CIRCUS

2023 Schedule of classes

 

Caveat for SSCG Circus Classes:

Success in the circus arts is not obtained in one class or even over a series of classes.  Circus skills are acquired through discipline and commitment over time.  With society’s obsession with instant gratification, participants will, at the very least, realize the motto of ‘getting out what you put in’. 

Rather than focussing on the mastery of skills, our students will be offered the chance to learn the Salt Spring Circus and Gymnastics' core values of participation, patience, practice, perseverance and a positive mindset in order to progress in the circus arts.

Good fitness levels are an advantage, but grit, a positive attitude and a growth mindset are required to progress in this program.  Please ensure all registrants understand that learning in these programs is much more than just mastering the circus skills.  We hope all participants will walk away with life skills that will give them increased confidence, fortitude and resilience.

 

NEW

Circus 1- Friday 2:00-3:15 $250

Circus 1- Friday 5:15-6:30 $250

Circus 2- Friday 3:30-4:45 $250

Ages 7-10

This class is geared toward younger learners, where participants will be introduced to playful but capacity-building conditioning techniques, and basic movements/poses on a collection of circus equipment. Students will be exposed to a variety of props and aerial apparatus, acro-balance, clowning and other circus equipment. We will focus on nurturing participant creativity and team work while practicing safe ways to move and explore.  The class will be physically challenging so the ability to hang from monkey-bars, climb trees, and perform sit-ups/plank hold/assisted pull-ups is recommended. Students of all ages will learn about their own capacity and the class will focus on what students are able to do within their own strengths, interests and fitness levels, while building connections with others.

Circus 2 prerequisite- Circus 1 or prior circus training, age 7 by the first day of class.

 

NEW

Circus Fundamentals 

Saturday 1:15-2:45 $270

Ages 11+

This is an introduction to a variety of circus disciplines, where students will learn conditioning techniques and basic movements on a collection of aerial apparatus and circus equipment. Whether participants have a bit of circus experience or are just starting out, this class will offer foundational skills that pay attention to injury prevention and set students up to safely learn their interests and move on to intermediate levels. Depending on participants’ own physical threshold, students will learn a series of movements and poses on a variety of equipment, including silks, hammocks, dance trapeze, lyra hoop, cube, German Wheel, unicycles, props and partner/group acrobatics. There is no prerequisite, however, the class will be physically challenging so the ability to hang from a bar and perform sit-ups/plank hold/assisted pull-ups is recommended. Students of all ages will learn about their own capacity and the class will focus on what students are able to do within their own strengths, interests and fitness levels.

NEW

Intermediate Circus

Wednesday 6:30-8:15 $385

Age 11+

This is an intermediate level circus class geared toward motivated learners, where participants will further their conditioning techniques and prepare for a variety of circus disciplines. Students will rotate through stations that develop their skills on a collection of aerial apparatus, including trapeze, hammocks, silks, lyra, partner and group acrobatics, props, unicycles and handstands. Prerequisites require participants to have solid aerial skills, where students can already demonstrate stamina and skill using aerial gear. This includes being able to climb to the top of a silk, safely invert, straddle climb, foot lock, and hold their body weight for an extended period of time while in the air. Students will be supported within their own capacity, and given tools to improve a variety of circus crafts while building supportive connections with classmates.

Intermediate Circus prerequisite- Circus Fundamentals or prior circus training,  age 11 by the first day of class.

 

NEW

Fundamentals of Aerials 1 $330

Fundamentals of Aerials 2 $330

Ages 11+

Students will be introduced to conditioning and basic movements on a collection of aerial apparatus. Whether participants are just starting out or have climbed silks or tried aerials before,  this class will offer foundational skills that will stress the importance of injury prevention and set students up to safely move on to intermediate levels. Depending on participants’ own physical threshold, students will be able to string together a series of movements and poses on a variety of equipment, including silks, hammocks, dance trapeze and lyra hoop. There is no prerequisite, however, the class will be physically challenging so the ability to hang from a bar and perform sit-ups/plank hold/assisted pull-ups is recommended. Students of all ages will learn about their own capacity and the class will focus on what students are able to do within their own strengths, interests and fitness levels.

Fundamentals of Aerials 2 prerequisite- Fundamentals of Aerials 1,  age 11 by the first day of class.

 

 

NEW

Clowning

Wednesday 4:30-6:00 $330

Ages 10+

This class is for anyone interested in finding their freedom through play. In clown we learn to engage with the audience and share our emotions openly, we will take time to understand the genius of failure and the brilliance of chaos. These qualities develop a strong performer capable of being open and present in front of a crowd, this is truly a gift to an audience and a real act of courage for the performer. A performer with clown skills is ready for anything and always makes the best of any situation. Come and learn to embrace your silly, wacky and wild self.  We want to encourage a wide range of ages to come together in this class! We will find more avenues for creativity when we mix people together that have a variety of experiences. So don't be shy! This class is for everyone!

NEW

Juggling and Props

Saturday 12:00-1:00 $120

Ages 9+

6 week course-  October 7-November 18

Anyone interested in learning the art of prop manipulation, this is the class for you.  Circus learners will be able to develop their skills in juggling (scarves, balls, rings and pins), hooping, poi, diabolo, flags, devil sticks and plate spinning. Students will be introduced using scaffolded teaching techniques and partner work, as well as through playful challenges and exercises. No experience is necessary, but the ability to follow instructions, show perseverance, and a willingness to demonstrate repetitive practice to develop brain pathways for new throwing and spinning techniques is recommended.  A variety of props will be available to purchase for practice at home.

NEW

Adult Aerials- Saturday 10-11:30 $270

Ages 16+

This is a fundamentals level adult aerial class, where students will be introduced to conditioning and basic movements on a collection of aerial apparatus. Whether participants have taken a previous class or are just starting out, this course will offer foundational skills that pay attention to injury prevention, muscle development and scaffolded techniques that set students up to safely develop skills on a variety of aerial equipment. Depending on participants’ own physical threshold, students will be able to discover their abilities through learning sequences adapted to their own abilities.  There is no prerequisite, however, the class will be physically challenging so the ability to hang from a bar and perform sit-ups/plank hold/assisted pull-ups is recommended. Students will learn about their own capacity and modifications will be provided when needed. The class will focus on what students are able to do within their own strengths, interests and fitness levels.  Open, supportive, adventuresome attitudes are a must!

NEW

Advanced Circus

Friday 7:00-8:45 $315

Ages 11+

This is an advanced level circus class geared toward motivated learners who have significant experience, skill, and a high fitness level. Participants will learn and practice conditioning techniques that prepare them for performance aerial arts, advanced drops and sequences. In this class, students will rotate through stations that develop their skills in a variety of circus disciplines that may include trapeze, hammocks, silks, lyra, cube, German wheel, partner and group acro, props and unicycling. Prerequisites require participants to enter class with a high fitness level and solid aerial skills, where students can already demonstrate stamina when using aerial gear. This includes being able to climb to the top of a silk, safely invert, straddle climb, foot lock, and hold their body weight for an extended period of time while in the air. Students will be supported within their own capacity and interests, and given tools to improve their muscle endurance, form and aerial sequences in the air while building positive and supportive connections with classmates.