Magic of circus available to everyone
By Cecilia Corona

The circus arts have become more accessible around the world in the last 10 years. They were once reserved for the circus families, who would secretively pass their traditional knowledge from one generation to another.

Due to the influence of Cirque du Soleil, circus arts have become popular in Canada and the US. You may find circus classes in some big cities, but not yet everywhere. In San Miguel de Allende, you can find GravityWorks. This circus troupe, founded by Nisha Ferguson from Canada, has been in San Miguel for seven years. They do aerial dance performances on trapeze, silks, hoops and straps, as well as hand balancing, fire dancing and much more.

In September 2008, GravityWorks opened to the public the School of the New Circus Arts at Casa Hacienda El Caracol. Very few places in Mexico offer regular circus classes. Now we have our very own circus school here that gives regular classes to anyone interested in this fun and creative activity!

GravityWorks School offers classes in Circ-Dance and Aerial Dance using apparatus such as silks, hoop, trapeze and straps. The classes are open to anyone who wants to learn, from six years old on up, and you can start at any level. Groups are small and attention is specialized. Students work at their own pace according to their skills.

Circus is an activity that builds mind and body strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and gracefulness. Developing these skills is great for kids and adults alike. The best thing about circus is that it is noncompetitive—the real challenge is with yourself and your personal goals.

For sanmiguelenses and our visitors, GravityWorks School has designed Circomania, a place where children and young people (six years old and up) can learn circus arts during their free time or summer vacation.

In this camp we combine learning with fun, developing individual confidence and a great group dynamic in a safe space in which the participants will be able to practice circus skills and prove that the “magic of circus” is available for everyone.

Some participants’ comments

“Best mother/daughter experience in my life.” Melissa (Missy) Simms (44) and her daughter Davin (10).

“I will be back for sure!” Santiago Jiménez (18).

“I like the class and I like all the kids.” Carson Ippolte (8).

“I love the class because when we have to go I never want to leave.” Saúl Suárez (7).

“I like to be active and the classes are active and fun.” Monse Coleman (11).

“It is fun; I have become stronger.” Laila Bárcenas (9).

“I love to be in the air and do routines.” Lola Anderson (6).

“We play games that are also exercise and kids find so much fun. For myself it has helped me so much to recover my health.” Reyna Polanco (56).



Classes begin September 7

Circomania started on July 6 and continued until August 21, Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm. The GravityWorks School is located at Libramiento al Caracol 135, Casa Hacienda El Caracol, where there is parking as well. Regular classes begin on September 7.

Participants may take one or more weekly workshops. The activities are warm-up, stretch, flexibility, aerial acrobatic dance on silks, hoop, trapeze and straps, gymnastics, dance with pois and sticks, ballet, acro-dance, hip-hop, arts and circus design, make-up and circus movies.

For more information, contact Cecilia Corona at 154-4915, cellular (415) 103-3836, or email ana59@yahoo.com. 

Cecilia Corona is the directeor of the GravityWorks School of the New Circus Arts.