Have you ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus? CircusWest is our city’s leading performance arts society for all ages – offering children, teens and adults alike an opportunity to learn valuable skills in Circus Arts in a positive, encouraging, and non-competitive environment. “CircusWest’s programs encourage respect for oneself and others and provide an environment to learn responsible risk-taking,” their website explains. “As a collaborative community in which everyone can develop skills, find their artistic voice, and realize their potential, CircusWest is a creative space where individuals can dream big, push limits, and defy gravity – all while having fun.” Beginning as Vancouver Children’s Circus Society, CircusWest has grown significantly since its beginnings in 1984. Inspired by circus performances at Vancouver Children’s Festival, a small, non-profit circus school was begun in a south Vancouver gym. Outgrowing that space, a new site was needed and in 2003, CircusWest moved to its current home in the PNE Garden Auditorium, at Hastings Park. Renamed CircusWest Performing Arts Society in 2008 to reflect a much wider and more comprehensive organizational mandate, CircusWest is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors and supported by over 400 community members. The not-for-profit registered charity is likely best known for its youth training and performance program, CirKids. “Over the years, CircusWest has developed additional programming to meet the needs of the community, becoming a centre for recreational adult circus as well.” CircusWest also offers outreach to local schools and communities in need, as well as corporate circus workshops, bringing laughter and teamwork to the working world. “Through a wide variety of classes and circus experiences – and performances, too, everyone is able to partake in the fun and feats of circus.” To learn more about CircusWest, visit their website, and don’t forget to stay social on Twitter and Facebook . Image source: circuswest.com