A booming voice backed by bass envelops the stage as Circ X dancers contort their bodies. Above, acrobats soar with gymnastic ease. By comparison, the sometimes risqué soundtrack seems tame. This is just a peek into the wild world of Circ X.

Following a set of sold-out shows last fall, Circ X returns this summer with another series of provocative performances. The troupe, established in Miami in 2002, features a collection of varied performers, ranging from jugglers to burlesque dancers, working to create a local platform for creative risk.

With such a large crew, director Diana Lozano faced many challenges in putting together a cohesive project. Knight Foundation’s support—Circ X was a 2013 Knight Arts Challenge winner—has helped to ease a sizable share of her non-creative concerns.

“With over a 30-person cast, crew and creative team, one of the greatest challenges in putting on this type of production is the cost involved,” Lozano said. “Normally Circ X is hired by corporate clients to provide entertainment for events and private parties. However, as artists at heart we wanted to produce something that was independent from the corporate dollar.”

The troupe’s recitals create a distinct form of collaborative entertainment, blurring the line between artistic intensity, outrageous comedy and sexual promiscuity.

“Presented in the classic variety show format, audiences can expect an array of short format acts from the beautiful to the bizarre,” Lozano said. “Our catchphrase being ‘one part circus, two parts burlesque, a pinch of class and a dash of trash,’ this rendition of the show will feature an opera singing drag queen, a salsa dancing juggler … and provocative choreographies incorporating dance theater, aerial and burlesque.”  

Circ X also provides its artists an opportunity to perform the show to their own specifications.

“Stereotypically, Miami is mostly known for its nightlife and beautiful people,” said Lozano. “However, the Miami I know is also rich with amazing creative talent. Unfortunately there are not many places where these artists can display their unique work … Cities across the U.S. have thriving cabarets; it’s time that Miami claims its own.”

Circ X performs at 9 p.m. June 26 and at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. June 27 at the Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater.

Alec Schwartzman is an editorial intern for Knight Foundation. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @AMSchwartzman.