CYRKUS Görlitz-Zgorzelec

CYRKUS Görlitz-Zgorzelec – German-Polish Circus School

CYRKUS Görlitz-Zgorzelec is a cross-border arts education project run by the association KulturBrücken Görlitz eV. It brings together children and teenagers living on both sides of the border between Germany and Poland, around a common passion for circus arts.

Developed since 2012 under the name CYRKUS im Laden / CYRKUS w sklepie , this program offers weekly classes, workshops, open training sessions and group performances.

A school that brings two countries closer together

CYRKUS has an original identity: its name combines the Polish word cyrk and the German word Zirkus .

The school uses circus arts as a way to promote exchanges between young people from the twin towns of Görlitz and Zgorzelec.

Circus practice allows participants to communicate through movement, even when they do not speak the same language.

This approach combines artistic learning, intercultural cooperation and the discovery of diversity.

Weekly classes since 2012

The regular program began with about twenty participants divided into three workshops.

It now hosts more than 200 young artists and offers numerous groups adapted to different ages and levels.

The courses take place mainly in Görlitz, particularly in the CYRKUS DOMicil space and in the Rabryka premises.

The teaching includes both introductory activities and specialized training, as well as stage creation projects.

Circus arts for the youngest children

CYRKUS offers activities suitable for toddlers and preschool children.

BabyCYRKUS sessions welcome young children accompanied by an adult.

The 4-5 year old and 5-6 year old groups then allow children to gradually discover different circus disciplines through play.

The activities develop coordination, imagination, body expression and early experiences of working together.

Juggling and unicycling

Children aged 7 and over can participate in juggling and unicycle workshops.

Juggling develops coordination of movements, concentration and mastery of props.

Unicycling helps to work on balance, posture and perseverance.

Participants gradually learn to create figures and integrate their skills into artistic presentations.

Ground acrobatics

The school offers acrobatics classes for children from the age of 7, as well as groups for older children.

The sessions include body exercises, figures and acrobatic pyramids.

Students develop their strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Mutual trust and cooperation play an essential role in learning collective patterns.

Aerial acrobatics

CYRKUS also offers aerial acrobatics courses.

Children aged 9 and up can discover aerial silks and trapeze techniques.

More advanced groups allow for a deeper exploration of movements, strength, and body awareness.

Courses are also organized for adults, which broadens access to aerial disciplines beyond just youth groups.

Stage training

Stage performance is an integral part of the teaching.

Students discover theatrical techniques, improvisation and how to present an act in front of an audience.

Specific groups allow experienced teenagers to participate in the creation of shows.

Young artists learn to build acts, work as a team, and develop their own style.

Group performances

CYRKUS regularly organizes performances for families, friends and the public.

The performances are an extension of technical and artistic learning.

They allow students to discover the different stages of creation, from rehearsals to performance.

Participants thus experience the circus as a true form of live performance.

International internships and exchanges

The association organizes a German-Polish circus camp every summer.

In 2026, the CYRKUS im Sommer / CYRKUS w lecie project celebrated its twentieth edition.

These meetings allow young people to intensively practice different disciplines while developing links with participants on the other side of the border.

The school also organizes open workshops in public spaces, in order to make circus arts accessible to a wider audience.

A pedagogy based on cooperation

CYRKUS's educational approach places great importance on experimentation, creativity, and respect for others.

Children are encouraged to discover their abilities, to help each other, and to develop their confidence.

Group practice promotes communication, autonomy, and intercultural understanding.

This educational dimension is one of the major distinguishing features of the institution.

A school open to several generations

Although the project is primarily aimed at children and teenagers, some activities also welcome adults.

Open training sessions allow practitioners to meet and work on different disciplines.

The association also develops projects aimed at young people wishing to deepen their teaching skills and discover the supervision of circus workshops.

CYRKUS Görlitz-Zgorzelec stands out for its regular circus training, the diversity of its disciplines, and its mission to foster cultural exchange between Germany and Poland. It represents a unique example of a European non-profit circus school, where artistic creation becomes a means of encounter and cooperation.

• Main training location: CYRKUS DOMicil, Conrad-Schiedt-Straße 20, 02826 Görlitz, Germany.
• Organization: KulturBrücken Görlitz eV
• Email: kontakt@cyrkus.eu
• Official website: https://cyrkus.eu/pl/