In early 2001 the Mazo Movement Arts Center opened its doors, and a micro-business/creative pipe dream was born. Our beginnings were humble, our growth has been incremental, and our present-day is still pretty humble! But over two decades on, we’re still here! Here’s a short, quick list of things we are grateful for as we look back:
- We have a far-flung and decades-deep community of supporters, friends, colleagues and alums. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of them. Thank you.
- Our chosen hometown is a gem.
- Our beautiful historic building is solid, warm, bright, nurturing and OURS!
- Circus kids are everywhere! And their self confidence, creativity and willingness to be different have taken them in some inspiring directions!
- Travel opportunities! Over the years, we’ve gotten to share our love of circus on four continents! We’d like to make it seven!
- Creative placemaking pays off over time!
- A long and symbiotic relationship with the UW-Madison has provided us with support, recognition, and opportunities to expand our horizons as teaching artists and lifelong learners.
- Hands-on learning! Experience-based learning!
- Improvisation in movement, story, performance and life!
- The practice of contact improvisation, and those who repeatedly travel here to practice it.
- Performing and performance-making.
- Parades and special events keep happening, in spite of all we have been through.
- Visiting artists and teachers. Such richness.
- Collaboration.
- Circus Camps!
- Stubbornness and determination.
- Laughter!
- Thrift and tenacity.
- Coincidence.
- Juggling skills!
- Love.