AFUK – Academy For Utæmmet Kreativitet

AFUK , Akademiet For Utæmmet Kreativitet, is an art school located in Copenhagen , Denmark.

Its name can be translated as " Academy of Untamed Creativity ".

The institution develops a pedagogical approach based on experimentation , artistic expression , creativity and collective work .

Through its Cirkus & Scenekunst program, AFUK offers intensive training in contemporary circus and performing arts .

This training is aimed at both people wishing to discover an in-depth circus practice and experienced artists considering a professional career.

An intensive training in contemporary circus

The Cirkus & Scenekunst program combines technical training , physical preparation , movement and artistic creation .

Students participate in daily classes and develop their skills in various circus disciplines.

The teaching places great importance on collaborative work and the creation of performances .

Participants are encouraged to experiment with different forms of expression and to develop their own artistic language.

The training is organized into two groups corresponding to different levels of practice.

Cirkus 1: Discovery and technical development

The first group welcomes beginners and intermediate practitioners .

It is aimed particularly at people wishing to discover circus arts in an intensive setting.

The teaching is based primarily on floor acrobatics , muscle strengthening and flexibility .

These disciplines help develop the physical foundations necessary for circus arts.

The students also discover different circus apparatus and techniques.

The program includes movement exercises, body expression and collective creation .

Cirkus 2: Advanced training and professional preparation

The second group is for advanced practitioners .

It particularly welcomes people considering a career in contemporary circus, physical performance or the performing arts.

The training is intensive and daily .

Students deepen their technical skills while developing their autonomy .

The teaching takes into account the individual artistic potential of each participant.

Particular attention is paid to creation , research and stage expression .

Students learn to work individually and to participate in group projects.

Ground acrobatics

Acrobatics is one of the foundations of the training.

Students develop their strength , coordination , flexibility and body control .

The exercises help to strengthen the physical foundations necessary for different circus disciplines.

The teaching combines technical progression and exploration of movement .

Handstands

Handstands are among the techniques that can be practiced.

This discipline helps to develop stability , strength and coordination .

Students gradually work on their body control and their ability to control different positions.

Juggling and object manipulation

Juggling is among the disciplines offered in the program.

Students can discover or deepen their knowledge of different object manipulation techniques.

This practice develops coordination , precision and concentration .

It can also be integrated into artistic research and stage productions.

Chinese pole

Chinese pole is one of the disciplines that can be taught.

This technique combines strength , coordination and mastery of movements .

It allows students to discover different acrobatic possibilities on a vertical apparatus .

Aerial disciplines

AFUK also offers an introduction or further training in several aerial disciplines .

Depending on the year and the program, students can practice rope , trapeze and aerial straps .

These activities help to develop strength , coordination and body control .

The teaching is adapted to the level of the participants.

Acrobatics in pairs

Acrobatics in pairs is also among the disciplines that can be explored.

Students discover working with a partner and the coordination requirements necessary for group figures.

This practice encourages communication , mutual trust , and cooperation .

Movement and body expression

The movement occupies an important place in AFUK's teaching.

Students explore different possibilities of expression through the body.

The exercises combine improvisation , coordination , body awareness and artistic exploration .

This approach makes it possible to link circus techniques to other forms of stage expression.

Teamwork and collective creation

AFUK places particular importance on group work .

Students participate in group exercises and creative projects.

The teaching includes, in particular, improvisation , brainstorming , developing artistic proposals and working together .

Participants are encouraged to experiment with different methods of collaboration.

This approach helps develop their creativity and their ability to build collective projects.

Shows and public presentations

Students participate in various artistic creations during their training.

They can prepare individual and group acts intended to be presented in front of an audience.

AFUK organizes cabarets , events and shows , among other things.

These experiences allow participants to develop their stage presence and their understanding of the creative process.

Rehearsals and performances may also take place outside of regular class hours.

A school open to other artistic disciplines

AFUK is not limited to circus arts.

The institution also develops programs dedicated to performative storytelling , visual arts , and other forms of creation.

Students can participate in joint activities between different courses.

These exchanges promote experimentation and interdisciplinary collaborations.

They also allow us to discover new methods of creation.

AFUK Scene: an artistic dissemination space

The establishment also has a stage dedicated to contemporary arts.

AFUK Scene hosts shows, guest companies, co-productions and festivals.

Its programming includes contemporary circus , physical theatre and interdisciplinary creations .

This activity helps to create a dynamic artistic environment around the school.

This allows students to discover different forms of live performance and meet professional artists.

A team of teachers and artists

The training is led by a team of teachers and artists from different disciplines.

The program notably features Manuel Mayorga , Joel Degerfeldt , Aurelie Bernhard , Mikkel Hobitz , Josephine Wulff Randrup and other professionals.

Guest artists may also participate in teaching and projects.

This diversity allows students to discover several technical and artistic approaches.

A full-time training program

Classes are held from Monday to Friday , generally from 9am to 3pm .

Students can also benefit from additional training opportunities.

The training requires a significant commitment , particularly for creative projects and performances.

Some activities may be organised in the evening or during weekends.

Registration is done by semester , with an application procedure including audition or trial days.

Preparation for artistic careers

AFUK supports students in developing their technical and creative skills.

The training can serve as a preparatory step before attending a higher school of circus arts or performing arts.

It also allows participants to clarify their artistic project.

Former students pursue careers in contemporary circus, theatre, dance, directing and other cultural sectors.

However, AFUK does not award a university degree as part of this program.

A pedagogy based on experimentation

AFUK's pedagogical approach places as much importance on the creative process as on the final result .

Students are encouraged to develop their curiosity , autonomy , and ability to work with others.

The school aims to promote self-confidence , commitment and the exploration of new artistic possibilities .

Technical exercises are thus associated with reflection on movement, creativity and personal expression.

A place for training and creation in Copenhagen

AFUK is located at Enghavevej 82B , in Copenhagen.

The establishment brings together spaces for training, rehearsal and artistic dissemination.

It welcomes students, teachers, artists and performing arts companies.

This close relationship between learning and professional creation is an important characteristic of its operation.

A preparatory course for circus arts

Thanks to its intensive program, the diversity of disciplines offered and its artistic environment, AFUK constitutes a relevant structure for people wishing to develop their practice of contemporary circus.

The institution combines physical training , stage creation , teamwork and artistic research .

It represents a training opportunity for future circus artists, while also welcoming people wishing to discover the performing arts in a demanding and creative environment.