Lady Circus

Anya Sapozhnikova with a doorman on Avenue B in New York City.

Lady Circus is a performing arts troupe in New York City composed of nine ladies who perform solo, in small groups, or in a variety show setting in their entirety. Founded by New York based Anya Sapozhnikova in 2007.

Lady Circus, self-described as "an intoxicating cocktail of riot and glamour," considers themselves to be, "a mix of sideshow, brooklyn grit, and 1920's gilded decadence finished off with a modern edge." Their performances use circus arts to entertain and address political and social issues. Members have been sighted using stilts, hula hoops, fire fans, poi, aerial silk, lyra, trapeze, contortion, glass walking, sword swallowing, fire eating, rhythmic gymnastics and combinations thereof across a variety of venues including warehouse parties, galas, benefits, parades, art openings, and private events presenting a diverse skill-set.

Lady Circus also participates in, and at times hosts, "circus skill share." Circus skill share is a free community effort where performers gather in a public place with their performance tools and share their knowledge and skills with people of the community and with each other. Teaching circus to children and adults that otherwise may not have exposure or opportunity to experience circus arts and providing fun opportunities to improve body strength, coordination, and balance.

Performers

• Anya Sapozhnikova
• Jordann Baker
• Kae Burke
• Claire de Luxe
• Ali Schmitz
• Ellie Mio
• The Lady Aye
• Cassandra Siegler
• Stephanie Radia

History

Lady Circus performed traditionally one gig at a time, tailoring their acts to each performance space and purpose. As their rehearsal space at The House of YES became rebuilt after a devastating fire in April 2008, their ability to create a full stage show came to fruition.

January 2009: Lady Circus completes first full stage production for The Sky Box Aerial Theatre that operates at the new House of YES. The show is titled "Lady Circus and The Mickey Western Band Present: The Rusted Gun Saloon" A tumultuous tale of love, jealousy, greed, and violence including live music and circus in the sky and on the ground!

Directed and produced as a collaborative piece between Lady Circus, Lauren Larken of Artistic Evolution, and The Mickey Western Band.

Collaboraters with Lady Circus

• Lauren Larken
• Justin Lange
• Aaron Goldsmith
• Justin Aubuchon
• Akim Funk Buddha
• Mickey Western

References

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/18/nyregion/18circus.html "Three Rings (and Then Some)" The New York Times, September 17, 2008
2. http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/essential-nyc/68621/new-york-essential-underground-venues "Essential NYC", Time Out New York / Issue 684 : Nov 6–12, 2008

External links

• Lady Circus Official Website