Pole dance and aerial arts studio Viva Vertical has officially unveiled Viva Circus Festival 2026 for its return to Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) at 1 Utama E, the mall’s newest wing, from April 15-19, 2026.
The 5-day celebration will feature aerial arts, circus performances, pole and aerial competitions, immersive public experiences, “Alice Lost in Wonderland” performances and the Viva Circus Festival Awards.
Viva Vertical director Nana Shan Liew said the Viva Circus Festival is not just about aerial as fitness but rather about how performance transforms people, physically, mentally and emotionally.
“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,” she said at a press conference announcing the event at Viva Vertical Malaysia, PJ Midtown @ Petaling Jaya on March 27, 2026.
The event was attended by industry voices, including Malaysian singer, actress, entrepreneur and academic 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.
For the first time, the Viva Circus Festival Awards 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. Public performances will take place on April 18 at 2pm and 7pm.
Featuring over 60 cast members, the production brings together experienced performers and emerging talents in a collaborative format that reflects Viva Vertical’s philosophy of mentorship and growth.
“Alice Lost in Wonderland is a celebration of imagination and transformation.
“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.” said Noah Yap, show and artistic director of Alice Lost in Wonderland.
New offering this year, the festival provides ‘Safe to Fly’ experiences to the public to explore aerial movement in a safe and guided environment.
The event also featured a fireside chat with Nana Shan Liew, Noah Yap, Dr Soo Wincci and Kayleen Ortiz, an international pole champion and creative director of Polecats Manila, exploring 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.
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.
Viva Circus Festival reflects Viva Vertical’s 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 formally working with the relevant authorities to establish a national aerial sports association, aiming to advance the sport of aerial arts.
