It's time to start brushing up on your acrobatics and tumbling. The Muse—a Bushwick-based circus community—is bringing the fun to Gowanus, so step right up for a glimpse of the see-it-to-believe-it stunts.
After a celebratory bash on June 10, the venue's 303 Third Ave locale will officially be open for business the following day—silks, Lyra and all. For those who have yet to experience these fun, whimsical offerings, you must make a pitstop.
"The beautiful thing about the circus is that there's a place for everybody," says Angela Buccinni Butch, founder and director of The Muse. "We know in our neighborhood how much it has pulled everyone together."
Photograph: Courtesy Andrew Foster
With the hopes of bridging communities and offering a safe space for kids (and adults) to convene, circus artists Rebecca Stronger and Zoi Moulinos approached Buccinni Butch with the idea of opening a (slightly smaller, but equally entertaining) space in the family-friendly Gowanus area. Now, Brooklynites are more than ready to indulge.
"We're [trying] to put Brooklyn and the circus together and extend the family," Buccinni says.
On the 10th, visitors are welcome to test out free courses (though online registration is required) and get a taste of what suits them best. Family acro will begin at 11:30 am, followed by adults and partners acro at 12:30, tumbling and handstands at 1:30pm, an aerial sampler for kids at 2:30pm and the empowering teen class, "Girls Have Muscles, Too" at 3:45. You'll be able to round out the day with a performance from ABCirque, The Muse's professional performing company (doors open at 6:30pm and the show begins at 7pm).
Not only are the offerings a bit avant gard, but they're more beneficial than you might believe.
"They give you a foundation and a full-body and psychological workout, and you have fun while you're doing it," Buccinni Butch adds. The Gowanus offerings plan to include aerial fabric, family acrobats, Lyra, handstands, kids' silk, teen aerial, German wheels and much more. What will you try first?
If you're closer to the Bushwick space, no sweat! You can sign up for offerings here.
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There's no shortage of great activities in NYC. After a morning class at The Muse, plan an outing to the best family attractions in town, get some fresh air at one of the most adventurous kids' playgrounds and when the tummies start rumbling, grab a bite at the most delicious outdoor restaurants NYC has to offer.