ABC7: Sarasota circus students head to Smithsonian Folklife Festival

SARASOTA, Fla. Twenty-six Sailor Circus Academy students left Sarasota on Thursday, headed to Washington, D.C., for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

The students, ages 8 to 18, will show off their skills at the festival Sept. 5-7.

Kayla Hayes has been in the program for five years. “I’m grateful because I got picked to do this, and I’m so excited,” she said.

Hayes will perform on the bike, an act she calls her “bike for five.” Other acts headed to Washington include silks, web, juggling and clowning, according to Hayes.

Students chosen to represent Sarasota

Each student was chosen to represent Sarasota on the national stage.

Darla Hendricks has been in the program for three years and is taking on the role of ringmaster.

“I was nervous, but I kept practicing. Once I had my lines down, I told myself, ‘I’ve got this,’ and kept encouraging myself,” Hendricks said.

In Washington, the students will perform alongside professionals, lead physics demonstrations, show crowds how a big top goes up, and share Sarasota’s circus history with people from across the country.

Bryan Burnstein, vice president of program development for the Circus Arts Conservatory, said the trip marks a significant moment for the students.

“These kids come to the arena every day, they work hard, they train, and they get a chance to perform in our community. But to take that and go to a national stage — this is a very special moment for them,” Burnstein said.

Source: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/09/03/sarasota-circus-students-head-smithsonian-folklife-festival/