Free circus class tops weekend events in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- We've partnered with the team at Hoodline - the hyperlocal neighborhood website - to bring you what's new and happening this weekend in San Francisco.

If you've ever wanted to join the circus, this weekend you'll get your chance!

Free Circus Class

Inside of an old renovated high school gymnasium close to Kezar stadium, you'll find some incredible feats taking place. The Circus Center has flying trapeze, acrobatics, aerial arts, contortion and juggling, and has a professional clown training program. You don't have to be a pro, though, to undergo some basic circus training. The center offers a free class on Friday at 7 p.m. The Center describes it as an "open play session" where you can experiment with "juggling, tightwire, rolla bolla, feather balancing and clowning."

ABC7 News met up with Phoenix Paz, who says stretching, coordination and yes, even trapeze, is good for everyone.

"There are no boundaries to what we can do," said Paz, demonstrating hanging upside down on the trapeze. "No matter where you start, you can always get better than where you currently are."

She says she ran away and joined the circus in a sense. She made the big life shift after earning her Masters in Migration Studies from The University of Oxford. Now she enjoys helping students explore movement and flexibility.

"Learning circus is a lot about learning to trust yourself and about pushing yourself in new ways, and finding comfort with your physical body," said Paz.

The Circus Center is located at 755 Frederick Street. Ages 8 and up are welcome to this class. Click here to find out more about their free Friday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. session.

Circus Center Cabaret

If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, you can go to the adults-only Cabaret at the same location this Friday and Saturday night. The Circus Center says at their performance, dubbed "Full Swing," you'll see acrobats, aerialists, magicians and clowns in an intimate, close-up setting. In fact, Executive Director Barry Kendall says every seat in the house is 50 feet or less away from the performers.

"When you go and see a big circus under the big top, you can be very far away from the performers," said Kendall. "(Full Swing) creates a certain intimacy, you can see their faces, you can see the expression in their bodies."

Enjoy a cocktail from the bar and the performance on Saturday and Sunday night. Click here for more information.

Keep checking back here for more upcoming events! Click here to visit Hoodline.

Enjoy a cocktail from the bar and the performance on Saturday and Sunday night. Click here for more information.