A Nonprofit Arts Organization Rooted in Salida
Salida Circus has been part of the Salida community since 2007. Today, we focus our nonprofit work on expanding access, creating opportunities, supporting performance and culture, building partnerships, and connecting people through circus.
The Salida Circus Outreach Foundation (SCOF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in September 2007 to provide circus training to children and adults in Chaffee County as a personal development and community-building tool. Tutors offer weekly workshops and three annual camps to teach acrobatics, stilt-walking, juggling, trapeze, unicycling, plate-spinning, clowning, and more. Participants have the opportunity to participate in more than 20 shows per year at senior centers, nursing homes, festivals, fundraisers, parades, and other community events.
Creating Possibility Through Circus
Salida Circus creates opportunities for people and communities through access, connection, culture, and exchange.
Access
We help reduce barriers to circus and movement opportunities through scholarships, grants, sponsorships, and community support.
Opportunity
We help create chances for young people and artists to perform, participate in special projects, and experience circus beyond regular training.
Connection
We connect artists, families, schools, nonprofits, event organizers, training organizations, and community partners.
Culture
We support the creative, collaborative, theatrical, and community traditions that make circus more than a collection of physical skills.
Exchange
We build relationships beyond our region through visiting artists, collaborative projects, and cultural and international exchange.
Two Organizations, Complementary Roles
Salida Circus and Elemental 5 are independent organizations with complementary roles in Salida’s circus community.
Salida Circus
Salida Circus focuses on the opportunities and connections that make circus more accessible and possible.
- Access & Scholarships
- Fundraising & Charitable Support
- Performance & Community Opportunities
- Partnerships & Connections
- Gigs & External Opportunities
- Artist Relationships & Cultural Exchange
ELEMENTAL 5
Elemental 5 provides regular circus and movement training through its coaching, curriculum, facility, and athlete-development programs.
- Training & Coaching
- Curriculum & Skill Development
- Facility & Equipment
- Technical Standards & Safety
- Athlete Readiness & Preparation
- Teams & Regular Programs
WHERE THEY CONNECT
The organizations may collaborate on performances, special projects, visiting artists, community events, cultural exchange, and programs made more accessible through grants, donations, or sponsorships.
A Nonprofit Built to Make Circus Possible
Salida Circus Outreach Foundation is a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in Salida.
Our nonprofit work focuses on expanding access, creating opportunities, supporting performance and culture, building partnerships, and connecting people through circus.
SALIDA CIRCUS OUTREACH FOUNDATION
Colorado 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
EIN 26-1082261
People Guiding Salida Circus
Salida Circus is guided by community-minded leaders committed to expanding access, creating opportunities, and carrying Salida’s circus tradition forward.
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🎪 2007 — How It All Began
After twelve years performing and teaching with the Belfast Community Circus School in Northern Ireland and five years running the Scarlet Sister Circus in California, 39‑year‑old Jennifer Dempsey moved to Salida to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up. While she was pondering, she invited locals kids to her backyard to tumble, juggle, build pyramids and walk on stilts. The workshops grew and grew and grew and in March 2007 Salida Circus was born! Spring and summer camps followed, drawing youth Youth from across Chaffee county; then in August 2007, Salida Circus made its professional debut when Andrea Mossman, Destiny Meske, C.J. Meske, and Jennifer Dempsey brought The Pirates of Chaffee County to the Prowers County Fair in Lamar, Colorado… launching what would become two decades of professional circus performances, community outreach, and International Circus exchanges.Â