Fall Class
Registration
Opens First week of August !!!
Sign up for our mailing list Below for updates about registration
Events
SUNDAY, 13th September
A Decade of Discover Circus
Celebrate a Decade of Discover Circus with good food, music and more !! A free event for the circus community, at the Discover Circus hub. 4-6pm on 13th September 2026.
News
Circus classes spark high-flying friendships in Nelson, B.C.
In the remote mountain community of Nelson, B.C., a thriving circus scene is redefining what it means to belong. Through the stories of performers, students, families and teachers, this intimate documentary reveals how circus has become far more than an art form: It is a refuge, a creative outlet and a place where people of all ages can discover confidence, connection and community. From children overcoming fears to adults finding new passions later in life, participants share how circus has helped them embrace vulnerability, celebrate individuality and build lasting friendships. Indeed, those interviewed say that Nelson’s circus community offers a powerful example of inclusion and collective support.
FEATURING: Jake TheLady is a multidisciplinary circus artist, dancer and event producer known for her energetic teaching style and captivating stage presence. With a background in classical dance, she discovered her passion for circus arts more than a decade ago, beginning with hula-hooping and expanding into disciplines including aerial silks, sling, hoop, cube, stilting and fire eating. Recently appointed executive director of Discover Circus School in Nelson, B.C., she combines her artistry, performance experience and event production expertise to create exceptional productions while also working as an aerial instructor, inspiring emerging circus artists.
CREDITS:‍ ‍
DIRECTOR/CINEMATOGRAPHER/EDITOR
Carlo Alcos is a Filipino-Canadian filmmaker, videographer and sound professional based in Nelson, B.C. A passionate storyteller and advocate for representation, Alcos brings a multidisciplinary skill set from writing, videography, editing and sound to projects rooted in social justice, identity and rural life. Instagram: carlo_alcos Website: https://www.carloalcos.com/‍ ‍
B CAMERA/SOUND
Carla Sinclair is an award-winning filmmaker, educator and community engagement specialist focused on social justice and identity. Her work uses digital storytelling to build community and amplify underrepresented voices, aiming to shape how we understand and relate to one another.
LIGHTING DESIGNER/GAFFER/PHOTOGRAPHER
With more than 20 years of experience in filmmaking, Colin Burwell has produced more than 20 documentary films and 40 television episodes. Throughout many of these projects, he served as lead camera operator, designed lighting setups and built production rigs. Instagram: emptycupmedia Website: emptycupmedia.ca‍ ‍
Courtesy of CBC British Columbia:
Website: https://www.cbc.ca/bc
Who is Discover Circus?
Discover Circus was created, under the umbrella of the Kootenay Circus Arts Association (KCAA), by a group of local artists and performers that value artistic expression, cooperation, inclusiveness, and play. We wish to share the benefits, both for body and mind, that pursuing the circus arts at any level can provide.
KCAA is a not for profit organization, with a vision to infuse circus arts into the culture of the Kootenays by engaging people through inspirational performance, inclusive community and personal empowerment.
Offering sustainable opportunities for people to explore and experience the circus arts while fostering connection, creativity and meaningful artistic expression.
YOU ARE ALREADY STRONG ENOUGH TO START
SILKS | HOOP | DANCE TRAPEZE
ACRO YOGA | HANDBALANCING
Partners
Our goals as an organization would not be achievable without the immense amount of volunteer support that has been provided from the community. Thank you to everyone who has taken time out of their lives to make Discover Circus what it is today.
We also recognise the powerful progress that has been achieved through the financial support of the below organizations.
The financial support of the Province of British Columbia, via the community gaming grant, has allowed the continued growth of our services to the community.
Discover Circus is supported by British Columbia Arts council
The Columbia Basin Trust assisted Discover Circus through the Non-Profit Advisors Program in building our capacity as an organization. This allowed us to achieve our strategic objectives of creating active living programming to support healthy growth and development in youth and adults.
If you are as passionate about the circus arts as we are, or simply agree with our goals and would like to offer your support. Please feel free to donate below or contact us and find out how you can help our organization in other ways.
Video by Valley Ridge Media
Want to Donate
Today ?
we are using Canadian non-profit Zeffy to collect online donations to raise funds for our move. After selecting your donation amount, there is a recommended donation to Zeffy automatically applied, but you can set this to zero and Zeffy will still collect payments on our behalf entirely for free.
Please use the link below to support our journey and changes.
Kootenay Circus Arts Association
Kootenay Circus Arts Association (KCAA), the non-profit behind Discover Circus, serves more than 700 children, youth, and adults each year.
Our inclusive, community-based programming offers more than just circus skills—it builds confidence, belonging, and joy.
