New England Center for Circus Arts
BRATTLEBORO — 74 Cotton Mill Hill #300, Brattleboro
• Website: necenterforcircusarts.org
• Facebook: facebook.com/NECenterforCircusArts/
• Founded: 2003, as a component of Nimble Arts LLC, the touring company under which Serenity Smith-Forchion and Elsie Smith perform. The circus school was incorporated as tax-exempt, tax-deductible nonprofit in 2007.
• Employees: 30–50, varies seasonally
• Annual revenue: $844,522 in 2014
• Products/services: As described on NECCA's website: “The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) offers people of all ages and abilities a unique opportunity to experience the magical & captivating world of circus arts. Here, in a welcoming, safe environment, recreational and professional students alike can explore the charms and challenges of circus arts and gain a solid foundation of techniques and skills across a broad spectrum of traditional circus forms as well as 'new circus,' aerial dance and physical theater.
“The appeal of the circus arts ranges from the athletic and adventurous to the curious and creative. Classes in fixed trapeze, aerial fabric, flying trapeze, acrobatics, dance, Pilates, yoga, clowning, stilting, and juggling build strength & flexibility, poise and self-confidence and provide a wonderful outlet for imagination, creative expression-and fun. Some students go on to pursue their dreams of a career in the circus and performing arts; others take confidence in nimble healthy bodies and pursue other life dreams.
“The mission of the New England Center for Circus Arts is to create a school, facility and community where circus arts are available to the general public and to inspire students of all skill levels, ages, abilities and aspirations.”