Altiora (The Gym)
Altiora is a space where you can experience alternative cross-genre performing arts, such as cabaret, burlesque, and circus. The name, Altiora, comes from the inscription in stone above the main entrance urging students to Seek Higher Things.
The venue is a permanent home for circus, physical theatre and performers in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Circus, comedy, cabaret, drag, burlesque, indie music and dance shows are regularly programmed as well as education, development, practice, experimentation and teacher training workshops.
To see what’s coming up visit Altiora's event calendar.
The Gymnasium was designed and built in 1908 in Gothic Revival style for Christchurch Boys’ High School, and then passed to Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury) until the university moved to Ilam.
This unique space is also available for private hire. Click here to find out more.
About Danny Lee Syme, Creative Director of Altiora
Danny is a sixth-generation Cantabrian of Scandinavian, Germanic and British descent, and identifies as Tangata Tiriti. He is one of Aotearoa’s leading circus and physical theatre practitioners.
Danny is a cross-genre director, producer, choreographer, and performing artist. He regularly teaches all ages and abilities. He was a founding member of the Christchurch Circus Trust, The Loons Circus Theatre Company, and Circotica. In 2020, he founded Cirko Kali with the aim of developing the performing arts in Canterbury and nationwide.
Danny’s qualifications include: National Certificate in Māori Studies, Diploma in Circus Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, and Master of Professional Practice in Performing Arts. He is trained in martial arts and achieved an Oceania Gold Medal in Kung Fu/Wushu in 2014.
