26.02.26
Where Every Body Belongs: Reflecting on Take Up Space and Circus is for Every Body
On Sunday, 22 February 2026, something very special took place at Galway Community Circus. The Circus Hall filled with excitement, anticipation and pride as young performers took to the stage to present ‘Take Up Space’, the joyful culmination of Circus is for Every Body, a project by Galway Community Circus in partnership with Extraordinary Bodies, making circus participation and performance more accessible for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people in Galway.
Blending circus, music and theatre, ‘Take Up Space’ was more than a performance. It was a celebration of creativity, courage and belonging.
A Journey of Growth and Discovery
The project began in September 2025, with weekly circus workshops for young people from Enable Ireland and Galway Autism Partnership, many of whom were trying circus for the very first time. Later, students from Scoil Chaitríona joined the journey, expanding participation.
Week by week, the young performers built skills in aerial, acrobatics, balance and creative expression. Just as importantly, they built trust in themselves and in each other. Workshops became spaces of exploration, where participants could try new things, face fears, and experience the thrill of achievement.
Through two creative residencies, disabled and non-disabled artists from Extraordinary Bodies worked alongside the young people and Galway Community Circus trainers to shape the performance. Their presence offered not only artistic expertise but also powerful representation, showing what is possible when every body belongs on stage.
Taking Up Space
When performance day arrived, the result was indeed extraordinary.
Young performers confidently stepped into the spotlight, sharing moments of humour, tenderness, strength and joy. They spun in the air, balanced, tumbled, and told stories with their bodies. The audience responded with warmth and enthusiasm, recognising the dedication and skill behind every moment.
For many participants, it was their first time performing for an audience. For families, teachers and support workers, it was an emotional opportunity to witness just how much the young people had grown in confidence and self-belief.
“My daughter said it was the happiest day of her life." -parent of participant
Building a More Inclusive Circus
Circus is for Every Body was not only about the final performances. It is part of Galway Community Circus's commitment to making circus accessible to all young people.
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people often face barriers to participating in the arts, and disabled artists remain underrepresented in circus. This project sought to challenge those barriers, creating inclusive spaces where young people could develop creatively while seeing disabled artists represented on stage and behind the scenes.
Alongside the workshops, Galway Community Circus staff undertook inclusion training, helping to strengthen accessible practices across the organisation and ensuring that this work continues into the future.
Collaboration and Support
Projects like this are only possible through collaboration. We are deeply grateful to the young performers for their creativity and courage, and to the families, teachers, staff and support workers who supported them throughout the journey.
We also thank our partners Extraordinary Bodies, Diverse City, Cirque Bijou, and all the circus artists involved for their artistry and generosity, and the many staff, trainers and volunteers who made the project possible.
Circus is for Every Body was funded by the Rethink Ireland Disability and Participation Awareness Fund, the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal via the Community Foundation Ireland, and Galway City Council.
Looking Ahead
While ‘Take Up Space’ marked the end of this chapter, it is not the end of the story.
The relationships, skills and confidence built over these months will last far beyond two performances. This project has strengthened our commitment to ensuring that circus truly is for everyone – for every body. Because every young person deserves the chance to be seen, celebrated, and to take up space.
A documentary of the project will be released in the near future. Stay tuned for details!