Go beyond cards and candies! There’s no better way to feel the love this February than by attending Bellingham Circus Guild’s “My Circus Valentine.” “My Circus Valentine” is an annual circus performance that highlights “our human need for connection and what that means.” It’s been recurring since 2010 when Producer and Principal Artistic Director Anneka Deacon, a founding member of the Bellingham Circus Guild, had the idea for a Valentine’s Day show—but not for the reasons you might think. “I never really liked Valentine’s Day because I felt… that it had so much potential to create challenging feelings for people,” says Deacon. “So, I created the show to really honor that, and create space for everybody to come together as a community.” As a result, the acts in “My Circus Valentine” aren’t all about straightforward sweethearts—they explore love, loss, passion, and connection, and all the messy, human things that come with them. Deacon hand-selects local and regional acts and strives to feature circus arts that aren’t the local forte. The show usually includes aerialists using a variety of apparatuses (Deacon began the show as an aerialist herself), object manipulation, dance and acrobatics, contemporary clowning, and more. Deacon works with the artists to create a through-line story for the show, ensuring the theme of love and connection is front and center. The result is an emotional show that enraptured performers and audiences alike.
Photograph by RFink
The already awe-inspiring experience becomes full-sensory with special seating and refreshments! This year they’ll have a limited number of deluxe tables for four right up front of the stage. You might even find treats, or a love note on your seat!
Plans for this year also include live musicians scoring the show, adding another layer of wonder to the live performances.
Photograph by Vitz Photography
“My Circus Valentine” is set for Feb. 14 and 16–18. Tickets can be bought at bellinghamcircusguild.com. Experience this “profound and spectacular, thrilling and tender” show for yourself! 1401 6th St., Ste. 102, Bellingham, bellinghamcircusguild.com
