About The Circus Project

At The Circus Project, classes cover everything from cardio workouts to developing circus skills. In aerial yoga and fitness classes, students use acrobatic instruments to condition their minds and bodies in new ways, much like doing pushups on a flying carpet. Those tools are put to a more dedicated use in adult and kids' aerial classes, in which students hone the skills needed for live performance. Such techniques must be mastered if students are ever to join The Circus Project company, which performs new works in Portland and beyond.

Founded by Jenn Cohen, who lends more than 20 years' experience as a circus teacher and performer to her role as artistic director, The Circus Project empowers homeless and at-risk youth and young adults with the transformative power of circus performance. Beyond that enduring mission, the nonprofit company's current efforts include classes for children and adults of all experience levels and walks of life—including a separate track for aspiring professional performers.