Social Circus?
Social circus helps people through circus arts to build confidence, find belonging, and express themselves in ways that feel playful, empowering, and wonderfully unexpected. It’s a global movement that uses circus arts as tools for social change, personal growth, and community connection—far beyond the realm of entertainment.
Through juggling, acrobatics, aerials, clowning, balance work, and creative expression, social circus blends education, community development, and inclusion. Participants learn communication, trust, resilience, and teamwork while discovering their own spark—often in moments filled with laughter, wobble, and triumph.
At its core, social circus is also a form of social work through movement. It nurtures selfworth, emotional expression, and healthy risktaking in a supportive environment where everyone has a place.
For SCOF, circus is the tool—but community building is the mission. Every class, workshop, and performance is designed to strengthen connection, celebrate creativity, and remind people that growth can be joyful, silly, brave, and full of intention.
It’s learning with heart. It’s empowerment with glitter. It’s social change… powered by circus.
About Salida Circus
Salida Circus began with a little girl, a pair of rolledup socks, and a spark. As a child in Fairfax, Virginia, Jennifer Dempsey discovered circus arts in afterschool classes with
Mr. Moyer. Years later, while studying in Belfast, Northern Ireland during the Troubles, she witnessed the power of circus to unite divided communities. She spent more
than 12 years with Belfast Circus—eventually becoming Creative Director—helping transform circus arts into a tool for peace, connection, and joy.
After time performing in California, Jennifer moved to Salida to be near her mother. In 2007, Salida Circus was born—starting with backyard workshops and a mission that
still guides SCOF today: circus for everyone, ages 0–99, regardless of experience or ability to pay.
Salida Circus quickly grew into school programs, community parades, free public shows, and outreach across Chaffee County. As the organization expanded, so did its
global reach. SCOF built strong ties with social circuses around the world, especially in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where students and emerging performers now travel
to train, perform, and build international friendships. In return, Salida hosts visiting artists who teach, collaborate, and share their cultures with the community.
In 2023, Jennifer passed the director’s torch to Laura Hart, who continues to lead SCOF with the same heartfelt mission—while Jennifer remains actively involved in programming, outreach, and creative guidance.
In 2022, SCOF purchased 605 Teller Street to become its longterm home. By 2026, Phase 1—Salida CirqueHaus, a hostel and studio space supporting performers, interns, and community members—opened its doors. Phase 2, The Club, broke ground the same year. SCOF also joined Caravan, a global socialcircus network, strengthening its international connections.
As 2027 approaches, Salida Circus celebrates 20 years of magic, community, and circus for all—and the story is still unfolding.
Guests Love Us
Thanks to you, we cheerfully celebrated my son’s birthday. We loved all the attractions.
Thank you for the bright emotions. I want to come to you again, and I recommend it to everyone!
Thank you for an unforgettable holiday! My children are very happy and want to come again.
Yesterday I went with friends to the amusement park. Thank you for the sea of emotions!
