Local Youth to Perform in Free Circus and Aerial Arts Performance at Jackson Park
Contributed photo.
by Cole Goodwin
Hood River OR, July 11, 2023- Local youth are preparing to deliver a free circus and arial arts performance titled "Coming Home" on Saturday, July 15 at 12 p.m. in Jackson Park, Hood River.
"Coming Home" is not just a circus performance; it is a captivating story about finding one's way back home. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge, this performance explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the true meaning of what we hold dear.
Contributed photo.
The performance is brought to the community by Empowered Movement Aerial’s Circus and Performing Arts Intensive workshop for teens.
Under the guidance of directors Arwen Ungar and Barnaby King, students have collaborated and worked together to build confidence, expand their creative horizons, learn various aerial movements such as trapeze and silks, as well as clowning and theater skills in order to create a remarkable free performance for the community
Theo Levine, a recent graduate of Hood River Valley High School and a seasoned stage performer also helped students too enhance their theatrical prowess
Arwen Ungar, the director of Empowered Movement Aerial, encouraged the community to come and witness the remarkable talent and hard work of these young performers as they showcase their skills in the heart of Hood River.
“I am so amazed with the amazing work that these teens have put together in such a short time,” said Ungar “They’ve put their heart and soul into creating something that is really unique, super fun and also very physically challenging.”
“One of our goals is to impart a love for movement while also building community in a non-competitive environment, so it’s common to hear students cheering each other on. And that helps support kids and teens in building their confidence,” said Ungar.
Contributed photo.
The show is made possible by contributions from individual donors and support from organizations such as Wildwood Academy, Providence Foundation, Hood River Cultural Trust, and the Roundhouse Foundation. Thanks to community efforts, Empowered Movement Aerial was also able to provide scholarships and transportation for students who would not have been able to participate otherwise.
“A third of participants received scholarships to attend, as a non-profit part of our goal is to include everyone regardless of income,” said Ungar.
For more information about the event or to learn more about Empowered Movement Aerial, please visit their website at www.empoweredmovementaerial.org. Don't miss out on this extraordinary display of aerial artistry and storytelling at Jackson Park on July 15 at 12 p.m.
AI was used in the development of this story.
