The TGE Youth Circus Project
A gender-affirming empowerment program for youth ages 12-18. We use circus skills to build life skills in a series of youth circus classes which culminate in youth-led workshops and youth-created performance. Participants are not required to perform.
Next session begins Saturday March 9, 2024
WALKING TALL IN 2024
We're back in 2024 in partnership with Q Plus with a unique opportunity for youth to rise above everyday life! This year participants will have the option to focus on stilts/balance or juggling & object manipulation (or both!).
-
Stilts: learn to walk, dance, run and play games on stilts. Each class begins and ends with safety and falling techniques.
-
Juggling: scarves, balls, rings, clubs, diabolo and more! Learn solo, partner, and group techniques.
-
Middletown Pride Parade: (optional) we will partner with a fashion designer to create a collection for our stilt-artists to show off at the Middletown Pride Parade.
​
​
REGISTER HERE - Registration can be completed by youth or adult as long as a waiver completed and signed by legal guardian is provided on the first day of participation. ​​
​
When & Where:
Saturdays 11am-1pm
March 9 - June 1​​
Alternating between Greater Hartford & Greater New Haven
-
Hartford: March 9 & 23 / April 6 & 27/ May 11 & 25*
-
New Haven: March 16, 30/ April 13 & 20/ May 4 & 18
-
Middletown: June 1 Pride Parade!
​
This is a drop-in program, optional participation on all dates.
Participants are invited to attend classes in one or both locations. Exact locations will be provided to registered participants.
​
Participation Agreements:​
Participants are not required to walk in the June 1 parade, but anyone who wants to walk on stilts in the parade must commit to the following: ​
-
Attend at least two dates each month or six dates total before May 18. (Some exceptions will apply.)
-
Walk independently by May 18 (no exceptions)
-
To wear a custom costume, you must be able to walk independently by April 27​
REGISTER HERE - Registration can be completed by youth or adult as long as a waiver completed and signed by legal guardian is provided on the first day of participation. ​​
Questions? cynthia@circusmoves.com
Circus Moves: Walking Tall
About Q Plus:
Q Plus works to create more youth accessible spaces, uplift youth voices, and empower queer youth. Our overall goal is to create space for queer youth to be authentically and entirely themselves. Every event and program we support is born of a need identified by queer young people, rather than suggested by adults. Our plan is to continue changing and evolving as the needs of queer youth continue to change and evolve.
THERE'S NO TRICK
Learning circus is more than fooling around. It is a non-competitive physical activity that helps youth develop a positive relationship with their bodies through balance, physical strength, and healthy risk-taking. In circus class, youth gain self-confidence and leadership skills, practice teamwork and mutual respect, develop trust in themselves and others, and explore their unique self-expression and creative voice in a safe and supportive space.
PRIVACY
“TGE Youth Circus Project” is the public name we use to generate interest and funding in our program.
For participant safety and privacy, we use a discretionary name in public spaces and promote as just another part of Circus Moves' youth circus programming.
ATTENDANCE
A key element in this program is creating a cohesive group with strong sense of trust, connection, and support. Consistent participation is key to achieving this goal, and also to creating a great product: The Final Show!
FEES
We are committed to keeping this a free program. Your tax deductible donation is appreciated.
The 2024 Season made possible in part by:
-
The Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA
Forever grateful to all of our partners
and sponsors over the years:​
-
New Haven Public Library
