Circus Arts Conservatory throws showstopping soiree

The lights went down, curtains pulled back and the four co-chairwomen in white appeared out of a cloud of purple smoke to start the show.

The 2019 All New Circus Arts Gala was held Feb. 1 at the Ulla Searing Big Top. Like the name implies, the event underwent a few changes this year. A shorter cocktail hour outside the big top started off the night, then guests refilled their drinks inside the circus arena and took their seats for the show. It was a full night of circus surprises – starting with the four co-chairwomen putting on a routine of their own, during which Donna Koffman stole the show on the aerial silks.

Then the circus ring was taken over by Sailor Circus students. Led by Ringmasters Grace Johnson and Teagan Allen, the kids took turns performing acts such as slack rope, cloud swing, juggling and aerial silks.

Professional circus acts followed, starring Kirill Rebkovets doing rolla bolla, the Cirque Eos performing the Russian bar trio and Duo Transcend on the single trapeze. All the performers had guests on the edge of their seats with their heart-stopping stunts.

A dinner and paddle raise followed the circus acts. Proceeds from the evening went to the Circus Arts Conservatory Outreach Programs, which help children in the community learn valuable life skills through the circus arts via acts that demonstrate science, engineering, art, math, technology, communication and theater.

The evening concluded with an after-party featuring drinking and dancing in the circus ring.