Circumstances

Circumstances creates powerful performances with a mission. Our performances strike a balance between spectacle and care, in which people support one another with compassion. Our work is not about perfection, but about collaboration, community, authenticity and acknowledging our imperfections, which makes us feel understood and connected. Connection is the common thread, both on and off stage.

‘Circus is not about achieving the impossible, but about challenging the impossible. The quest for the limits of equilibrium, gravity, balance, time and endurance creates a unique dance.’ – Piet Van Dycke

Circumstances creates wordless, physical performances that balance tension and emotion. Each creation emerges from new ‘circumstances’, with varying (circus) disciplines, performers, target audiences and contexts. In the symbiosis of acrobatics and expressive movement, the tension between control and speed, dependence and autonomy, focus and stillness takes centre stage. Drawing on these dynamic contrasts, we create groundbreaking experiences that explore the porous boundaries between circus and dance.

We take our productions all over the world, from Chassepierre to São Paulo, from Tienen to Hong Kong. We perform outdoors or in the theatre. We cater to a diverse audience: from children to senior citizens, from skaters to pole dancers, from hardcore festival-goers to chance passers-by. We strive to make a real impact with our performances, even beyond the walls of the theatre.

We are currently touring with three productions: EXIT (2022), an installation performance where movement, partner acrobatics and balance boards merge; GLORIOUS BODIES (2023), a performance about the power of the ageing body; and BEYOND (2025), a performance about boundless bridge-builders.