Upsala Circus

Have you ever heard of a circus that saves lives? Right here, in Saint Petersburg, stands Upsala Circus. It’s not just a place for breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling performances. Upsala Circus is a beacon of hope. It offers vulnerable children and those with disabilities an alternative to the streets. Upsala Circus was founded in 2000. It started as a simple street performance by Larisa Afanasyeva and Astrid Schorn. They rode unicycles on the embankment, inviting children to join them. One young boy, Nikolai Grudino, saw them. He was struggling at home and often found himself on the streets. Drawn in by their energy, he became one of their first recruits. Upsala Circus initially lacked a proper space. They trained in a run-down building with bad floors. Their passion fueled their progress as they learned acrobatics and juggling. Grudino credits Upsala Circus with transforming his life. He went from a troubled youth to a skilled acrobatics instructor. Upsala Circus isn’t just about teaching circus skills. It’s about building confidence and creating a sense of belonging. One of their shows, “Guardian of Dreams,” portrays restless children refusing to sleep. The young performers jump on beds, fight with pillows, and tell scary stories under blankets. The audience, mostly families with children, erupts in laughter, recognizing the familiar bedtime struggles. For many years, Upsala Circus was a nomadic troupe. They performed wherever they could. They eventually established a permanent home. They expanded their program to include “A Special Child”. This project unites children with learning disabilities and special needs. In 2015, the “A Special Child” group premiered their show, “Boniface.” It became a part of Upsala Circus’s repertoire. Upsala Circus also works with young delinquents through the “Circus Behind a Fence” project. Trainers visit a school for young offenders. They teach free running and work towards a performance about a playground as a gateway to another world. Upsala Circus continually seeks innovative ways to fund their programs. They enlist “silver volunteers,” elderly activists who knit colorful “nose hats.” These nose warmers are sold in cafes and restaurants across the city. Upsala Circus embodies the power of art to transform lives. They offer a space for vulnerable children to find their voice, develop their talents, and dream of a brighter future.