BELLOWS FALLS — The Brattleboro-based circus troupe Nimble Arts is creating a new show for national touring, and Bellows Falls will get a preview when the troupe performs at the Bellows Falls Opera House on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.
The troupe, founded by twins Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion, features internationally known performers whose resumes include Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, Ringling Bros., and the Big Apple Circus.
In early 2012, after returning from a whirlwind tour, the sisters decided to create their own show dedicated to performing in rural towns, specifically in New England. Based around a portable freestanding aerial rig that can set up on small stages, the show is built to fit into flexible spaces allowing the company to bring high quality circus theater to towns that would not normally be capable of hosting such a show.
The core company includes the founders, who have won international awards at top circus festivals; International Juggling Association champion Tony Duncan; Aimee Hancock, who toured with the acclaimed French Canadian company Cirque Eloize; and Bill Forchion, whose resume includes Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Bros., and the Big Apple Circus. Filling out the cast are Keith Kaplin, Alyssa Morar and Melissa Knowles, all of whom are professional circus artists based in Brattleboro.
As part of the creation process, the company has rented the Bellows Falls Opera House to host their rehearsals. A “work in progress” showing is being offered on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 at the door. Acts include duo trapeze, aerial silks, juggling, contortion and a unique approach to dancing with and under and over the rigging apparatus, bringing the stage and the equipment to life.