The Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota: Dazzling Shows and Circus Classes Provide Unique Fun For Everyone!

If you enjoy The Greatest Showman, then you’ll have a blast at the Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota, Florida!

Whether you want to learn the secrets behind the stunts and perform them yourself or simply watch others put on the show of a lifetime, you’ve come to the right place! The Circus Arts Conservatory is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the unique legacy of circuses alive and helping their community through the art of humor and fun.

Locals and Florida visitors alike are welcome to take part in Conservatory activities, so if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation idea, you may want to consider adding this to your itinerary!

This is the Greatest Show!

The modern circus originated in England in the 1770s, although showmanship has a history that stretches back to ancient times. However, it was Philip Astley who first collected a group of acrobats, trick riders, and clowns into a ring and invited spectators to come to watch them perform physics-defying stunts and slapstick comedy. Eventually, one of Astley’s pupils took the circus to America, where it became a cultural institution and the leading form of family entertainment.¹

In addition to spectacular feats and singular “freaks,” circuses also tended to showcase the latest technologies and novelties from around the globe. It was an educational and entertaining experience, especially for rural, isolated Americans.

Barnum & Bailey and the Ringling Brothers were some of the most prominent names in the circus business and combined (after Bailey’s death) into one show – “The Greatest Show on Earth.” This was at the start of the 20th century. The Greatest Show went on to delight audiences for many decades before high operating costs, animal rights battles, and the passage of time created a perception of “outdatedness.” After 146 years of dazzling displays, the Ringling Brothers Circus gave its final bow in 2017.²

Today, as circuses fade from memory into history, the Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota works to keep that memory alive and vibrant so that the unique magic of the circus can be experienced by generations to come.

The Sarasota Connection

So, why exactly does Sarasota, Florida, have a Circus Arts Conservatory?

While popular for its sunny, Gulfside beaches today, at one time, Sarasota was also well-known for being the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus!

In 1927, the Ringlings brought their entire crew down to Sarasota (made up of hundreds of performers and staff), which in turn brought a spotlight to the beachside town, too. The circus became an integral part of the community, with the Ringling Brothers even being responsible for the construction of notable buildings like the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Charles Ringling Mansion.

Today, Sarasota’s proud circus heritage is embodied in the Circus Arts Conservatory, which was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1997.

The Circus Arts Conservatory

In addition to preserving the wondrous history of the circus, the Circus Arts Conservatory also supports its community through the Education Program as well as the Humor Therapy Program, and the Sailor Circus Academy. Reaching out to both children and the elderly, we love that supporting the Conservatory also means supporting our local friends!

So, what does a visit to the Conservatory look like? You can choose to take in one of their many performances or take an interactive circus class! (Or both, depending on how long you’ll be in the area!)

Performances rotate throughout the year, with seasonal treats like the “Summer Circus Spectacular” or the upcoming Christmastime “Sailor Circus Holiday Special.” This one-ring big top consistently puts on five-star class acts you won’t want to miss! There are even breathtaking musical Cirque des Voix performances with a full orchestra and a choir of a hundred voices.

Want an insider piece of the action? Circus classes are offered throughout the week for both children and adults to enjoy. (Unlike algebra, you’ll actually want to attend these classes!) You can fly high in the aerial straps workshop, soar in a flying trapeze group class, or jump on into the trampoline group class. You’ll be able to perform “Rewrite the Stars” just like Zac Efron and Zendaya in no time! Oh, and for Sarasota locals, there are also summer circus camps for the kiddos that culminate in a costumed performance!

No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome to come and join the circus! (At least for a few hours!)

If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota, stopping off at the Circus Arts Conservatory is an absolute must! Catching one of their spell-binding shows is a dazzling and unforgettable way to spend the evening, and whether you’re a gymnastics pro or have never done a somersault in your life, the Conservatory will welcome you to circus class with open arms!

Have you been to the Circus Arts Conservatory? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear how the spirit of the circus has been a part of your vacation or Florida living!

Dear MouseEars TV readers, This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Featured photo: Renphoto from Getty Images Signature via Canva