Brooklyn Circus School Finds Support in Local Community, But Another Big Top is Imminent

Although Ringling Bros. closed after 146 years in business back in 2017, the circus is far from dead. It's just thriving in new ways. An infectiously "a-Muse-ing" circus school based in Bushwick has seen firsthand the support of the circus arts from the local community. And while their real estate troubles have quieted for now, the troupe will have to relocate in three years' time.</P>

The Muse Brooklyn, a circus arts studio known for its affordable classes and events, first moved into its current space in 2015. In so doing, the company converted an old stone factory into a colorful studio that regularly flies people through the air. The <a href="https://www.cokinoslaw.com/news/research-facts/">U.S. construction market was worth</a> $1,162 billion in 2016, but owner Angela Buccinni Butch had no idea at the time that the renovation would be the easy part -- despite spending over $400,000 in upgrades over the past few years to ensure the safety and comfort of all.

The building, located on Moffat Street, falls under the city's loft law, which complicates regulations for use. Last summer, the Muse experienced permitting issues that prompted the company to cancel all events booked in the space -- despite the fact that those events are essential for financing community programming and the true costs of classes. At the time, Butch was facing the possibility of bankruptcy and saw no other option than to close the studio she'd worked so hard to build.

But fortunately, the Muse's impact on the community did not go unnoticed. Between its multiple locations and its mission to bring physical activity and joyful play to these neighborhoods it's no wonder that area families rallied to ensure that The Muse wouldn't close its doors just yet. Supporters wrote letters to city officials, an act which resulted in an agreement being reached between owner and landlord. That agreement will allow The Muse Brooklyn to remain in its current location for the next three years.

With that happy news, the company can continue doing what it does best. Many classes are geared towards beginners and aim to remove the intimidating (and often expensive) connotation of the circus arts. Since over 80% of adults don't meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, The Muse can keep doing its part to help New Yorkers get active. There's even an event for kids taking place next month to encourage a love of the circus from an early age.

What's next for The Muse Brooklyn is a bit up in the air -- but then again, they're probably used to that. For now, they can continue to call Moffat Street home and give up the "traveling" component that seemed to be such an integral component of circuses of the past.

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The Only 4 Hotels You Should Stay In Miami

 Tired of the cold and looking for a little getaway? Well look no further because in less than three hours you could be on a beach in Miami enjoying the rays and having the time of your life. Planning a trip can be a little stressful but don’t worry we got you covered, so all you have to do is remember to pack your bathing suit. Here’s a list of four of the most luxurious hotels that will make your trip one to remember.

Photo courtesy of Faena

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

 This high-end hotel overlooks the gorgeous Miami Beach and is only two miles from the Miami Beach Golf Club and six miles from the birds and animals at Jungle Island zoo. Faena Hotel is “a place unlike any other” and is was one of Forbes top five star hotel within its first year of opening. As described by Alan Faena this hotel was created for “a new paradigm of the Miami lifestyle, one where design, refined hospitality, and culture converge.” Amenities include 3 polished restaurants, a pair of hip bars and an ornate cabaret theater, plus a chic spa, a beautifully decorated outdoor pool and a fitness room. Faena Hotel is for sure an experience worth the trip and it’s one of the coolest and most exclusive hotels in Miami.

Pelican Hotel Miami

The Pelican is the first hotel created by Italian fashion giant Renzo Rosso owner of Diesel. Located in the heart of the famous “Deco District” in Miami Beach, the Pelican is one of Miami’s finest hotels. The Pelican takes pride in their attention to detail which allows them to maintain the title of one of the greats. The Art Deco hotel has become a hit with the fashion, music and publishing set for its intriguing decor. Every one of the 29 rooms is completely different from the other which allows its guests to experience something different. Amenities include happy hour, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and is pet-friendly. With its whimsical nature, the Pelican Hotel is a quirky, surreal, state-of-the-art hotel that is sure to bring the childish side out of everyone.

Washington Park Hotel

Located in the heart of South Beach just two blocks from Miami Beach's most pristine powder-sand beaches and a half mile from Lincoln Road and the SoFi District, the Washington Park Hotel is a collection of four landmarked Art Deco hotels. The Washington Park Hotel is a hotel reimagined and is respectfully updated with a modern design sensibility and a unified boutique hotel concept. Amenities include a pool, hot yoga, a fitness center, access to the TUK TUK (shuttle), and martone bikes to explore the island. Washington Park Hotel is much more than just a hotel but strives for it to be more of place to interact with people and have a space of connections between people. “Our guests are individuals with unique needs, but we see more than that; we see an evolving community of thinkers and doers, of people choosing to explore life fully.”

The Standard Spa

Miami can be quite the party scene and if you aren’t really a party-goer than, The Standard Spa Hotel is a perfect fit for a relaxing getaway. The Standard Spa reimagines the modern spa experience and believes that every guest should go home feeling better, calmer and more grounded…”the ideal cure for this topsy-turvy world.” The Standard is a hydrotherapy paradise, complimentary to hotel guests, there’s a Turkish-style hammam, aroma steam room, Roman waterfall hot tub, Finnish sauna, arctic plunge, treatment baths, mud lounge, and an infinity pool. Last, but not least, guests are invited to partake in treatments from experts specializing in everything from nails and skincare to massage and acupuncture. Sounds like the perfect escape.

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