Viva Circus Festival Returns in 2026, Marking 20 Years of Building Malaysia’s Aerial Arts Movement

 

A five-day celebration of contemporary circus, aerial performance and community experiences to grow Malaysia’s aerial arts ecosystem

Viva Vertical today officially unveiled Viva Circus Festival 2026, a five-day celebration of aerial arts, circus performance and immersive public experiences taking place from 15 to 19 April at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama E. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by industry voices, including Malaysian singer-actress, Dr Soo Wincci, alongside aerial arts practitioners and creative professionals.

Marking two decades of building Malaysia’s aerial movement community, the festival reflects Viva Vertical’s journey from a training studio into a platform that nurtures talent and connects Malaysian performers to regional and international opportunities.

Nana Shan Liew

“Viva Circus Festival is not just about aerial as fitness. It is about how performance transforms people, physically, mentally and emotionally,” said 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.”

Globally, the wellness economy reached US$6.3 trillion in 2023, reflecting growing interest in movement experiences that support both physical and mental well-being. The festival comes at a time when people are increasingly seeking movement that blends fitness, creativity and personal expression. 

Bringing Aerial Arts From Studio to Stage

Founded in 2006, Viva Vertical is Malaysia’s first dedicated circus school and home to the Viva Circus troupe, known for its strong standards in both performance and safety. The troupe has performed across Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong, gaining recognition for its creativity and technical expertise.

Building on this foundation, Viva Circus Festival 2026 returns with a programme that brings together performances, competitions and public experiences, showcasing Malaysia’s growing aerial arts scene. Highlights include the original Viva Circus production Alice Lost in Wonderland, the 2026 Viva Circus Festival Awards Malaysia (VCFA), and immersive aerial experiences for the public.

Noah Yap

For the first time, the VCFA will exclusively celebrate local aerial and pole talent who are Malaysian or residing in Malaysia, spotlighting homegrown performers and strengthening the local aerial arts community.

The festival will also premiere Viva Circus Production – Alice Lost in Wonderland, an original show that blends storytelling, choreography and aerial performance.

“Alice Lost in Wonderland is a celebration of imagination and transformation,” said Noah Yap, Show & Artistic Director of Alice Lost in Wonderland. “The production brings together seasoned performers and emerging talents, creating a space where experience guides new voices. It reflects what Viva stands for, using performance to nurture growth, creativity and confidence.”

New this year is the introduction of the Safe to Fly experience, which expands the festival beyond stage performances and invites the public to explore aerial movement in a safe and guided environment.

Building Malaysia’s Aerial Arts Ecosystem

Beyond performances and competitions, Viva Circus Festival reflects Viva Vertical’s broader mission to strengthen Malaysia’s aerial arts ecosystem. Over the past 20 years, the studio has nurtured performers, trained instructors and created platforms for Malaysian aerial talent to grow and connect with international opportunities.

As part of these efforts, Viva Vertical is currently in the process of applying to the relevant authorities to establish a national aerial sports association.

“Ultimately, Viva Circus Festival is about creating opportunities,” Nana added. “Opportunities for people to discover aerial movement, for performers to develop their craft, and for Malaysian talent to be recognised beyond our borders.”

Dr. Soo Wincci

Kyleen Ortiz

During the press conference, Viva Vertical also hosted a fireside chat featuring Nana Shan Liew, Director of Viva Vertical; Noah Yap, Show & Artistic Director of Alice Lost in Wonderland; Kayleen Ortiz, international Pole Champion and Creative Director of Polecats Manila; and Dr. Soo Wincci, Malaysian singer-actress. The discussion explored how aerial arts training, performance and creative production can nurture talent beyond the studio while strengthening Malaysia’s growing aerial arts ecosystem. 

The session concluded with a live aerial demonstration, offering the media a preview of the athletic discipline and artistic storytelling audiences can expect at the festival.

For more information, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/vivavertical/