OUR HISTORY
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When Paúl Gomex accepted Mary Overlie's invitation to a dance collaboration at the Experimental Theater Wing in New York University, little did he know that this journey would end with him ending up in Bozeman Montana, raising his newly born daughter, and igniting the spark for a circus space in the last best place. Gomex creates 406Cirque in 2018 with the intention to share his love for contemporary circus and performing arts with the community that welcomed him so dearly.
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In 2020, Naomi Shafer joins Gomex in Bozeman and brings her background as a circus pedagogue and executive producer to bring 406Cirque to the next level. An afterschool program is created, and new partnerships with circus entities nationwide expand the perspective. What started with 6 students in a public park of the city became later a program with hundreds of beneficiaries per year.
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406CIRQUE TODAY
We strive to be a vibrant hub for an emerging circus community. We offer classes for every skill level in trapeze, aerial silks and hammock, juggling, stilt-walking, balance, stage presence, and many other disciplines. We also produce professional-quality shows starring our students, instructors, and community members.
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We have established a scholarship program that helps families and their young performers pursue their circus dreams regardless of ability to pay.
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In addition, we offer creative solutions to private events such as fundraisers, team building, wedding celebrations, birthday parties, etc. Our professional troupe is composed by highly skilled, sensitive performers who adapt to different settings and always mesmerize their audiences in all these different contexts.
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our mission is to improve the quality of life of montanans as we spark enthusiasm for circus arts through performances, training, and community outreach.
"The word Circus often refers to a specific type of activities: trapeze, clowns, jugglers, etc. At 406Cirque we want to use the word Cirque as a reminder of what circus was once: THE NEW . . . We invite artists to come up with highly visual, poetic and thought provoking performances that can transcend ages and cultures. For us, circus is about gathering together to celebrate poetry, humanity, and the transcending power of the ephemeral.
We are inspired by reinventing traditional forms of circus arts, but our vision goes far beyond it: We place the focus on the act of being on stage fully present, of expanding our presence and sharing our passion with the world."
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406CIRQUE CORE VALUES
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Generosity
406Cirque coaches show up ready to share their full expertise with no reserves. We respect and understand the developmental stage of each student, from preschool to adult. We are aware of the tremendous act of vulnerability and generosity that means jumping on stage and sharing ourselves as performers. We honor and respect that in every performer, regardless of their age.
Professionalism
For Coaches: Strive to be a role model and positive influence on the students. Coaches are aware that they are not only teaching technique, but also social skills.
Leading through example, especially with kind communication, flexibility, and positive reinforcement.
For Students: Arrive ready to work and play; taking care of equipment; looking for opportunities to be proactive in helping the ensemble and encouraging others.
For Performers: Having a successful career in the performing arts require a deep understanding of ethics and professionalism. Showing up on time, being prepared mentally and physically, and displaying an optimal attitude in every circumstance, are part of these attributes that distinguish professionals from the rest.
Respect and Diversity
406Cirque is committed to creating spaces—virtual and in person—in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to participate in a atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices and abusive behavior. Therefore, 406Cirque expects that all individuals within the organization, associated with the organization, or participating in 406Cirque events will be professional and free of bias, prejudice, discrimination, and harassment. 406Cirque prohibits harassment of any kind, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment and harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, age, physical or mental disability, socio-economic background, citizenship status, partnership status, or employment status. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or environmental, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by 406Cirque.
We celebrate the diversity of our coaches and students, regardless of age, race, ability, gender-identity, country of origin, religion, or sexual orientation. In practice, this means challenging assumptions about what an individual or a group can achieve. This includes breaking gender norms of strength and grace, creating adaptive programming for students of all abilities, and modeling lifelong learning.
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In any circus lot, you'll meet people from all over the world and hear multiple languages being spoken. 406Cirque is no different. Our coaches come from different countries (Venezuela, France, U.S.A.) and performance backgrounds. Only through our diversity can we truly embody the richness of circus arts.
406CIRQUE does not have any affiliations with any activist or political causes. 406Cirque does not discriminate based on age, race, ability, gender-identity, country of origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
Pedagogy of Pleasure
We celebrate small goals and accomplishments. We don't take for granted the excitement of catching a Diabolo for the first time, or doing your first five-ball flash. Traditional circus education focuses on fixing (or fixating on) mistakes. At 406Cirque we place the focus on small achievements that pave the way towards skill development. We understand that failure is the proof that one is trying something new.
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3 Rules of 406 Cirque
1 Safety First
Keep it safe for yourself, keep it safe for the others.
Safety includes physical and emotional safety. We believe that confidence is a critical safety element. It is only from a place of emotional wellbeing that students can learn. Safety also includes practical elements specific to each training area.
2 Encourage Yourself and Others
"If you are going to compare yourself, compare yourself to your first day of training"
"Try and Try Again!"
At 406Cirque we are never in competition with other students, always in collaboration. We want to change the world by creating a community that practices positive self talk. This is about creating an organization that celebrates our whole selves, and understands that pushing beyond our comfort zone also requires a conscious exercise of self-encouragement.
3 Have Fun!
We believe in the power of play. Having Fun as a fundamental aspect of everything we do, by encouraging creativity, laughter, and joyful exploration of circus skills. By prioritizing enjoyment, playfulness, and a positive atmosphere for all participants, we foster a culture in which discipline and hard work stem from the things we enjoy the most.