Viva Vertical has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Viva Circus Festival 2026, a five-day celebration of aerial arts, circus performance, and immersive public experiences set to take place from 15 to 19 April 2026 at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC).
The announcement was made during a vibrant press conference attended by key industry voices, including Malaysian singer-actress Dr Soo Wincci, alongside aerial arts practitioners and creative professionals.
Celebrating 20 Years of Aerial Excellence
Marking two decades of shaping Malaysia’s aerial movement community, the festival reflects Viva Vertical’s evolution—from a pioneering training studio into a dynamic platform that nurtures talent and connects Malaysian performers to regional and international stages.
“Viva Circus Festival is not just about aerial as fitness. It is about how performance transforms people, physically, mentally and emotionally,” shared Nana Shan Liew, Director of Viva Vertical. “For the past 20 years, we have seen how aerial arts build confidence, discipline and self-expression. This festival brings that journey from the studio to the stage.”
With the global wellness economy reaching US$6.3 trillion in 2023, there is a growing appetite for experiences that combine movement, creativity, and mental well-being—making this festival especially timely.
From Studio to Stage: Aerial Arts in the Spotlight
Founded in 2006, Viva Vertical is Malaysia’s first dedicated circus school and home to the Viva Circus troupe, known for its strong emphasis on performance excellence and safety. Over the years, the troupe has performed across Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, earning recognition for both creativity and technical mastery.
This year’s festival builds on that legacy with a dynamic programme featuring performances, competitions, and interactive experiences that showcase the country’s growing aerial arts scene.
Festival Highlights Include:
- Viva Circus Production: Alice Lost in Wonderland
An original production blending storytelling, choreography, and aerial artistry. - Viva Circus Festival Awards Malaysia (VCFA) 2026
For the first time, the awards will exclusively spotlight Malaysian and Malaysia-based aerial and pole talent—celebrating homegrown performers. - Safe to Fly Experience
A new initiative inviting the public to explore aerial movement in a safe, guided environment.
“Alice Lost in Wonderland is a celebration of imagination and transformation,” said Noah Yap, Show & Artistic Director. “It brings together seasoned performers and emerging talents, creating a space where experience guides new voices.”
Building Malaysia’s Aerial Arts Ecosystem
Beyond the performances, Viva Circus Festival reflects a larger vision—to strengthen Malaysia’s aerial arts ecosystem. Over the past 20 years, Viva Vertical has played a key role in training instructors, developing performers, and opening pathways for Malaysian talent to access international opportunities.
As part of its continued efforts, Viva Vertical is currently working towards establishing a national aerial sports association, in collaboration with relevant authorities.
“Ultimately, Viva Circus Festival is about creating opportunities—for people to discover aerial movement, for performers to grow, and for Malaysian talent to be recognised beyond our borders,” Nana added.
Conversations, Creativity & Aerial Action
The press conference also featured a fireside chat with Nana Shan Liew, Noah Yap, Kayleen Ortiz (international Pole Champion and Creative Director of Polecats Manila), and Dr Soo Wincci. The discussion explored how aerial arts training and performance can nurture creativity, build discipline, and elevate Malaysia’s presence in the global performing arts scene.
The session concluded with a live aerial demonstration—offering a captivating preview of the athleticism and artistry audiences can expect at the festival.
Don’t Miss It
Whether you’re a performance enthusiast, fitness lover, or simply curious to experience something new, Viva Circus Festival 2026 promises a unique fusion of movement, storytelling, and creativity.
For updates and more information, follow Viva Vertical on Instagram.
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