The Circus of Tensegrity

On May 31st, a 15 acre farm becomes the stage for an aerial performance unlike anything Iowa has seen. The Circus of Tensegrity, a site-responsive circus project directed and produced by Iowa City-based aerialist Mimi Ke, will premiere on Saturday, May 31 at 4:00 PM at Windy Goat Acres in Chelsea, Iowa. Free to the public, this immersive outdoor performance blends aerial dance, live Japanese drumming, and soundscape inspired by the elements, layering vocals with the visceral pulse of shime-daiko drums. Set in direct relationship with the natural landscape, The Circus of Tensegrity is created on-site and features a striking rope installation in collaboration with visiting artist, Elaine Mc Cague. Audiences are invited to bring lawn chairs or cushions and experience contemporary circus in the verdant valley of Iowa’s “Bohemian Alps.” Following the event guests are invited to enjoy the serene farm setting, with baby goats, llamas and a garden bar. Join us at Windy Goat Acres for an afternoon filled with live circus performance, artist discussions and a free movement workshop that will inspire and ignite your creativity. With support provided from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development-- The Circus of Tensegrity aims to expand the reach of access to arts beyond traditional venues—bringing experimental work into rural landscapes and offering Iowans new ways to experience live performance.