"A freedom from conformity": Why San Francisco loves the circus
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Abigail Munn performs with Circus Bella. Courtesy of Abigail Munn/Circus Bella.
San Francisco's love of circus can often be traced back to one historic troupe that continues to influence performers in the city: The Pickle Family Circus.
State of play: Started by a group of eccentric San Francisco-based performers in 1974, the circus group left a longstanding imprint on the community, helped spur the renaissance of American circus and inspired the creation of Cirque du Soleil.
- Unlike events of the past, the group did not include animals in its performances, instead focusing on impressive acrobatics, clowns and traditional acts like juggling in a one-ring arena.
- The smaller performance space offered a more intimate and interactive experience that captivated audiences for nearly two decades.
Between the lines: Today, the formative troupe's influence is notable in many of the city's top shows, including Circus Bella, co-founded by Pickle Family alum and retired trapeze artist Abigail Munn.
- Club Fugazi's Dear San Francisco show also has Pickle Family roots, having been created by Gypsy Snider, whose mother Peggy and stepfather Larry Pisoni co-founded the Pickle Family Circus and later Circus Center, which remains one of the largest training schools and facilities on the West Coast.
- "I was very, very lucky to be born in the circus," said Snider, who is proud to carry her family's legacy, especially since many former Pickle Family performers come to see the show.
- "What really attracts people to the circus is the incredible community and positivity," Snider added.
What they're saying: "We always end our show with a big juggle, which is actually our homage to the Pickle Family Circus," Munn told Axios. "What's unique about Circus Bella and San Francisco, is that we have the spunk, the funkiness and the whimsy that makes up our city."
Zoom in: Circus Center is a hub for seasoned professionals and beginners alike, attracting between 1,200 to 3,000 students per week, according to executive director Anne Clark.
- Interest in aerial arts also continues to grow with newer studios like The Hive in North Beach, whose founders sought to recreate the community they lost during the pandemic.
- Upon opening two years ago, the studio's classes were about 25% full, but now it's around 60 to 80%, co-founder Thai Lam said.
- "People have started to recognize and believe in the mission that we have created at The Hive," said Lam, who loves sharing his passion for aerial silks.
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The intrigue: Rope instructor Jeremy Sheets said he loves the inclusive environment at The Hive and training beginner students. He also enjoys seeing people's excitement and enthusiasm for an apparatus that he's dedicated nearly 30 years to.
- "Helping them find their own artistry is very important and then they're doing things that they perhaps never would have experienced," he said.
The bottom line: "Circus is a freedom from conformity – that's why San Francisco loves circus," Snider added.
If you go: You can find The Hive at 1503 Grant Ave and Circus Center at 755 Frederick St.
What's next: Celebrate World Circus Day at the center from noon-5pm this Saturday with workshops on contortion, juggling, aerial and more. Check out Circus Bella and Dear San Francisco's upcoming shows.