Aerial Circus in Brazil Highlights Healing for Victims of Violence

Performers captivated an audience on a beach in Niteroi, Brazil with an aerial circus show aimed at raising awareness about violence against women. The piece, titled “Alone we are petals, together we are roses,” debuted on Saturday, showcasing the strength and resilience of female victims of gender-based violence. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Rio de Janeiro‘s iconic landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, the performance combined artistry with a powerful message.

The performance featured six women and two men, beginning with a dramatic portrayal of a woman in a pink bodysuit on stilts, who is initially knocked down by male performers. As the narrative unfolds, she reclaims her strength, ultimately returning on even taller stilts. This transformation symbolizes the journey from victimhood to empowerment. “After we go through all of this, we grow even more. We become stronger,” said Rosa Caitanya Hamilton Azevedo, the artist portraying the victim, who has also experienced gender-based violence.

The project was created by Juliana Berti Abduch, who initiated the Suspended Circus Acrobatics project in 2020. While the group’s first performance in 2023 focused on domestic violence, this new show expands the conversation to encompass various forms of violence against women. Berti Abduch explained that participating in the project offers healing opportunities for artists who have faced trauma. “From the moment they start the classes, they begin to overcome their limitations,” she noted, emphasizing the positive impact on their overall well-being and security.

Approximately 100 people attended the performance, drawn by the striking visuals of aerial hoops, trapezes, and silks. Some audience members paused their beach activities to witness the impactful display. “I found it impactful,” remarked Fabiane Curione de Medeiros, a spectator. “I think the message—that women need to unite and expose the violence—needs to become a reality.”

The issue of violence against women in Brazil is pressing. According to a 2025 report by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, more than one in three women in the country experienced sexual or gender-based violence within a year, marking the highest figures since records began in 2017. All forms of violence against women have surged since then.

The performance also highlighted alarming statistics during the show, including the fact that a woman was raped every six minutes in Brazil last year, as reported by the same forum. “The show generates a heavy atmosphere because we talk about the situation,” Hamilton Azevedo commented. “But we also show that there are paths and strategies to fight against it.”

By blending art with activism, the performers aim to foster hope while addressing a critical social issue. “We wanted to move away from that place of sadness and hold onto hope that the future will be better,” Hamilton Azevedo explained. The message is clear: through art, sport, and the empowerment of women, a brighter future can be built.