🎪 Do you want to become a circus artist?

 

Discover circus schools in Italy and Latin America

The circus has always been a magical place: lights, laughter, flying trapeze artists, clowns making people laugh, and acrobats defying gravity. But did you know that in different countries there are circus schools where children and young people can start learning early and, over time, become true professional artists?

In this article, we’ll explain how this adventurous world works, from the first steps to the major international companies.

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🌟 1. Types of schools and training

🎓 Higher Professional Schools (University Level – Italy)

When a young person has finished secondary school and is over 18, they can aspire to enter a professional circus academy.
The most prestigious in Italy is:

• Accademia d'Arte Circense di Verona

  • Founded in 1988, it is the oldest state circus academy in Italy and one of the most important in Europe.

  • Offers a three-year program that trains artists ready to work in circuses and companies around the world.

  • Requirements: secondary school diploma, excellent physical condition, passing very demanding auditions (strength, flexibility, acrobatics, balance).

🤹 Schools and courses for children and youth (Italy)

Before reaching a professional academy, children can start at local circus schools, which function like gyms or sports associations, where kids learn in a safe and fun way.

Some of the most well-known in Italy are:

• Scuola di Circo Corsaro (Naples)

• Scuola di Cirko Vertigo (Turin)

• Piccola Scuola di Circo (Milan)

• Flic Scuola di Circo (Turin) – one of the largest.

• Circo Libera Tutti (Rome)

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🌎 2. Circus schools in Latin America

Circus arts also flourish in Latin America, with schools combining tradition, innovation, and social commitment. Here are some notable examples:

• 🎪 La Tarumba (Peru): a professional school with a three-year program integrating circus techniques, dance, theater, and music. Trains creative and leadership-focused artists (according to CAEC).

• 🎭 Escola Nacional de Circo Luiz Olimecha (Brazil): the only circus institution maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Culture. Offers a Basic Course and a Technical Course in Circus Arts.

• 🤹 CIRKO DE MENTE (Mexico): offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Circus Arts, with specializations in acrobatics, juggling, and aerial techniques.

• 🎭 CircoChile.cl (Chile): known for training programs through artistic residencies, such as the “Integral Contemporary Circus Residency,” which combines circus technique, theater, dance, and dramaturgy.

📌 Resources to find more schools in the region

• Circus Cartography: a portal listing professional training schools across the continent.

• Network of Circus Schools (CAEC): a directory to consult centers and programs, including La Tarumba and other projects.

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👶 3. Requirements and enrollment process for a child

Entering a circus school as a child is simple and does not require prior experience.

• Starting age: 4–6 years old (psychomotor and circus-play activities).

• From 7–8 years old, more technical disciplines begin, such as acrobatics, fabrics, and trapeze.

Basic requirements:

• Medical certificate of good health.

• Registration form signed by parents.

• Payment of tuition (usually quarterly or annually).

• Appropriate clothing: leotard or tight pants, t-shirt, barefoot or non-slip socks.

👉 Many centers offer a free trial class so children can see if they like the environment.

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🤸 4. What children learn at circus school

In these schools, teaching is progressive, fun, and safe. Children learn:

• Floor acrobatics: rolls, cartwheels, balance.

• Juggling: balls, clubs, diabolo.

• Balance: tightrope, giant ball, stilts.

• Aerial disciplines: fabrics and trapeze (low height, with mats).

• Body expression and theater: because a circus artist also tells stories.

All is taught in a non-competitive environment, where the focus is on playing, collaborating, and building self-confidence.

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🎭 5. And afterwards? Future prospects

A child who starts in these schools can grow to a professional level.

• Youth companies: some centers form groups that perform at festivals.

• Professional academies: such as Verona in Italy or Luiz Olimecha in Brazil.

• Career opportunities: artists can work in:

  • Contemporary circuses (the most popular path).

  • International companies like Cirque du Soleil.

  • Physical theater, dance, and street performances.

  • Cruises, theme parks, and festivals.

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🎪 The case of Circo Paniko (Italy)

A modern and successful example:

• Circus without animals, focused on creativity and storytelling.

• Artists are versatile: performing, doing acrobatics, juggling, and telling stories.

• It’s a model of what it means to be a circus artist in the 21st century.

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📌 6. Practical information for parents

If your child dreams of becoming a circus artist:

1. Look for a local school in your city or region.

2. Ask for a free trial class.

3. Gather the documents: medical certificate, registration form, tuition.

4. Prepare comfortable clothing.

5. Let them have fun and gradually discover their talent.

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✨ The circus is not just a show: it’s a school of life, where children learn discipline, teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence.

And you? Would you dare to fly on the trapeze or make people laugh like a clown? 🎪🤹