Fairchild Wheeler Magnet School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant array of activities, giving students an opportunity to connect with Hispanic culture through art, dance, and thrilling live performances. Held on October 18th, the event featured everything from face painting and piñata-making to a travel circus, Cirque Kikasse, and dance sessions in the school’s black box theater.
The highlight of the day was Cirque Kikasse, a unique circus troupe from Quebec City consisting of four men and one woman who are not only skilled acrobats but also operate a fully functional food truck as part of their act. This is the group’s first year touring the United States since they formed in 2021. Their performance captivated the audience with daring stunts, including balancing upside-down on a stack of eight chairs, juggling, and a trampoline act that had students on the edge of their seats.
In an interview with William, the head acrobat of Cirque Kikasse, he shared that each member has a different backstory on what inspired them to work in this feild, and it took three to four years of rigorous training to master the stunts that wowed all the students just moments before. “Everyone in Cirque Kikasse has a unique story about what led them here,” he explained. “We’re all passionate about sharing this art and culture, and being here in the U.S. has been amazing.”
After the high-energy circus show, students enjoyed an immersive dance experience in the black box theater, where they could learn salsa and merengue from other students and teachers. The atmosphere was filled with music, laughter, and the colorful traditional attire worn by many students, allowing them to celebrate their own heritage and learn about others. This dance session aimed to teach students the significance of dance in Hispanic culture and the ways it connects people across generations.
Fairchild Wheeler’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration offered a space for students to not only have fun but also to deepen their understanding of cultural traditions. The day was a resounding success, showing the power of culture and community in bringing people together.
