Category: Classes & Workshops

A photo of six juggling balls on a black floor. Juggling balls are green, blue, and orange respectively, with alternating black and colourful patterns.
Classes & Workshops, Uncategorized

Sliding Scale Rainbow Camps

Rainbow Circus

In the past three years, we have been grateful to receive grants and support from ArtReach and the Toronto Arts Council that have allowed us to offer two weeks of free camps for 2SLGBTQ+ youth every summer. This programming has been a part of the foundation that’s made the Rainbow Circus community what it is today.

To carry on the legacy of these camps, we are offering our Rainbow Camp on a sliding scale model this year to balance financial accessibility with business sustainability. While all of our camps and classes are eligible for sport funding, and community scholarships, we recognize the unique barriers that teens experience in accessing recreational athletic programming, especially those identifying as part of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Sliding scale pricing models recognize that people have different access to finances, often because of historical inequity and ongoing oppression. With this model, we’re working to provide different pricing options so that folks can choose the tuition tier that best meets their needs. You know your finances best, please consider the options below and choose the tuition tier that seems like the best match for you.

It’s an imperfect experiment but we hope it’s an opportunity to grow in alignment with our values please feel free to give us feedback.

Sliding scale options:

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Tier 1: $128.75

For those struggling to consistently meet their basic monthly expenses, with little to no savings, may be living within one or multiple marginalized identities. Unemployed or under-employed, without other sources of financial support. Affording the full camp tuition would be entirely out of reach without a sliding scale spot. 

Tier 2: $257.50

For folks who are regularly able to meet their monthly expenses and sometimes have room for extras. You may need to budget for this expense and pay over time, but would find the full cost of tuition a barrier to participation. People who are underemployed or whose income may fluctuate significantly from month to month (self-employed folks, gig workers, or those in the service industry). 

Tier 3: $386.25

For folks who are regularly able to meet their monthly expenses, and afford extras outside of them. The cost of participation may require looking at your budget, but wouldn’t impact your ability to meet your basic needs. Those with secure employment, but whose income may fluctuate. You may have some savings or other supports but could use a bit of help with this expense. 

Tier 4: $515.00

For people who can afford their monthly expenses as well as recreational activities without significant stress. If you have savings and investments, own your own home, and can afford the tuition without any hardship this tier is for you. 

Tier 5: $565.00

The full cost of programming, plus a bit extra. For folks with assets to redistribute to community members. You feel financially comfortable and are able to make large purchases without consulting your budget. You may have inherited wealth and historical privilege, and live in a multi-income home with earners making a good wage.

You can find the camp signup form here.

Questions? Send us an email: rainbowcirque@gmail.com

Classes & Workshops

Move with Pride!

Rainbow Circus

Have you been interested in trying pole or circus? Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate the start of pride month? Come join us for sliding scale workshops on June 4th and June 5th to learn from some amazing coaches in the LGBTQ2S+ communities. All proceeds from this event will go towards funding Rainbow Cirque’s inclusive, accessible programming for queer and trans youth. 

Sign up here 

Both workshops will take place at Redefine Fit (403 Danforth Ave) in Toronto Ontario.

Saturday June 4th Intro to pole with Elspeth and a gentle stretch with Jayeden. 

5:15-6:45 Pole workshop

6:45-7:00 Break

7:00-7:45 Stretching

A white background with a pride flag border. It reads: pole dance with Elspeth. Spinning, twirling, climbing and twisting around a 45mm chrome pole. A picture of a unicorn siting with their legs crossed on a pole is on the side.
A white background with a pride flag border. It reads: pole dance with Elspeth. Spinning, twirling, climbing and twisting around a 45mm chrome pole. A picture of a unicorn siting with their legs crossed on a pole is on the side.
A white background with the title: stretching with Jayeden. The text reads: stretching is a great Way to take care of your body. Gentle movements to thank your muscles. A picture of a dog doing downward dog is on the side.
A white background with the title: stretching with Jayeden. The text reads: stretching is a great Way to take care of your body. Gentle movements to thank your muscles. A picture of a dog doing downward dog is on the side.

Sunday June 5th Lollipop lyra with Cameron followed by a hula hoop jam with Lyza.

5:15-6:45 Lollipop Lyra workshop

6:45-7:00 Break

7:00-7:45 Hula hoop jam

A white background with a pride flag border. The title says lollipop with Cameron. The text reads lollypop lyra a mix between Aerial Hoop and a pole. You can sit and spin and trick all around it. An image of a lollypop with a stage the pole in the hoop is on the side.
A white background with a pride flag border. The title says lollipop with Cameron. The text reads lollypop lyra a mix between Aerial Hoop and a pole. You can sit and spin and trick all around it. An image of a lollypop with a stage the pole in the hoop is on the side.
A white background with a pride flag border. The title says hula hoop with Lyza. Come dance and play and move with hula hoops. An image on the side has a cartoon of a brown cat with a green hula hoop.
A white background with a pride flag border. The title says hula hoop with Lyza. Come dance and play and move with hula hoops. An image on the side has a cartoon of a brown cat with a green hula hoop.

What to bring: Water, snack 

What to wear: Clothes that you can move in

Day one – Shorts (for grip on the pole) 

Day two – Pants or something that covers the back of your knees 

Feel free to dress up for pride!

Getting there: 

The closest subway station to the studio is Chester station, which is a block away. The Danforth has bike lanes and spaces to lock your bike. Parking in the area is slightly limited so add a bit of time if you are driving. 

Access notes: 

The studio is on the second floor of a building and there are no elevators available. There are two gender neutral bathrooms, they do not have support bars. Seating is available in the space for participants who want to take breaks on chairs. 

The space has fluorescent overhead and track lighting, but we will use natural light from the windows and skylight when possible. Music, if used, will be kept at a low volume. 

We ask that folks keep this a low scent space and minimize the use of  perfumes and scented products before class. 

There is a sink available to fill up water bottles or cups. 

**Please reach out if you have any access needs, wants, or questions that aren’t met with the above info.**

Covid things: 

We are respecting the current guidelines of the space, which include masks, and the windows being open, weather pending. We will inform registered participants if anything changes. 

On the land: 

Our gathering will be situated upon the traditional territories of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinabeg, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit River. This territory is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant–an agreement between the Anishinabeg and Haudenosaunee allied nations to peaceably share and care for the lands around the Great Lakes. By living, working, and gathering on these lands we have a responsibility to take from and care for them responsibly. Including ongoing reconciliation work with the traditional and contemporary caretakers of this land.

This is a queer neurodiverse run, queer and trans focused space!

Reach out to us on instagram @rainbowcirque or email us rainbowcirque@gmail.com with any questions you have!

Workshops are sliding scale and open to everyone in the community and allies 16+! 

Sign up here