Circus Express had its first reconnaissance mission in September/October of 2011 with great success in terms of gathering information, gaining interest in the project and starting the journey that is the wonderful experience of connecting with different circus people and cultures that is the core of Circus Express.

We learnt a lot about US circus culture in the 3 weeks of our trip and we met some wonderful and supportive and welcoming people and groups including:

New York - Jill Maglio (community liaison for Circus Express but also a performer and Holistic Circus Therapist), The Bindlestiff's Family Circus (a fount of knowledge and very experienced contemporary circus company doing interesting things), The Point (an arts based youth support organisation in the Bronx), Circus Warehouse (training school for professionals and amateurs), Amy from the American Youth Organisation.

Philadelphia - The PEXies (independent group of performers who run their own festivals), The Philadelphia Juggling Club, Michael Reitz

Atlanta - Mel Mushill and The Hive (a great little independent training and creative space for circus artists), Charlie Smith (large scale metal and fire sculptor and artist), D'Air (aerial dance company and aerial training for young people), Atlanta Juggling Club, Carrie Heller (Circus therapist).

Auburn - Julie and….. (need to double check names)

New Orleans - 3 Ring Circus (an arts venue), Meret Rhiner (circus teacher and co-founder of the New Orleans Circus School), Penelope (need to check names).

Colorado - Frequent Flyers (Aerial dance school), Boulder Circus School, Salida Circus (youth circus).

We would like to extend a big thanks to all these people and others who welcomed us into their country and often their homes, and shared a small part of their lives and their stories with us, and inspired us to continue with this mad idea!