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| - According to their website "The Madison Circus Space exists to be a home for the circus arts in Madison. The MCS welcomes clubs and classes in addition to providing a practice space for dedicated performers and hobbyists." I am a fan of circus, particularly the intense physical capability of the performers and intricacy of the acts involved. I'd learned about MCS a couple of years ago and have been in love with their mission ever since.
You don't have to be a member to take classes, but membership gets you 24/7 access to the space (with natural light, sprung wood floor, and 22-foot ceilings) among other benefits.
I've attended an adult tumbling class, which was a blast. The instructor was knowledgeable and fun, and it was really interesting to get back onto the tumbling mats as an adult. All skill levels were accepted. I'm curious about hooping, juggling, and acroyoga.
I believe the available classes will vary based on whether there is a member willing to instruct, and the space may also be available as a teaching space once certain membership standards have been met (if you're able). No matter the class, you'll sign a liability waiver before you begin, and of course should take any physical limitations into consideration. The current class listing includes: Introduction to Trapeze; Acroyoga; Lyra Fundamentals 1-2; Silks Fundamentals; Beginner 1 & 2 in Aerial Silks; Aerial Yoga; Beginning Hoop Dance; and German Wheel.
For kids, they offer "Circus After School" (after-school survey of all things circus, including aerial arts, juggling, physical comedy, tight-wire, stilt walking, acrobatics, German wheel and more! Kids ages 7 and up), and "Monkey School!" (A fun, movement- and imagination-based introduction to circus arts for 4-6 year olds. Kids will explore tumbling and acrobatics, aerial arts, balancing, clowning and more! For the after-school, can't-sit-still crowd).
The space also accommodates the following clubs: German Wheel Club; Madison Area Jugglers; Table Tennis; and Hoop Dance.
In addition, there are two major entertainment events that I can recall off the top of my head. Their annual Mad Circus Gala is held in November (the 2nd annual in 2015 was at the Barrymore Theater) and the Skeleton Circus in March. I've attended the latter, in 2016, and while it is indeed 'skeleton' with minimal setup and held in the practice space, it was a lot of fun. They do have good lighting, and the rigging from their ceilings allowed me to see everything except floor work from the folding chairs they'd set up. Both events raise money for MCS (nonprofit) and for their scholarship program, available "for community members who demonstrate financial need and interest in the circus arts."
In the win column we have a space completely focused on increasing interest in physical activity and performance; building community, skill, and appreciation for the circus in youth and the area at large; and offering education and FUN to all who chose to enter their doors. As far as Madison options go, I feel that what MSC offers beats out your average gym.
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