EXCEPTIONAL ENTERTAINMENT
Circus Juventas is a nonprofit performing arts circus school for youth, dedicated to inspiring artistry and self-confidence through a multicultural circus arts experience. It is widely recognized for providing innovative programming, world-class training, and for putting on professional-level performances in a state-of- the-art circus center.
BY CAROL BESLER turns 30 CIRCUS JUVENTAS W hat started out in 1994 as a small, family-run after-school program in the Twin Cities is now the largest circus performing arts school in North America. Circus Juventas will be celebrating 30 years in youth development and circus artistry during its 2024 season. The program, originally called Circus of the Star, was founded in 1994 at a neighborhood recreation center by Dan and Betty Butler. The couple trained at Sailor Circus, one of the oldest circus schools in the
country, and worked with some of the stars of the golden era of circus shows, including Gunther Wallenda of the Flying Wallendas and Willy Edelston of the Ringling Brothers. It was run as an after-school program for up to 30 students, and it became a place where children of all ages could come and learn the secrets of the circus arts. Its first performance was held after its first year during Saint Paul’s Highland Fest, and it was a hit!
24 R.F. MOELLER MAGAZINE
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