Ottawa Aerial Circus Festival
Ottawa Aerial Circus Festival
Shows & Workshops
Ticket and registration information for shows and workshops. Full schedule can be found here.
Dreamscroller: up late circus clickbait
Friday, April 25, 6:30pm
LabO Theatre. All ages welcome.
Presented by Ottawa circus artist collective Cirquonscient, "Dreamscroller: up late circus clickbait" is an aerial circus comedy that flips bedtime routines on their head! Through hilarious dream vignettes, 'Dreamscroller' delves into the chaos that ensues when too much scrolling clashes with the natural rhythms of sleep. Be dazzled by circus aerialists defying gravity whilst poking fun at the bad habit of excessive screen use before bedtime. From can-can dancing bugs to wild new makeup trends, take a wild journey into the absurdity of our dreams. Premiered at the Ottawa Fringe Festival 2024.
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Performance Competition Show
Saturday, April 26, 1:00pm
LabO Theatre. All ages welcome.
Experience the Magic of Circus Live!
Join us for the first Ottawa Aerial Circus performance competition - a showcase of creativity and skill! Witness person creativity, breathtaking acts, and daring moves in a supportive and electrifying atmosphere.
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Why Attend?
🔹 Watch incredible performances on a variety of apparatuses
🔹 Experience the excitement of a live competition
🔹 See creativity and skill come to life on stage
🔹 Show your support by being a part of this inspiring community
BONUS: Test your circus skills in our mini challenges with a chance to win prizes!
Come cheer on the performers and enjoy an afternoon of circus magic!
Cutthroat Circus For Cats
Saturday, April 26, 7pm
Ages 18+
Cabaret Nova presents a thrilling, jaw-dropping, and seductive showdown: "Cutthroat Circus For Cats"! In this adults-only competition, performers will battle it out for the title of "Greatest Circus Star”, showcasing their talent, charm, and flair. But here's the catch—this isn’t your typical contest. Just when they think they’ve mastered the routine, a whirlwind of unexpected twists and devious challenges will push them to their limits. Think Alton Brown’s Cutthroat Kitchen, but with acrobatics, daring feats, and a whole lot more sass. Sabotages, surprises, and steamy drama will keep everyone guessing—because in this game, only the clever, the bold, and the unshakable can claim the coveted crown.
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Brace yourself for a night of sensual spectacle, fierce rivalry, and heart-pounding excitement. Will they soar to stardom or come crashing down? There’s only one way to find out!
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Festival Showcase
Sunday, April 27, 2pm
All Ages
Get ready for a breathtaking finale at the Ottawa Aerial Circus Festival!
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On the last day, see talented aerialists, acrobats, and circus performers take the stage for a spectacular showcase of strength, grace, and daring artistry. From mesmerizing silks and gravity-defying hoop and jaw-dropping acrobatics, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Celebrate the magic of movement and the spirit of circus with us—a final show of unforgettable talent and creativity!
Structuration: Take Control of Your Training
Saturday, April 26, 5:20pm
Ages 14+
Dreaming of a sustainable, powerful, and well-structured circus career? Whether you’re a pro, semi-pro, or aspiring performer, this workshop is your roadmap to smarter, more effective solo training!
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 How to build a solid training plan that keeps you progressing without burning out.
🔹 Injury prevention, body mechanics, and key principles of physical conditioning.
🔹 Nutrition tips to fuel your circus life like a pro.
🔹 The intersection of creativity and structure—because training isn’t just about reps, it’s about artistry!
This big-picture approach will help you make informed decisions about your training, career, and circus journey. Get ready to train smarter, perform stronger, and thrive longer in the world of circus arts!
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Instructor Bio
Chloé, a 2nd generation circus artist, began performing in 2001 alongside her father. Trained in circus, dance, gymnastics, and acting, she has toured internationally, specializing in German wheel, aerial silks, hoop, Cyr wheel, and clowning. Since 2011, she has taught at various contemporary and social circus schools, earning her Circus Arts Trainer diploma from the École Nationale de Cirque de Montréal in 2021. She now teaches at the Formation Supérieure de l’École de Cirque de Québec, combining expertise with a human and inclusive approach to help students reach their full potential.
Dynamic Movement in Aerials
Sunday, April 27, 9:15am
Ages 14+
Elevate Your Aerial Game in the Dynamic Movement in Aerials workshop!
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Ready to defy gravity and move through the air with power, precision, and flow? This workshop is designed for aerialists looking to sharpen their dynamic technique on rope, silks, trapeze, and hoop.
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What to expect?
🔹 Enhance your tempos, releases, transitions, drops, and exits.
🔹 Unlock the secrets of fundamental physics to make your movement more efficient and effortless.
🔹 Learn smart skill progressions so you can train confidently on your own.
🔹 Discover key floor exercises to build strength and control in the muscle groups that matter most.
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Whether you’re looking to refine your technique or add some serious WOW factor to your movement, this workshop will give you the tools to level up.
Circus Workshop
Saturday, April 26, 9:15am
All ages welcome
Step right up and experience the art of circus prop manipulation with local circus performer Skye the Guy! Join Skye in an interactive, high-energy workshop designed for beginners and prop curious people. Learn the basics of juggling, plate spinning, diablo tossing and rola bola balance tricks - dynamic props that bring performances to life. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or try something completely new, this is your chance to explore the joy and creativity of circus prop manipulation.
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Why Choose Skye's Workshop?
🔹 Expert Guidance: Learn from Skye, a seasoned performer with years of experience.
🔹 Hands-On Fun: Practice with a variety of circus props in a supportive environment.
🔹 Unleash Your Inner Performer: Build confidence, coordination, and creativity.
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Learn more about Skye at SkyeTheGuy.live
Hula Hooping Workshop
Sunday, April 27, 10:30am
Recommended for Ages 6+
Get ready to spin, twirl, and flow in this fun hooping workshop! Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to polish your moves, this workshop will teach you essential techniques, playful tricks, and seamless transitions—both on and off the body. You’ll put it all together in a fun sequence to kickstart your hooping adventure!
Don’t have a hoop? No worries—we’ll have a few on hand, but bringing your own is encouraged. Come join the hoop-tastic fun and let’s get spinning!
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Levitation/Flow Wand Workshop
Saturday, April 26, 10:30am
Recommended for Ages 10+
Step into the enchanting world of flow arts with this fun workshop!
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned circus enthusiast, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to explore the magic of movement and creativity. Learn the secrets of making your wand float and flow effortlessly, creating mesmerizing illusions that captivate onlookers and spark joy. This workshop is a fantastic way to bond with others while discovering a fun, new skill.
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What to expect:
🔹 Easy-to-follow guidance from an experienced instructor;
🔹 Hands-on practice to master the basics of levitation;
🔹 Creative exploration to personalize your flow; and
🔹 A welcoming environment for all skill levels!
Don’t miss this chance to bring a little circus magic into your life! Let’s flow together!
Acrobatics Workshop
Sunday, April 27, 9:15am
Ages 6+
​Unlock Your Acrobatics Potential: Beginner & Intermediate Workshop!
Join us for an exciting and dynamic acrobatics workshop designed for beginner and intermediate levels! This hands-on session will guide you through essential exercises to build strength, flexibility, and technical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
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🔹 Stretching – Discover the best techniques for improving flexibility, mastering splits, bridges, and folds without harm.
🔹 Acrobatics – Practice fundamental acrobatic movements such as walkovers, cartwheels, kick-ups, and fish flops.
🔹 Tumbling – Gain confidence in tumbling basics, from roundoffs and handsprings to aerials, flips, and beginner twisting techniques.
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Whether you're looking to enhance your movement skills or learn how to take your acrobatics to the next level, this workshop is the perfect opportunity!
Don't miss out—come move, flip, and have fun with us!
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Yoga for Circus Artists & Movement Enthusiasts
Creative Sequencing Based on Myofascial Meridians
Saturday, April 26, 3:45pm
​This unique yoga workshop is designed for circus artists and movement enthusiasts looking to deepen their practice through creative sequencing inspired by myofascial lines. By integrating strength, mobility, and technique, we’ll explore dynamic flows that support hand-balancing skills while unlocking new movement possibilities.
What to Expect:
🔹 Creative Flow Sequences – Move beyond traditional yoga flows with innovative transitions, exploring arm balances, inversions, and unique well thought out dynamic movement
🔹 Strength & Mobility Training – Improve the structural integrity needed for hand balancing and acrobatic style movement.
🔹 Myofascial Line Awareness – Feel how fascial connections & properties influence movement efficiency, balance & movement patterns
🔹 Fancy Transitions & Playful Exploration – Challenge yourself with fun, intricate movement patterns designed to push your practice further.
This workshop is perfect for circus performers, dancers, yogis, and movement lovers who want to build a stronger foundation for inversions and arm balances while expanding their creative flow.
Come ready to move, explore, and have a fun time!
