‘C!rca’ troupe showcases artistry and athleticism

Australian performing troupe Circa is not your typical circus, a la Ringling Brothers.

You won’t find lions, elephants or any other type of wild animal during a Circa show. Instead, the contemporary circus group highlights the beauty and strength of the human body through artistic movement and athletic feats.

The troupe makes its Hawaii debut Friday, April 12 and 13 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall with its main-stage show "C!RCA."

Since its creation by director Yaron Lif­schitz in 2006, Circa has toured 24 countries across five continents, amazing audiences with its mix of acrobatics and tumbling.

"Circa’s mission is to create circus that moves the heart, the mind and the soul," Lif­schitz said. "It is simple, really: Let’s treat circus like it’s an art form and see how powerful, moving and challenging we can make our (work)."

"C!RCA" features seven performers in a 75-minute show. The men are shirtless with long pants, and women wear balletlike leotards, allowing the audience to see every muscle used as they twist, turn, lift and throw.

Lifschitz says the show is fun for everyone.

"Great bodies doing amazing things with awesome control and trust and joy — it’s perfect for all ages," he said.