BEHIND THE SCENES AT ZIP ZAP – WHY WE LOVE THE CIRCUS
February is the month of love, and at Zip Zap, love is at the core of everything we do, and it continues throughout the year. For us, it’s not just about dazzling performances or applause from the audience, the real magic is in the smiles of the children in our free outreach and youth programmes, while we smile as we watch their confidence grow and skills and teamwork develop. Here’s a look at what love means for Zip Zap.
LOVE FOR CIRCUS ARTS
The circus is an art form that transcends boundaries. At Zip Zap, our professional performers dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft. From trapeze artists mastering their aerial routines to jugglers honing their timing – every act is a labour of love. “When I’m balancing, I feel free,” says Masi, an accomplished hand balancing artist. “The circus has given me a way to express myself and share my story.”
LOVE FOR EACH OTHER
Zip Zap is more than a circus; it’s a family. Behind every programme or performance is a team of people supporting each other through challenges and triumphs.
“We’re all here for the same reason – to create something beautiful and make a difference,” shares Jason, a trainer, professional performer and former beneficiary. “That shared purpose brings us together.”
LOVE FOR THE ZIP ZAP COMMUNITY
Our passion extends beyond the stage. Zip Zap was founded on the principle of using circus arts to inspire and uplift children and youth from diverse backgrounds. Through our social circus programmes, we work with over 3 000 children each year where we teach circus skills and life skills, like teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Our proudest moments are seeing how the circus transforms lives. When Amber-Leigh (16) was introduced to Zip Zap by friends, she was initially quite shy. But she quickly became a leader in the group, offering support and encouragement to others. Today, she’s a confident performer, inspiring the next generation of young dreamers.
SO, WHAT’S THE SECRET TO THE ZIP ZAP MAGIC?
It’s the love and energy that everyone pours into making it all happen. From the office team and volunteers to the trainers, beneficiaries and performers – every person plays a unique role in bringing our vision to life.
“When the lights come on and the music starts, whether for a show or a programme, it’s a culmination of everyone’s hard work and passion,” says Tamryn Escalante, head of Zip Zap’s Social Circus. “It’s a reminder of why we do what we do”.
As a Zip Zap alumni, Saskia van Rensburg has witnessed this passion and hard work first-hand. “Growing up at Zip Zap gave me a wonderful circus family and a unique perspective on life. Many of my fondest memories, and some of my most important life skills, stem from my time as a student, performer, and instructor at Zip Zap.”
This February, and throughout the year, we invite you to experience the love and magic of Zip Zap. Whether you’re supporting our programmes or simply sharing our story, you’re an important part of a community that believes in the transformative power of circus arts.
Let’s celebrate love in all its forms – for the art, for each other, and for the community that makes it all possible.
