Flying Gravity Circus, a nonprofit youth program for learning and performing circus arts, raised more than $10,000 during its annual winter gala performance Thursday, which featured more than 25 current and former Flying Gravity members juggling, tumbling, miming and building elaborate pyramids out of their bodies.

The event, held at at Pine Hill at High Mowing School, marked the fourth-annual “Starburst” gala for the Wilton-based youth program.

Artistic Director Jon Roitman said he has seen a huge burst of interest in Flying Gravity over the last three years, going from about 30 active members in either the pre-troupe classes or the performance troupes to about 60 this year. He said there was enough interest to add a new performance troupe.

“I think it’s more awareness of what we do,” Roitman said. “We’re continuing to solidify what we do, and trying to do what we do really well.”

What Flying Gravity does, Roitman said, is teach children fundamentals to high-level circus skills while increasing physical fitness, opening new possibilities for  artistic expression and inspiring audiences.

The Starburst fundraiser includes not only the current performance troupes, but also alumni and friends of Flying Gravity, some who have gone on to use their skills professionally.

“I think it’s a really integral part of our programming and DNA as an organization,” Roitman said of having children see what possible futures they have in the circus. “I, myself, am an alumni who came back and started running the program in 2012. Other alumni whether gone in circus careers or as a hobby – a lot of people keep it in their lives after graduating, and it’s inspiring to our current troupers to see that they can keep on in circus arts and keep it in their lives.”

Gretchen Ziegler, president of the board of trustees for Flying Gravity, said she has been involved a relatively short time, joining the board in April, but was immediately won over by the hard work and effort of the students.

“I have been extremely impressed by the work ethic of these young people, the skills they’ve learned, even at a young age. They’re very impressive, and it gives me a great deal of hope for young people. I’ve just been having a ball,” Ziegler said.

Samantha Miel, 16, of Lexington, Mass., has been a member of Flying Gravity for about three years, mainly focusing on dance trapeze, partner acrobatics and tumbling. She said she has been involved in gymnastics since she was a toddler, and got her first taste of youth circus while  watching a show when she was 7 years old, put on by Circus Smirkus, a traveling summer circus for youth performers.

“I fell in love immediately, and I said, ‘Mom, this is what I want to do,’” Samantha said.

While highly physical, it’s not like other sports, Samantha said.

“I like the community of circus. It’s a different world – it’s not a competition. Success doesn’t mean winning, it’s putting on a good show,” she said.

Samantha added that both the performers and audience are pulling for that outcome, which creates a positive experience.

“Performing is scary, when you’re young,” she said. “Being able to build that confidence is super important.”

Samantha said that’s a good lesson to learn along with the physical skills, which encourage coordination and motor skills. They also require the performer to know both where they are, and all other performers are within the space.

“You get that in a physical sense, but you also in an emotional sense. It teaches teamwork,” she said. “I would trust most people here with my life every day of the week.”

The fundraiser raises funds for the general operating budget of Flying Gravity, about 20% of which is used to provide financial aid for participating children, Ziegler said.

“The money in tuition nowhere near supports the instructors, team leaders and coaches. We strongly believe that every child should be allowed to participate, whether their family has the money or not,” Ziegler said.

Roitman said about $25,000 in scholarships are given out annually.

To make a donation to the Flying Gravity Circus, visit flyinggravitycircus.org. The troupe is scheduled to perform next on May 10 and May 11 at the Amato Center in Milford. Flying Gravity Circus is accepting new troupe members, and offers free trial classes.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.