ABOUT US
The CirQus is in Town
CirQus connects and supports Montreal's circus community by making circus arts, training, and knowledge accessible to everyone. Whether you're an artist, student, tourist, or studio owner, we help you discover classes, training spaces, events, and collaborative opportunities—all in one place.
At its core, CirQus is about building a stronger, more connected circus community where collaboration thrives over competition, and where everyone can find their place in Montreal's vibrant aerial and acrobatic world.
CirQus Envisions a Future where…
Discovery is effortless: Locals and visitors easily find the perfect class, workshop, or performance that speaks to them
Community flourishes: Studios, artists, and enthusiasts collaborate and support each other's growth
Opportunity is accessible: From recreational beginners to professional performers, everyone has pathways to learn, train, perform, and earn
Knowledge is shared: Safety practices, training resources, and wellness support are readily available to all
Montreal's circus culture shines: Both locally and internationally, as the accessible, inclusive, world-class community it truly is
Our Story
Founded by Alissa Bonneville, CirQus emerged from a decade of lived experience in Montreal's circus world and a deep understanding of what the community needs.
In 2015, Alissa founded Studio CirQus, one of Montreal's first studios dedicated entirely to recreational aerial and acrobatic training, in an old firehouse on St-Dominique street. At a time when circus was still seen as "only for professionals," she created a welcoming space where anyone—beginners, adults, non-athletes, and curious newcomers—could try circus, build confidence, and find their community.
Since then, Alissa has worked across Montreal's circus ecosystem as an aerial trainer, acrobatic rigger, and project coordinator, collaborating with established studios like Château de Cirque, Paragym, and Momentom Collective, and with major companies including Cirque Éloize, 7 Doigts de la Main, and Cirque du Soleil.
Currently, as project coordinator for Le Petit Cirque Sablon, Alissa helps deliver free circus classes to over 200 youth (ages 5-18) every Saturday—a testament to CirQus's commitment to accessibility and community impact.
Welcome to Montreal- Circus Capital of the World
Birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, home to world-renowned companies 7 Doigts de la Main, Cirque Éloize, Flip Fabrique and 2 of Canada's 3 professional circus schools (École Nationale de Cirque and Quebec Circus School), Montreal is host to thousands of trained circus artists who live, work, and create here and is a top destination for circus tourists and performing arts enthusiasts from around the globe.
CirQus makes Montreal's extraordinary circus culture accessible to everyone who wants to be part of it.
Why We Exist
CirQus is about Community.
Circus has always been about finding your people—a place of safety, belonging, and connection wherever you are in the world. CirQus was created to help everyone find that same sense of community here in Montreal.
CirQus provides Connection
Montreal's circus scene is rich with studios, classes, workshops and resources, but they're scattered and hard to navigate. CirQus brings everything together in one accessible place, making it easy to discover what's available and find exactly what you're looking for.
CirQus fosters Collaboration
The new paradigm is about collaboration, not competition, and artists are paying the way forward. CirQus exists to weave the community together, helping studios and artists support each other while making circus accessible to everyone.
Our Partners
Join CirQus
Become a Member
Whether you're a beginner, visiting artist, or seasoned performer, CirQus helps you find classes, training spaces, and performance opportunities. Join us and discover your place in Montreal's vibrant circus community.
Become a Partner
Are you a studio owner, trainer, or circus organization? Partner with CirQus to expand your reach, connect with new students and clients, and be part of a collaborative community that lifts everyone up.