Summer 2008

Our Mission:

Circus Day teaches the art of life through circus education. We work to build character and expand community for youth of all ages, cultures, abilities, and backgrounds. Through teaching and performance of circus skills, we help people defy gavity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers, all at the same time.

Our Methods:

Circus Day is a non-profit social circus organization that uses circus arts to motivate social change. By inspiring individuals and connecting communities with our circus education and entertainment programs, we have a positive impact on the St. Louis area and beyond.

Our programs teach valuable life skills like perseverance, focus, and teamwork. Learning circus with others teaches trust, responsibility, and cooperation. Perhaps the most important experience we give our participants is the opportunity to interact with children from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds than their own.

We believe the path to peace is a path of cooperation and communication. Teaching children from different neighborhoods how to stand on each other's shoulders may seem like a strange way to take this path. But it's the technique we use! Circus Day promotes peace through pyramids, joy through juggling, and harmony through handsprings.


Galilee Arches on Boardwalk in Tel Aviv.

Galilee Arches Reunited!

It's happening! The Israelis are coming! The Israelis are coming!

The Galilee Arches are reuniting!!! The Galilee Arches are members of the Galilee Circus and the St. Louis Arches. The Galilee Circus is a Jewish/Arab youth circus made up of children from two villages in Northern Israel. The St. Louis Arches are Circus Day's elite youth circus troupe, made up of children from different neighborhoods throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Together they form the Galilee Arches.

Last summer, the St. Louis Arches went to Israel where they did their first collaboration with the Galilee Circus. As they toured Israel, they demonstrated in a breathtaking way what can happen when people of different nationalities and backgrounds build something together.

In a time when no one else seems able to find a true road map for peace in the Middle East --- there are some amazing children who have found a way. When you see them together, you are struck by their abilities: to juggle, to balance, and to fly through the air. But more importantly, you are struck by their abilities to trust, to work together, and to give to others.

This summer, the Galilee Circus will be here in St. Louis to show St. Louisans what over 2,000 people witnessed last year in Israel. In the words of Rabbi Marc Rosenstein, from the Galilee Foundation for Value Education," I think many who saw the shows felt the same tears in their eyes, maybe out of the feeling one is seeing a vision of something that we all long for...the total obliteration of barriers, whether social, economic or gravitational."

They will be appearing at City Museum, which is Circus Day's home, and at other locations. They are already slated to appear at YMCA's Trout Lodge, the MUNY and in a

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314-436-7676       Circus Day       www.circusday.org

Tumbling Times     Summer 2008     Page 2

special benefit performance for the Anti-Defamation League at Ram's Park. The combined troupes are also looking for individuals or organizations who would be interested in sponsoring shows or providing financial, culinary or logistical support. More information is available at www.circusday.org or by calling 314-436-7676.

We are grateful to the following donors who have already pledged or provided support for this hope-inducing, awe-inspiring collaboration. For more donors who have helped us after this newsletter has gone to press, please visit www.circusday.org. The Galilee Arches promote peace though pyramids, joy though juggling and harmony through handsprings!

  • Anti-Defamation League
  • City Museum
  • Staenberg Family Foundation
  • Ruth Siteman
  • Ken and Nancy Kranzberg
  • Cirque Du Soleil
  • Susan LaTorre
  • Sally Sloan and Tom Hentoff
  • Mary Strauss
  • Giovanna and Bob Cassilly
  • Bob Knipfer
  • John and Cindy Wallach
  • Stein-Sharpe Family
  • Cyndy and Laurence Hillman
  • AHC Consulting
  • Insight Marketing
  • Trout Lodge
  • The MUNY
  • Whole Foods
  • The Original Soupman.com
  • Samwiches in the City
  • Harold and Karen Karabell
  • Margot Hentoff
  • Bert and Janet Krauss
  • Don Stuek
  • Rick Davis
  • Carlo and Orlene Gentile and Family
  • Jimmy John's of Maplwood
  • Kohn's Deli
  • Global Foods

Letter from the Artistic/Executive Director

Every time I write this introductory letter, I think how much we have done in the months since the last issue. Each time, I think we have done the most amazing things and made the most incredible progress. Each time, I am right. And here we are again.

Did you see the Arches new acrobatic act at Circus Flora? Did you see it?! You can look at it on YouTube but it won't do it full credit. It was the culmination of teamwork as presented by a group of young people, some of whom have worked together longer than the youngest member has been alive. If you saw the act, you saw the end of an Arches' era. The older members of the group will be going on to the next chapters of their lives. Some have already left to play basketball, one is going to college, and one to a circus school in France. I have trained the Arches since their inception in 1989. We now have second generation members. Dips and changes in membership have happened before. But this team, this exquisite combination of people and talent has achieved more than any group before. We have never lost so many at the same time. The Arches will bloom again. There will be new ones moving up in the ranks. New skills will be highlighted. But this was a peak: a peak of time, talent, ability, and opportunity. This group has appeared from Los Angeles to Israel. Together they have juggled more objects and turned more somersaults than any Arches before them. They work together as a unit, as a family, and the result is beautiful--sometimes crazy from the inside--but always beautiful from the outside. A group of young people from totally different backgrounds often with nothing in common but the circus. A dream team. Circus siblings. The St. Louis Arches.

When we founded Circus Day as a non-profit in 2001, the then St. Louis Arches were our 10 founding students. Now, we teach the art of life through circus education to over 1,000 children a year. The Arches are the most recognized part of Circus Day but not the only part. Our beginner and intermediate students are improving in leaps, bounds and somersaults. Our aerial class ranks have swelled, especially the adult classes. We are getting bigger grants and more community support and recognition than ever before. We are on the map. Internationally.

Don't miss our visit from the Galilee Circus, the Jewish/Arab youth circus counterpart of the Arches. They will be here the first two weeks of August continuing the collaboration we started with them in Israel last summer. Come see this powerful partnership that truly illustrates Peace through Pyramids and Harmony though Handsprings. Also looking forward, mark your calendars now for Circus Harmony: Appassionato coming in November.

As always, I invite you to join the circus--support us financially, attend our shows, buy our online products, and sign up for classes--be a part of OUR next chapter. Help us defy gravity!

For Harmony,
Jessica Hentoff
Artistic/Executive Director

314-436-7676       Circus Day       www.circusday.org

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Circus Kids Documentary

There is a documentary being made about Circus Day and the collaboration between the St. Louis Arches and the Israeli-based Galilee Circus. Check out the promotional video at www.circuskids.tv.


Matt Viverito. Credit: Darin Basile

Matt Viverito is running away to joinÉcollege. Matt has been with the Arches since he was in seventh grade. Matt has been accepted to Florida State University. A St. Louis native, Matt chose this school because it has the best collegiate circus in the country. Florida State’s Flying High Circus has its own tent, high wire, teeterboard and other acts plus Matt’s favorite--flying trapeze! Matt intends to master the triple somersault while he is there and we know he can do it!

Angela Malchionno

Circus Day is thrilled to welcome our new Education Manager, Angela Malchionno. Before running away and joining the circus, Angela served as a museum educator at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. She also serves as Registry Coordinator at Open Lot--St. Louis' best new gallery and performance space. In addition to managing a circus and an art space, Angela is a working visual artist who specializes in printmaking, soft sculptures and installation pieces.

Rosa Yagaantsetseg

Circus Day is proud to present the newest addition to our Circus Teaching Staff Master Teacher and Honored Artist from Mongolia: ROSA YAGAANTSETSEG! Rosa Yagaantsetseg is world famous as a performer and choreographer of acts that are “a creation of beauty, strength, creativity and control of the human body”. Her acts have won accolades from around the world, including silver medals at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, the Paris Young Actors Festival, the Italian International Circus Festival, the Hungarian World Circus Arts Festival and more. Call 314-436-7676 if you’d like to study Extreme Flexibility and Strength Training with Rosa.

314-436-7676       Circus Day       www.circusday.org

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Flora in the Forest


St. Louis Arches at Flora ’08. Credit Jessica Hentoff

Circus Flora’s title this year was Sherwood Forest, and Circus Day was proud that our strong and graceful Claire Kuciejczyk-Kernan was chosen to play Maid Marion. Once again, Circus Day’s students brought down the house in their annual appearance with this professional one-ring theatrical circus. The St. Louis Arches’ acrobatic act was absolutely amazing. The acts included a person being tossed in a somersault and caught in a split, a human jump rope, several three person pyramids as well as double twisting and double tuck somersaults. The act was primarily and beautifully choreographed by Circus Day teacher, Sariya Saabye and student, Renaldo Williams. You can link to it on YouTube from our website.

In a continuation of our collaboration with Circus Flora and vaulting instructor, Jenn Buck, the Ianna Spirit Riders debuted new and daring maneuvers on horse-back. In addition, these five emerging equestriennes got to train with circus star Tosca Zoppe and were part of a larger group riding act during the show. Speaking of the Zoppe family, our youngest student, five year old Donovino Hughes appeared with Giovanni “Nino” Zoppe on horseback, as well!

During this year’s run, Circus Flora hosted guests from Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey. The St. Louis Arches were honored to receive a standing ovation from Ringling star, Bello Nock. Our director was further complimented when Bello said, “I’d like to send my daughter train with you.”

Actor Wallace Shawn was another famous audience member who was impressed with the Arches in Circus Flora. Rather than his famous Princess Bride word “Inconceivable!,” he kept saying the Arches were “Incredible! Just incredible!”


Split Catch Practice--Matthias, Elliana and Renaldo.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff
Robin Hood (Alex Wallenda) and Maid Marion (Claire).
Credit: Jessica Hentoff

314-436-7676       Circus Day       www.circusday.org

Tumbling Times     Summer 2008     Page 5


Warming Up Keaton’s Somersault.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff
Waiting Ladies, Rosie, Claire, and Elliana.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff
Claire on Dixie.

Matthias in handstand on Trixie.
Credit: Photo Joe
Group Riding Act with Alberto Zoppe.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff
Kellin and Friend.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff

Little Donald and Adrian “Gordo” Poema.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff
Shaina and Friend.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff

314-436-7676       Circus Day       www.circusday.org

Tumbling Times     Summer 2008     Page 6

Summer Performance Camps

We are already halfway through the four sessions that make up our exceptional summer camps. These unique Circus Performance Camps allow campers to not just learn circus skills, but to actually perform them for the public! This year we are offering camps for both beginning and advanced students. Come see our student showcases at 12, 1 and 3pm every weekday during the summer months. We also still have some openings for our last sessions. Send your child to the circus this summer! Information on our website at www.circusday.org.


Sandra on Silks

Aerial Classes

If you think you are too old to run away and join the circus, you should know that our oldest student is 82 and takes our trapeze class! In fact, our adult aerial classes are so popular, that we to have had to add several for both our spring and summer sessions. Summer sessions are just four weeks long. Fall sessions are 15 weeks and end with a public performance. Come try this fun and creative way to stay fit!

Mei Ling and Meghan. Credit: Jon Krueger

Fall Classes

Sign up now for our Fall Session. We offer classes in a wide variety of circus skills for ages 5 though adult. New this session: Parent/Child classes! Run away and join the circus with your inner and your outer child! Check the www.circusday.org website for our fall class schedule.

Alexandra and Renaldo. Credit: Darin Basile

Advanced and Intensive Training

Last fall we piloted our Advanced Circus Training program for aspiring circus performers seeking to take the next steps to becoming professionals. Then, in the spring we offered our Intensive Circus Training classes to those who wanted a concentrated dose of circus skills. While we are not primarily a pre-professional circus school, our students have attained such levels that our reputation in the youth circus world is that we produce professional level acts. Also, many of our advanced students are interested in circus careers and are developing their own acts. We are now offering private Act Studios to advanced students and will offer our Advanced Circus Training in the fall, if there is enough interest. If you would like to learn more, please contact us.

314-436-7676       Circus Day       www.circusday.org

Tumbling Times     Summer 2008     Page 7


Gamma Phi Director Al Light, Circus Day Director Jessica Hentoff, and Septuagenarian Flyer Tony Steele.
Credit: Elliana Hentoff-Killian

Matt Conquering Alpine Tower at Trout Lodge.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff

Trout Lodge

The St. Louis Arches rung in the New Year performing at the YMCA’s fun, family resort, Trout Lodge down at Lake of the Ozarks. In addition to presenting shows and workshops for the guests, the Arches got to enjoy moonlight and daytime zip-lining, the alpine tower (thank you to Troy and crew at TEAM Works!), archery, tennis and other activities.The Arches will be taking the Galilee Circus troupe there to perform and enjoy the lake activities on August 4th. Make your reservations now to meet and see them at this great getaway! Tell the folks at Trout Lodge that you are coming for the circus, when you make your reservations!

Gamma Phi

Circus Day’s St. Louis Arches were honored to be the special guests at the annual Gamma Phi Circus performance at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.The Arches were thrilled to get a standing ovation from the crowd of 6,000 people.They also got treated to a workshop on the flying trapeze with legendary trapeze artist Tony Steele! You can read about that experience at www.circus4youth.org under Featured Articles, 71 Years Young by our own Elliana Hentoff-Killian.


Tony Steele Instructing St. Louis Arches.
Credit: Jessica Hentoff

Where We've Been

So far this year, our stunning students have performed at:

  • Fabulous Fox Theater
  • St. Louis Zoo
  • Missouri Botanical Gardens
  • Trout Lodge
  • Boy Scouts of America’s Camp Beaumont
  • BSKI Temple
  • The wedding of Erika Howard and Cary Hanks
  • St. Clair Historical Society
  • Camp Ben Frankel
  • Touhill Center for the Performing Arts
  • Fair St. Louis
  • And More!

We are available to come and entertain at YOUR next special event! Call 314-645-4445 to book any of our talented troupers!

In addition to our workshops and classes at City Museum, we have been teaching the art of life through circus education for:

  • Circus Flora’s Community Circus Camps
  • PAKT at Griffen Elementary School
  • St. Cecilia’s School
  • COCA’s Urban Arts Program
  • And Others

We are available to come and teach for you or you can bring a group to us at City Museum. Call 314-436-7676 to arrange!

314-436-7676       Circus Day       www.circusday.org

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Mei Ling practicing her new act.

Circus Harmony:
Appassionato

We hope you witnessed our finest Circus Harmony show, Espressivo, last November. Mark your calendars now for Circus Harmony: Appassionato to be held at City Museum Nov. 15, 16, 22 and 23! This annual confluence of music and circus arts never ceases to amaze and amuse. The setting this year is in a restaurant, so look for flying waitresses, juggling chefs, dizzying dishwashers and captivating customers. This is the show where we feature new acts and our fantastic live Circus Harmony Band. Advanced reservations guarantee your seats. Tickets go on sale Oct. 15th!


Renaldo and Eiffel Tower. Credit: Kaely

Renaldo’s French Adventure

For the first time in the almost twenty years since the St. Louis Arches have been established, one of them has decided to take the next step in their professional training. This year, Renaldo Williams went to France to audition for a French circus school. You can read about his amazing adventures on our website (please do, it’s a great story!). We are very proud of Renaldo and look forward to hearing about his French circus training!

 

Circus Day would like to thank the following for supporting us: