Fire & Music
Welcome to the Secret Cabaret
Written and Photographed by James Alan Duran, @deathbyjames
Los Angeles, California, USA
In either 1901 or 1902, my great great grandfather ran away from home and joined the circus at only 13 years old. For the next 30+ years my family would be a part of the traveling circus, doing everything from music to trapeze to contortionism. Over 100 years later, it all came full circle as I found myself photographing a literal circus in Los Angeles, CA called The Secret Circus LA.
Taking place at a random warehouse in Downtown Los Angeles, The Secret Circus featured a variety of back to back performances including burlesque, pole dancing, fire, & music (just to name a few) while drinks, art, and custom pipes were being sold by various vendors. During the several intermissions, I snapped portraits of the people in attendance who sported everything from holiday themed costumes and full face makeup to suits and cocktail dresses, a fashion melting pot. Even with so much going on, I was able to speak with one of the event producers and the host for the evening - performance artist Chanel & The Circus, who gave an overview of the underground showcase:
“The Secret Circus is a queer cabaret showcasing local acts and bringing together all types of social groups in a DTLA warehouse. Our night usually includes burlesque, aerial, comedy, pole dancing, drag, fire, and music ending with a dance party. You can find the secret info for our next show at @thesecretcircusla (IG)”
While the location of The Secret Circus is unknown to the public until right before the event, it should be no secret that this production is worth experiencing if you’re in the mood for some excitement. Follow @thesecretcircusla & @chanelandthecircus on Instagram for more info on the next one, you’re guaranteed to see something you haven’t seen before - take it from a guy that’s got circus in his blood.
