A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR & FOUNDER
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense gratitude and pride for the remarkable progress and achievements we have witnessed at our organization. Our mission to nurture and inspire young talents in the performing arts has blossomed, thanks to the unwavering support and dedication of our community, staff, and, most importantly, our students.
This year, we have seen countless moments of growth, perseverance, and artistic brilliance, as our students have risen to new heights, embodying the true spirit of the performing arts. In the face of challenges, they have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for creativity to thrive.
In our annual report, we celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable young individuals, as well as the initiatives and programs that have paved the way for their success. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a community that nurtures talent, ignites passion, and empowers the next generation of artists to reach their full potential.
Together, let us continue to build a legacy of artistic excellence and make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the world of performing arts!
Claudine Choquette, Chair & Founder
MISSION, VISION & GOALS
Mission
Les Ailes Du Desir Foundation ( also operating under the fictitious name Miami Circus Arts Center) is a 503c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults in Miami's diverse communities by providing access to education and training in Circus Arts, fostering personal growth, artistic expression, and inclusivity for individuals of all abilities.
Vision
To become South Florida's leader in community-driven performing arts training, cultivating a vibrant cultural landscape and expanding job opportunities for young aspiring professionals in the Performing Arts sector, regardless of their learning or physical abilities.
Goals
1. Increase enrollment in Circus Arts programs by 20% each year over the next three years, with a focus on engaging underrepresented and differently-abled communities.
2. Establish at least 12 new partnerships with local schools and community organizations by the end of 2024 to expand our outreach and impact.
3. Develop our current scholarship program for underprivileged youth by 2024, to provide financial assistance to at least 10 aspiring performers each year.
4. Secure the acquisition of a dedicated facility by the end of 2023, providing a safe and inspiring space for our Circus Arts programs, fostering community engagement, and supporting the growth and development of the Performing Arts sector in South Florida.
MAIN PILLARS OF ACTIVITY
Education
In School and After School training and mentoring in our Allapatah facility.
Enrichment
Summer & Winter camps, outreach initiatives, partnerships with other foundations.
Awareness
Expand the visibility of circus arts through student shows, artistic collaboration, and youth outreach and its appeal for South Florida young artists.
Support
Providing coaching services and an affordable space for professionals to train all year long.
Claudine
Choquette
LADMMI in Montreal and subsequently at London Contemporary Dance School in 1994.
Claudine performed, taught Contemporary Dance and Ballet for two decades and discovered a
true passion and the wonderful world of Contemporary Circus in the late nineties at Circus Space
(known today as National Center for Circus Arts) while initiated to trapeze and other aerial
apparatus. With an undergrad and Master’s Degree of business administration, Claudine also has
a deep understanding of the slightest changes in the business environment and possess a strong
ability to make connections between various global events and world class organizations.
Claudine founded the Les Ailes du Desir Foundation which will specifically focuses on
articulating a structured and progressive training for under 18 years old that meets specific
hardship criteria such as emotional and/or financial distress in order to introduce and inspire
youth by using circus activities and encourage and allow positive self-expression through the
exploration of movement and different circus discipline.
Camillo
Ricordi
Board Member
Jerôme
Sordillon
At the age of 4, he started artistic gymnastics and began competing two years later. Motivated by
a desire to learn and to reach perfection, he trained for 16 years. His perseverance has been
rewarded many times, winning several medals in French championships. While studying mechanical computer-integrated manufacturing, Confucius’s quote “Choose a job you love and you will not have to work a single day in your life” suddenly made sense.
Overnight, he took off to Canada and discovered aerial straps at the National Circus School in
Montreal. A new life began for Jerome as he learned aerial straps and hand to hand. Jerome won
a medal at the biggest circus competition of the world in Paris (Le Festival Mondial du Cirque de
Demain). Never forgetting where he came from, he works on every continent and for the most
prestigious circus company of the world, Cirque du Soleil. He is now working on Cirque’s first
ice-show, “Crystal,“ and is always ready for new challenges.
Andrew
Zaro
Darya
Vintilova
Ana Maria
Recalde
Interested in joigning the board?
2022 IN NUMBERS
The general tendency is very encouraging, more and more people are aware of our programming and are coming on a regular basis, helping spread awarness and increasing our revenues, which allowed us to provide more classes, fostering a positive growth throughout the year.
Attendance
5,543
People took a class in 2022
Growth
+20%
Growth in revenues year-on-year
Classes
420
+25% year-on-year
Dedication
600
Miles, that's the furthest a student drove to attend our classes
Retention
80%
+50% year-on-year
Shows
15
Presented to Miami-Dade audiences
Satisfaction
99%
Of ours students say their self-confidence has improved thanks to our classes
Programming
40
Classes offered per week throughout the year
DEMOGRAPHICS
We are fully dedicated to creating an inclusive space where everyone is welcome and trained according to their specific needs. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and we are hard at work to diversify even further our scheduling to appeal to more communities in 2023.
GENERAL INFO
Children
2,700
Adults
2,843
Of which 121 are professionals
Nationalities
35
Nationalities represented between staff and clients
DETAILED
Hispanic
35%
African-American
5%
Special needs
5%
LGBT
10%
Women
75%
IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Over the past year, we have made a significant impact on local communities in South Florida by providing accessible and inclusive education and training in Circus Arts. Our programs have touched the lives of countless individuals, promoting personal growth, artistic expression, and social cohesion.
Through our diverse range of classes and workshops, we have empowered children and adults from various backgrounds to develop their creative and physical skills, regardless of their learning or physical abilities. Our participants have gained confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging, while also benefiting from improved physical health and mental wellbeing.
We take great pride in our commitment to inclusivity and strive to ensure that our programs reach underrepresented and differently-abled communities. By collaborating with local schools and community organizations, we have successfully expanded our outreach efforts, offering scholarships to underprivileged youth and fostering a more equitable and diverse cultural landscape.
In addition to nurturing the next generation of performers, our impact extends to the broader community. Our annual showcases and events have brought together people from all walks of life, fostering a spirit of unity and appreciation for the arts. These events have not only provided a platform for our talented students to shine but have also raised awareness about the transformative power of Circus Arts education.
Community events
15
Split between Career days, affordable events, free workshops and open doors activities
Reach
+2500
Children from underserved communities reached through our events and outreach efforts
Scholarships
+80
Children were able to attend a class through our Scholarship Fund
Satisfaction
99%
Of parents reported a positive impact on their children based on their participation in our year-round programming
SHOWS
We more than doubled the production of original shows last year, presenting 15 shows to Miami audiences and more than 50 activations. With the addition of Nicolas Allard to our team, we can now propose world-class performances to audiences and clients.
Shows
15
Created as original productions of Miami Circus Arts Center
Activations
+50
Our artists performed for more than 50 events through the year for various instutions and clients
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
For the 4th year in a row, we have seen an increase in revenues, going from 62K in 2019 to an impressive 517K in 2022. This growth is mainly due to the increase of our classes offering, new partners for events and the constant effort in securing grants and donations from both public and private sources.
Revenues
$513,021
+20% year-on-year
Donations
143
Split between in-kind, grants & events
Averages
$20 - $25K
Average donation range
Opportunities for Growth
1. Increase our individual donor base
2. Increase Federal and State funding
3. Plan for Give Miami Day
4. Increase our partnerships with schools and community programs
PROUD PARTNERS
OBJECTIVES FOR 2023
Acquisition
As the owner of our facility is currently looking to sell, we are looking to gather funds to acquire it to ensure the perennity of our operations.
+20%
Growth compared to 2022
+3500
Youth from underserved communities reached through our different outreach programs
+20
Community Events
Increase
Our presence in Schools afterschool curriculums
Canada
The bounds between our team members and Canada is strong, which might lead us to branching out in Canada to develop a new bilateral pole of partnerships and economic development.
SUPPORT US
By contributing, you help us provide accessible classes, foster talent, and create unforgettable shows that inspire creativity and self-confidence in our communities.
Miami Circus Arts Center is a fictitious name for Les Ailes du Desir Foundation Inc. (LADD) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
1395 NW 22st
Miami, Florida, 33142
☎️ (786)478-5891
