Promoting participation of youth in circus arts
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Festival 2007
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2005 Festival DVD
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AYCO Festival 2007 August 8 (Intensives) 9-12 (Festival), Normal, IL
"Truly the AYCO festival was a life
affirming and life
changing event for all of us. " |
 |
Click photos to enlarge
Credits Photos above: Rick Davis
The festival included:Pre-Festival Intensives. 4 days of Workshops! Performances by youth troupes from around the continent Discussion groups Dozens of presenters! 2 Gala performances Fun filled hob-nobbing!
What is Gamma Phi Circus?
Gamma Phi Circus is the oldest collegiate circus in the United States. Its origins stretch back to 1926 when Clifford "Pop" Horton, a gymnastics instructor at Illinois State University, organized a small group of men to perform pyramids and tumble at basketball and football games. This led to the founding of Gamma Phi in 1929 as a fraternity-not a circus-that was dedicated to physical education, fitness, and gymnastics. Horton, a circus fan, instructed circus performers at the Bloomington YMCA. The group's first annual circus performance on the Illinois State campus took place in 1931; tickets were priced at 25 cents. Horton, who served for many years as the University's athletic director, headed Gamma Phi for 19 years.
See Gamma Phi Circus's website.
Video of 2005 Festival
See photos from our 2003 festival in St. Paul
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
