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Sitka Cirque and Sitka Gymnastics will be performing their rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 6 p.m at the Gravity Studio (207 Smith Street). The Dr. Seuss tale will be told through a medley of aerial silks, trapeze, lyra, gymnastics, and dance. Performers Zeke Blackwell and Marlee Richards were joined by Tamie Parker Song, president of Friends of Sitka Cirque, to talk about the show and the fearlessness of kid performers. 

This production is  by Friends of Sitka Circus Arts Non-Profit. An hour before each performance there will be a “Whoville Craft Bazaar,” with contests of strength, baked goods, a 50/50 raffle and a silent cake auction. Tickets are on sale at Old Harbor Books and the front desk of Gravity (207 Smith Street) $10 for youth/senior and $15 for adults. $30 for VIP Tickets with balcony seating and one drink. Proceeds go to equipment and the scholarship fund. For more information, contact Tamie Parker Song at 623-7687

Sitka Cirque offers classes for both kids and adults in the aerial arts. Photo: Rachel Waldholz/KCAW.

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Tamie Parker Song, president of Friends of Sitka Cirque, discusses the group’s student showcase this Saturday (11-05-16). Many of the pieces are choreographed by the students themselves on various apparatus, like aerial silks, trapeze, and lyra.  Parker Song talks about the new performance space at Gravity, which is home to Sitka Gymnastics and Kronos Titan Ninja Gym, how she got involved with the Cirque program and the importance of vulnerability and play as an adult.

The student showcase will take place at Gravity, 207 Smith St., at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 5. Doors open at 6:30.

Performers rehearse for Sitka Cirque’s 2015 show “Cirque de Pluie.”

Director Frances Donohoe and writer/performer Zack Desmond talk about Tides, an original aerial performance from Sitka Cirque that tells the story of two young lovers whose story created the moon and tides. Featuring acts on silks, lyra, and trapeze. Sat May 21, 7pm at the Naa Kahidi House
Sun May 22, 2pm Matinee & 7pm evening show at the Naa Kahidi House. Ticket sales go towards scholarships and new equipment.

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Cheetah Platt made international headlines recently for embarking on a whirlwind wedding with fellow aerialist Rhiann Woodyard. Rather than a single ceremony, they’ve aimed to have 38 weddings in 83 days at different locations around the world. (Photo courtesy of Cheetah Platt)

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Frances Donohoe shared stories and plans for this weekend’s (05-10-15) premier performance of Cirque du Pluie, a collaboration by the Sitka Silkies and Youth Gymnastics. Both programs take place at the Hames Center.

Former Cirque du Soleil performer Cheetah Platt will by in town this week. He is performing on Sunday and teaching classes in aerial silks, acrobalance, and conditioning, Thursday (05-07-15) through Sunday (05-10-15). Platt’s recently returned from a whirlwind wedding with fellow aerialist, in which they sought to get married 38 times at different places around the world.

Several of Donohoe’s students choreographed their own duets. The last piece is a celebration of life and tribute to her late friend.

The Cirque du Pluie performance will take place Sunday, May 10th at 7 p.m. at the Hames Center. Advance tickets are available at Old Harbor Books and the Hames Center. $10 for adults and $5 for youth/senior citizens. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $8 for youth/senior citizens. All proceeds go the Cirque program for new space, equipment, and scholarships.

The silks program now offers classes to both adults and kids. (Photo courtesy of the Hames Center)

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Frances Donohoe and Trisha Bessert share stories about combining forces to create Cirque du Pluie (“Circus of the Rain”), the new circus program at the Hames Center. Donohoe teaches aerial silks and acrobatics for kids and adults, while Bessert teaches gymnastics for kids. The two instructors talk about the planned expansion of the pool room for circus classes, which in the future will include juggling, aerial trapeze, and adult gymnastics.