AN INCLUSIVE, EMPOWERING, & SAFE HOME FOR CIRCUS

Circus Arts International, Incorporated is a new NYC-based circus arts school and training facility that provides ongoing recreational and professional training and coaching to enhance and expand the circus arts community. By making our classes accessible to individuals and groups of all ages, abilities, and socioeconomic levels, we use circus arts to change the world one person at a time.

Our Mission

Our mission at Circus Arts International is to provide high-level coaching, and ongoing, committed training in flying trapeze, aerial arts, and circus arts for individuals of all ages, capability levels, and skill levels - from absolute beginners to seasoned circus arts performers and professionals - that is inclusive, empowering, and safe, and which expands and enhances the circus community.

Help Us Soar!

Become a Pillar Supporter

Become a Major Gifts Supporter Today!

When you make a donation of $5,000 or more, you become a Major Gifts Supporter! As a Major Gifts Supporter, you will forge a personal relationship with Circus Arts International by providing leadership philanthropic support and enjoying highest ticket priority, special invitations, unique benefits, and greater access to the art form you love!

Want to learn more about becoming a Major Gifts Supporter? Click below to explore the various levels of Supporter Benefits!

Explore What We Offer

Flying Trapeze

An instructional session where participants learn how to perform aerial tricks by swinging from a trapeze bar suspended high above the ground, typically including a "catch" where a trained CAI professional grabs the flyer mid-air, all while being safely secured with harnesses and under the guidance of trained instructors; suitable for beginners with no prior experience, focusing on building strength, coordination, and confidence while experiencing the thrill of flying through the air.

Trampoline

A full-body workout that involves jumping on a trampoline to improve cardiovascular health and tone muscles. Performed on an olympic sized trampoline, one student at a time, bouncers follow a curriculum to develop aerial and bed awareness to increase safety in conjunction with “flying trapeze” as well as independent trampoline training.

Aerials

Involves learning acrobatic movements by hanging and manipulating long pieces of fabric suspended from the ceiling, allowing students to climb, wrap, invert, and perform various poses while suspended in the air, building upper body strength, core stability, and flexibility through a combination of climbing, wrapping, inversions, and controlled drops, suitable for beginners with no prior aerial experience to learn basic techniques and progress to more complex sequences as their skills develop; often incorporating a warm-up and focus on proper body positioning and safety procedures. 

and More!

From rope and sling to cube, hammock, and creative apparatus mashups, our studio offers a rotating selection of specialty classes and workshops that expand the boundaries of aerial arts. These offerings give students the chance to explore new movements, build complementary skills, and deepen their aerial practice through unique and engaging formats. Whether you're curious about trying something new or looking to challenge yourself in a fresh way, there’s always more to discover in the air!

Boosts Physical Literacy & Motor Skills

A 2013 study of grades 4–5 children showed that incorporating circus instruction into PE improved 15 of 18 movement skills by 7.9% (p < 0.01), enhanced confidence, movement vocabulary, eagerness to participate, and reduced the motor skill gender gap, especially benefiting girls.

Benefits of Circus Arts

Enhances Emotional Regulation & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

A nine-month, multi-site evaluation by the Weikart Center found SEL participants’ self-regulation struggles dropped from 53% at the start to 19% by the end, outperforming general after-school programs and matching top-tier SEL initiatives

Supports Core Psychological Needs & Intrinsic Motivation

A 2019 study in the Journal of Youth Development found that circus programs satisfy autonomy, competence, and relatedness, leading to gains in grit, concentration, positive affect, and overall youth development outcomes

Promotes Self-Esteem, Belonging & Perseverance

Research across decades highlights that circus training cultivates self-esteem, belonging, perseverance, and trust, key components of positive youth development (the “5 Cs”: Competence, Confidence, Caring, Character, Connection)

Fosters Creative Expression & Inclusive Participation

“Social Circus”, using circus arts for social justice and wellness, reveals that its non-competitive, arts-driven environment encourages creativity, inclusivity, and cultural expression, reaching marginalized youth and fostering community connection

Supports Community Development & Social Change

International research, including a large mixed-methods study (“The Art of Collectivity”), indicates social circus strengthens personal growth, community engagement, health, and economic participation, and does so more effectively than some other arts activities

 FAQs

  • Q: Is this a new organization?
    A: Yes! Circus Arts International is a new organization... but our management team and principal instructors have over 60 years of combined experience in teaching, training, and participating in the circus arts!

    Q: Who is the Management Team?
    A: Hal Anderson, Stuart Moulton, Chioma Onyekwere, and Darcy Schacher. More...

  • Cai is the beloved mascot and muse of Circus Arts International, a vibrant character who brings joy and laughter to students and audiences alike. Cai embodies the spirit of circus fun.

    Legend has it that Cai was once a shy aspiring performer who discovered his true calling as a mascot after accidentally stumbling into a pie-throwing contest. Now, he encourages young circus enthusiasts to embrace their creativity and explore the wonders of trapeze, trampoline, acrobatics, juggling, and circus.

    Cai is not just a performer; he's a mentor who inspires students to dream big and never take themselves too seriously. Whether leading workshops, hosting events, or making surprise appearances at performances, Cai is always ready to entertain and uplift, reminding everyone that the circus is a place for laughter, friendship, and boundless imagination.

  • Stay tuned... or follow us on socials... or join our mailing list!

  • We will be offering classes and workshops in the circus arts, including (but not limited to!) flying trapeze, trampoline, aerial silks, etc. Learn more here…

  • We will offer programming that is consistent with our mission and target communities. Stay tuned for details!

  • Like many not-for-profits, funding will be primarily through private donations, grants, sponsorships, and sales of classes.

  • Our current campaign is set at $350,000.

  • At this time funds will be used to secure our new home in New York City, and to enable Circus Arts International to prepare to run programming consistent with our mission.

  • Yes! As a registered 501c3, all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

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