Circus Up

is a Boston-based nonprofit that provides school, after-school, and community circus programs for youth.

Community Classes

We are currently offering classes for youth in partnership with schools and community centers.

Community Troupe

We are a a team of youth circus artists who perform bold and uplifting shows for the purpose of celebrating what it looks like to courageously learn, play, and create together.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships to community members to take classes in any of the circus arts.

Make a donation.

To keep these programs going, we need your support! Thank you for considering a donation, large or small. Thank you for your generosity during these times and for being a part of our Circus Up community.

What People Say

  • Circus Up is like an instruction to a new direction. It is a better way to express myself, face my fears, and tell my story. The circus training is like something that takes me towards the same destination, but with a different direction.

    Latoya, teen student

  • I think Circus Up is amazing and it can help many other people to feel a sort of togetherness and feel free to express themselves emotionally and physically.

    Student from Walden Street School

  • Taking circus classes has been a big boost to my daughter's confidence, both physical and mental, and she has had a huge amount of fun. She loves the program and wants to continue doing it for as long as possible. The instructors are so kind, helpful and encouraging, and it's been very easy to work with them.

    Rebecca Moor, Pierce School Mom of 3

  • I love doing circus aerials, an activity that is unique, exhilarating, and a good workout. Plus, everyone I've met is so much fun to hang out with!

    Lucia Gagliano, youth participant

  • My daughter Antonia has found great freedom and joy in practicing aerial silks. We have recently asked her to prioritize her many out of school activities, and she said as long as she can do aerial silks and play guitar she is happy.

    Cher Duffield, Pierce School Mom of 3

  • I like aerial silks because you get to be strong. Everyone feels free learning tricks. I feel happy when I'm hanging upside down. You get to be with a cool group of kids you might not hang out with in school.

    Antonia, youth participant

  • Leah was an amazing instructor who instantly connected with Ashley and made her feel comfortable. In no time at all, Ashley was on the silks trying new things and having a blast. The class was wonderfully tailored to Ashley - offering opportunities to be challenged and to try different skills. Learning and executing different poses and skills gave her a huge confidence boost and she felt great when the class was over. Ever since the class, she's been asking when she can go back to "circus school!" Huge thanks to Leah and Circus UP for providing a dynamic new experience to Ashley!

    Chloe Frankel, Friends of the Children Boston, Circus Up partner

  • My girls get to connect with and learn basic circus skills from a coach who teaches them proper technique, engages them in fun activities, and keeps them safe. For us, Circus Up online classes have been the best way to stay active indoors. I’m able to participate in all classes as well, so I can be a learner alongside my girls.

    Paula, Mentor with Friends of the Children, Boston

  • I love how expressive and big our circus community is.

    Student from Walden Street School

  • Circus Up offers our students programming that is typically difficult to find. Many students start off pretty reserved but the instructors do an amazing job of bringing them joy and confidence with each session. It's been wonderful having the opportunity to partner together!

    Jeffrey Mestre from the Hernandez School

  • We love Circus Up because it makes us excited about showing people what we can do.

    Jessica and Patricia, youth students

  • This summer we had the privilege of partnering up with Circus Up and it has been one of the best things that we could've done. The staff is very friendly and pleasant with our scholars. The staff keep the scholars engaged for the entire period. They work very well with all age groups and find things that work for all scholars. Everything they do is very interactive; even when a scholar is not physically doing the action they are watching and aware of what is going on. The games they play are fun and enjoyable for them and keeps them active in creative ways. We hope to continue our partnership, as we see how much our scholars enjoy it.

    Marco Cenafils from EDU Sports

  • We had the chance to work with Circus Up for our Boston Explorers summer camp and had a terrific experience. When the staff arrived, you could see a mix of nervousness and excitement on the kids’ faces. However, that quickly changed to a sense of accomplishment and pure joy as they mastered the impressive activities like stilt walking and acrobatics. The activities provided by Circus Up got everyone moving and fostered a spirit of adventure among our campers. The staff was incredibly supportive and skilled, ensuring that every child felt encouraged and safe. Seeing the children’s faces light up with pride as they realized what they were capable of was truly heartwarming. Circus Up not only brought fun and excitement to our camp but also helped our children build confidence and physical skills. We highly recommend their services to any organization looking to provide a unique and enriching experience for their participants.

    Natasha Wright, Program Director, Boston Explorers

  • I was surprised in the best way possible when a peer and I created a really amazing routine together that just flowed, and I was so proud of us when we did it in our show and it looked so cool! I guess I was most surprised about how good it felt to do the show, especially afterwards, because I felt accomplished! I just want to say thank you for this wonderful experience. It has really helped me in many ways.

    Student from Walden Street School

Upcoming events

Learn more about specific programming under the What We Do tab.

Our Past and Present Partners