Aloft Circus Arts (Chicago)
www.aloftcircusarts.com

Aloft Circus Arts is a collective of earth-bound aerial and circus artists who have chosen to express themselves vertically as well as horizontally, and without regard to gravity.  Aloft reveals more then just the splendor and danger inherent in our art; they construct accessible, purposeful stories drawing on the juxtaposition of artistic, emotional and physical extremes, and perform them between the ground and the sky.

Founded by Shayna Swanson in 2005, Aloft seeks to share its unique voice that embodies the innovation of the new circus movement, the daring of the traditional circus, and the joy and comedy of vaudeville.  The result are productions that are powerful, dangerous, intense, hilarious and passionate; where spectacle lies not in special effects or elaborate sets, but in the intensity, difficulty, beauty and captivating nature of the performances. Aloft Circus Arts seeks to have a direct emotional dialogue with audiences, and due to its accessible nature, everyone, regardless of education, age, culture or background can appreciate it.

“Think Cirque du Soleil, but on a local level-breathtaking aerial dance with a gritty, handmade feel. In Dinner of Our Discontent, Shayna Swanson and her crew play out a tragicomic family drama by swinging around on giant lampshades and using everyday objects to create stage magic." - Time Out Chicago

Touring Programs

Aloft Circus Arts offers 3 evening length pieces. For more information on each program, please contact the company directly at [email protected]

El Circo Cheapo Cabaret
Born out of the recession and a desire to move modern circus away from elaborate sets and special effects and instead focus on the relationship between the performer and the audience. Part old vaudeville, and part stunning contemporary circus, El Circo Cheapo Cabaret has become a legendary variety show, with 2 years of solidly sold-out shows in Chicago and a wildly successful tour of the Western US as evidence. The show is comprised of a dazzling mixture of aerial and ground based circus acts, performed by some of the country’s best circus and variety performers, and, in grand Vaudevillian tradition, run by a Master of Ceremonies who interacts directly with the crowd.  The "wowness" of El Circo exists as a fresh and honest show that makes a profound connection with any audience. This is circus as it has always been intended!

"An adorably hilarious success"-Time Out

"If you have a deep love for circuses but detest the sprawling three-ring aspect of them, then El Circo Cheapo is the ideal alternative."--Chicago Decider

"Physically improbable renegades with a high tolerance for pain and defiance of gravity. You'll be shocked by the power and grace, and they'll steal your heart with bravado and balance. You've never seen anyone this flexible."-Being Totally Sweet In Chicago Blog

Dinner of our Discontent
Combines intense aerial acts with the heartfelt, passionate performances that the company is known for. Following five estranged sisters coping with the death of their parents, "Dinner" is at once hilarious and heartbreaking. Making innovative use of traditional circus equipment, the acts seamlessly weave themselves into the storyline--the audience barley recognizes the transitions from ground to air. The strength and clarity of the performer's personalities reads as exuberantly as their physicality. This is a raw, emotional 60-minute show featuring 8 artists who remain on stage through almost the entire performance.

“Veering from melancholy to hilarity to outright aggression, "Dinner" features five contentious sisters, their deceased parents and the family maid. They've gathered for the reading of the will, a time-honored dramatic situation that Aloft director Shayna Swanson makes her own by physicalizing grief and sibling rivalry. No words are spoken, which sets "Dinner" apart from acrobatic shows” - Chicago Tribune

For larger venues
Science of Heart
A heart-warming exploration of work and passion. When the Mad Scientist becomes just a Sad Scientist, what will it take to bring his heart back into his work? The show, told through action, music and projections, follows his journey as he takes risks and explores his failures to again find joy in his life. World-renowned circus artists perform tight-wire, hair-hanging and other rarely seen apparatus, including a life-sized aerial horse skeleton. This is a one of a kind show that will leave audiences delighted and inspired! With 8 performers, 2 technicians, and 3 musicians who play the score live, this show works well in performing arts venues and is perfect for all audiences as it speaks to the importance of putting one's heart into their life and their work!