A new club in Cumberland County is bringing together circus enthusiasts of all experience levels. The Crossville Circus Club, founded by local performer Ché Rippinger, offers a creative outlet for those interested in circus arts like juggling, hoop dancing, and acrobatics.
Rippinger said she started the group to grow the local circus community and to create a welcoming space for people to explore performance art as both a hobby and a profession.
“Like any creative outlet—whether it’s painting or music—circus performance gives people a way to express themselves and lift their spirits,” Rippinger said.
The club is primarily organized through Facebook but also hosts in-person meetups. These gatherings include skill-share sessions, where members try out each other’s props and techniques in a collaborative setting.
“No experience is necessary,” Rippinger added. “It’s a space for anyone who’s curious about the circus arts.”
Some members already perform in town at events like birthday parties and festivals. Group performances may be part of the club’s future, but for now, the focus is on community, fun, and learning from one another.