Arts

Big Apple’s ‘Circus of the Senses’ Is An Inclusive Experience

Erin Wright •
Nik Wallenda and his family walk - and bike - across a wire in the air.
Nik Wallenda and his family walk - and bike - across a wire in the air.
Credit Juliana Crawford
Audio version of this story here.

The Big Apple Circus was founded in 1977, and for nearly their entire history the company has been putting on shows for kids who have vision, hearing or cognitive challenges.

“City Lights” spoke with the Chairman of the Big Apple Circus, Dr. Neil Kahanovitz, and their Director of Community Programs, Lisa B. Lewis.

Lewis said that for their “Circus of the Senses” and “Embrace Autism” performances, “the artistry of the circus doesn’t change … what we adapt is the way that people are able to perceive it.”

The Big Apple Circus is at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre through Feb. 25. The “Circus of the Senses” show is Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. The “Embracing Autism” performance is Feb. 10 at 11:00 a.m.

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