Circus Workshops
Workshops run from the one hour needed to jump start a life long juggling habit, to multi-week residencies that end in an original show. Classes typically combine three or more elements of circus, including juggling, tumbling, balance and clown. Classes in specific skills are also offered. Circus culture and history can be added to create a multidisciplinary learning environment.
Juggling
- Scarves
- balls
- rings
- clubs
- fire
- diabolo or Chinese yo-yo
- poi
- spinning plates
Balance
This discipline ranges from the simple pride of a balancing a feather on one's chin to balancing on other object such as a unicycle, slack rope, stilts or ladders.
Tumbling and Acro-Balance
Learn to build and balance your body with others. Acro-balance (also known as static acrobatics, partner acrobatics, human pyramids and adagio) uses counter-balance to create shapes with multiple bodies. Learn to make a wall, candlestick, fallen angel, 4-stack, and shoulder sits and shoulder stands.
Clowning
Bring in the clowns! You’re scared of them, they made your brother cry and now it’s time to be one. In this whirlwind introduction to clown, leave props behind and don “the nose”. Slapstick, classic schtick, character clowning and mime are all forms we can explore. Feel comfortable on stage when all else fails and make us laugh. Lots of games will be played in this all ages class.
Why Circus?
There is a place for everyone in the circus. While someone may not be the best 5 ball juggler, they are probably a great clown and the master diabolo player might not be a stellar ringmaster. Learning new skills empowers people. Everyone feels like they are learning something together and go on to create a work of art to share with their friends and family. Working together to build human pyramids and pass juggling balls builds co-operation and communication.
Ages
Everyone loves the circus, but ages 9 and older are best suited for learning the skills of juggling and human pyramids. It's never too late to learn to juggle.