American Youth Circus Organization's AYCO Festival 2003 Under One Tent: Youth Circus in America August 21-24, Circus Juventas St. Paul, Minnesota "a remarkable achievement" "an embarrassment of riches" - Spectacle Magazine

In 2001, the AYCO Festival "Expanding the Ring" made history in establishing collaboration between teachers from around the world and young people involved in American circus. Festival 2003's theme was "Under One Tent" and focused on how circus can bring communities together. Hard work, self-design, risk, trust, dreams, plus of course, fun . . . they are all essential ingredients to a good childhood, and you'll find them all in circus. - Reg Bolton, Author "Circus in a Suitcase," Keynote Speaker, AYCO Festival 2001 The festival had something for everyone: mainstream educators who want to bring circus into their classrooms, adult circus professionals looking to connect with the next generation of students, parents who want to discover new ways to play with their children, and kids who want to spotlight their talents and creative expression in the circus ring. Our host is Circus Juventas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Formerly Circus of the Star, Circus Juventas has a brand-new, state-of-the-art, air-conditioned circus facility with flying trapeze and high-wire rigging. See Circus Juventas At the festival, youth circus performers, coaches, and educators from around the world networked, taught, learned, and exchanged ideas.  Workshops included: * Experiential for Youth Circus Kids * Experiential for Educators * Circus Teaching Techniques * Curriculum Taught through Circus * Teaching Students with Special Needs * How Circus Can Create Community Presenters included: Warren Bacon, Which Way is Up? Riggers Betty and Dan Butler, Circus Juventas Lisa Carrino, Circus Highland Hall Sean Fagan, Circus Minimus Gil Favreau, Cirque du Soliel- Cirque du Monde program Carrie Heller, Atlanta Circus Camp Jessica Hentoff, Circus Day Foundation Rob Mermin, Circus Smirkus Paul Miller, CircEsteem Dave Walbridge, Big Fun Show! Elsie Smith, Gemini Trapeze Christine Van Loo, Secrets of the Circus (video series Troy Wunderlee, Circus Smirkus Donald Hughes St. Louis Arches Betty and Dan Butler, Circus Juventas Rick Davis, Totally Useless Skills Carlo and Orlene Gentile, Fool Time Circus Jeff Jenkins and Julie Greenberg, Midnight Circus Chimgee, Circus Juventas Youth circuses included:  Circus Juventas Circus Smirkus everyday circus St. Louis Arches CircEsteem Mongolian State Circus Midnight Circus Atlanta Circus Camp Arlekino Circus Flying Gravity Circus Kids Cirque Prescott Circus Theatre The keynote address, Circus Creating Community was given by Jessica Hentoff, Circus Day Foundation, St. Louis. Jessica addressed how she uses circus to bridge cultural differences and create social change in St. Louis, Missouri. What Adults are saying about AYCO Festival 2003:  "Amazed and awed"  "I have found a path for the remainder of my working life" "Incredible!" I am inspired to take our program to a new level"  "more committed to circus as a tool for social change."   "Before was I was an island - the AYCO Festival confirms that I am part of a nation."  "Awesome in every way!"  "BRAVO AYCO!" "Best Experience of my life."  "I saw the future of circus unfold right before my eyes!"  "AYCO supports me in my process. I am again re energized."  "Enriching beyond expectation." "Fabulous!"  "I witnessed the depth, breadth and open heart of AYCO."  What the audience is saying about our performances  "Near tears."  "Seeing all those talented and focused kids gives me a new hope for the future!" What youth are saying about AYCO Festival 2003 "Best experience of my life!"  "I left with a euphoric feeling that I belong"   "I learned more in 4 days than I ever had before"  "...renewed respect for circus that I will have all my life",  "...an awesome festival"  "...an immense learning experience."   "The festival gave me confidence, character, strength and perspective"  "I've gained more circus experience, self-esteem, but most importantly - friends."  "The most energetic and fun show I've ever done."  "It was a fantastic experience"   About AYCO Established in 1998, AYCO is a nonprofit organization promoting the participation of youth in circus arts. AYCO enriches the youth circus community, through trainings, festivals, publications, and our website: www.AmericanYouthCircus.Org