, the local economy will benefit from the traffic and pull of the American Youth Circus Festival.
This year’s event will be held at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) in Seattle, WA. The event will be held from August 14 – 18, 2013. Registration is open to the public.
For festival information, applications, & registration please visit www.americanyouthcircus.org.