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Run Away to These 4 Circus Schools in Florida

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

Have you dreamed of running away to the circus? Are you looking for a career change? There’s no better way than attending a circus school in Florida. You can learn to fly with the greatest of ease on a trapeze, different forms of aerial work, and, of course, clowning!

Photo of a circus mural

Circus Schools in Florida

If you think that sounds like a pretty good gig, look no further than these circus schools in Florida. You can learn not only the art of clowning but numerous circus act.

The Circus Arts Conservatory, Sarasota

Circus Sarasota Tents
Source: Circus Sarasota

In 1927, John and Charles Ringling moved their Ringling Brothers Circus winter quarters from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Sarasota. A move of this magnitude brought with it hundreds of circus performers, staff, and a new spotlight on Sarasota.

Clown College from the circus school
Source: Circus Sarasota

In 1997 the Circus Arts Conservatory was born, under a different name – The National Circus School of Performing Arts. Not only do they have numerous performances throughout the year, but they also have classes and camps where you can learn different circus abilities at all skill levels!

Person on silks
Source: Circus Sarasota

The Circus Arts Conservatory also places high importance on community outreach. Approximately 80% of their ticket revenue supports these outreach programs serving children through the Education Program, the elderly, and those in care facilities through the Humor Therapy Program and the Sailor Circus Academy.

Circus Sarasota Address: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235

Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay, Clearwater

Dance and circus Arts building exterior
Source: Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay

The director of the Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay, Beth, was one of the first students at the newly formed Pennsylvania Ballet School in the ’60s. In 2000, Beth and her husband Marcello opened BB’s Dance Factory, located in the old Clearwater Mall. At first, they only taught dance.

Performer on silks at a circus school
Source: Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay

Their daughter Catie wanted to be a contortionist with the circus instead of a dancer. Catie’s dream came true and she became a respected dancer, acrobat, and contortionist in the entertainment industry. Beth decided that she would take a few lessons and learn the trapeze in order to incorporate the circus into her dance shows.

From there, the Circus Arts program was conceived and the studio’s name changed to “Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay”.

Circus arts performance piece
Source: Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay

Not only do they offer Circus classes where you can learn basic skills, but you can also check out the troupe at their performances! In February every year they have their Regional Circus Festival, and twice a year they perform at Casa Tina’s Mexican Restaurant in Dunedin. In addition, every third Friday you can check them out in downtown Safety Harbor.

Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay Address: 1490 N Belcher Rd., Suite H, Clearwater, FL 33765

FSU Flying High Circus, Tallahassee

Circus clowns.
Source: circus.fsu.edu

To run away to this circus, you’re going to have to be a student at Florida State University in Tallahassee. The FSU Flying High Circus was created in 1947 by Jack Haskin and is considered an extracurricular activity that you must audition for.

Circus performer in the sky
Source: The FSU Flying High Circus

The FSU Flying High Circus performs 70-80 shows throughout the year on campus and at Callaway Gardens, a resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia. This show, which is 100% student-run, rivals that of a professional circus production.

Circus class
Source: The FSU Flying High Circus

Do you or your child want to get involved but aren’t a student of FSU? They offer Summer Camp programs at both FSU and Callaway Gardens in Georgia.

FSU Flying High Circus Address: 269 Chieftan Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306

Orlando Circus School, Orlando

Source: @OrlandoCircusSchool on Facebook

The Orlando Circus School was opened in 2008 by Andrei and Irina Roublev and is now owned by Victor Bryndine and Pavel Roublev, who have 20+ years of experience in the circus, including working with Cirque du Soleil.

Flying Trapeze Class at Orlando Circus School
Source: Orlando Circus School

With their extensive experience, they teach a variety of circus disciplines. In addition, they teach the basics and core skills of physical development for children and adults alike.

Class at Orlando Circus School
Source: Orlando Circus School

They invite everyone to visit their Florida circus school. Participate in one of their many classes or their Circus summer camps.

Orlando Circus School Address: 6809 Visitors Cir, Orlando, FL 32819

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2 thoughts on “Run Away to These 4 Circus Schools in Florida”

    • Hi! Click on the title name of each place and you’ll be taken to their official website to get more information. We’d love to hear about your experience if you attend any of these schools. — Team AF

      Reply

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