# @iowapublicradio on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CBlJerlD2xt
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/73152828-iowapublicradio-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/7aeb814687.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-06-18T14:51:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Iowa Public Radio (@iowapublicradio) — https://gondola.cc/iowapublicradio

## Caption

In early March, the Iowa Circus Arts troupe, based in Des Moines, cancelled their annual spring break circus camp and suspended classes in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Later that week when Gov. Kim Reynolds announced widespread closures of businesses and events for the foreseeable future, the troupe knew they would have to come up with a new strategy or risk losing what they loved most – amazing audiences and bringing smiles to people’s faces. ⁠⠀
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“The idea for curbside shows came about somewhat organically,” says Ken Logan, instructor at Iowa Circus Arts. Many of the safety precautions used for these new socially distanced performances were already in place – cones to keep the crowd away when juggling fire torches, for example – so the troupe felt confident they could continue to perform while following safety guidelines. (Believe it or not, the giant inflatable hamster ball was not a new addition due to COVID-19 but a favorite prop of the troupe for years.)⁠⠀
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These shows have been a bright spot during a time that feels both monotonous and turbulent. ⁠⠀
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“There’s a definite shift in people’s voices when they go from talking about what life has been like lately to how much they’re looking forward to our show,” says Logan.  He says continuing to perform and being able to deliver a well-needed break to families in central Iowa has been refreshing and uplifting for the troupe in the last few months.⁠⠀
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Looking forward, Iowa Circus Arts remains optimistic. They’re starting to book some events as the state reopens, their studio is open again and they’ve put some of their normal classes back on the schedule while implementing increased disinfecting and sanitizing measures. “We’re cautiously optimistic about the future,” says Logan, “for Iowa Circus Arts, for ourselves as individuals and for our community as a whole.” ⁠⠀
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⁠📸: IPR/ madda.lens ⁠⠀
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#GoodNewsIA iowacircusarts ⁠⠀

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