Capella – Circus School of the Pays de Fayence

Capella – Circus School of the Pays de Fayence

Capella – École de Cirque du Pays de Fayence is an association dedicated to teaching circus and street arts, located in Saint-Paul-en-Forêt , in the Var region. Created in 2015 , its purpose is to promote education and training in circus arts, to encourage their amateur practice and to transmit the values of popular education .

Today, the school has a strong presence in the Pays de Fayence region , notably with classes in Saint-Paul-en-Forêt and Seillans , as well as an equestrian vaulting program developed in partnership with the Haras des Villards . In 2026 , it welcomed nearly one hundred students aged 2 to 17 .

A school born from a history of transmission

The origin of the name Capella is directly linked to the personal history of its founder, Magali Helpmann . She discovered circus arts around the year 2000 at the Badaboum school in Vaison-la-Romaine, created by Anne-Marie and Daniel Durand , known as the clowns Capello and Capel . Anne-Marie became her "circus grandmother" and played an important role in her passion for this world.

When she founded her own school, Magali chose the name Capella as a tribute to Capello . She then developed the school with her husband , Laurent Bois , himself a clown. Capella can thus be seen as a pedagogical descendant of the Badaboum school.

Circus skills training for children as young as 2 years old

Capella primarily caters to children and teenagers aged 2 to 17. Classes are designed to be progressive and adapted to each child's age and development. The goal is not simply to learn moves: the school uses circus arts to develop coordination , motor skills , creativity , self-confidence , and teamwork .

The school prides itself on a warm and family-like atmosphere in which every child should be able to find their place and progress at their own pace.

A pedagogy based on respect and popular education

Capella's project places particular emphasis on the values of popular education . The association defines itself as a place where everyone can find their place, be heard, and be respected. Individual progress is prioritized: not all children necessarily have to advance in the same way or at the same pace.

This approach combines technical learning, enjoyment, creativity, and personal development. The school particularly emphasizes self-confidence and the ability to thrive within a group.

Subjects taught

Juggling and manipulation

The classes allow you to discover different forms of juggling. The school offers a classical approach and, for experienced practitioners, an introduction to fire juggling . Manipulating objects develops dexterity, coordination, concentration, and, gradually, the artistic dimension of juggling.

Acrobatics and lifts

Acrobatics is another major discipline taught. Students practice acrobatic lifts , hand-to-hand acrobatics, banquine , and contortion . Acrobatic training develops individual physical qualities as well as confidence, listening skills, and cooperation when performed in groups.

Balances on objects

Capella offers a diverse range of object balancing activities. These workshops allow participants to progressively develop balance, coordination, concentration, and perseverance.

• Unicycle
• Rola-bola
• Balance ball
• Pedalo
• Slackline

Trapeze and aerial silks

Aerial disciplines are an integral part of the teaching. Capella has the equipment to practice static trapeze and aerial silks . The school has progressively improved its facilities to allow for regular indoor practice; a new rig installed on its premises now eliminates the need for weather conditions for trapeze.

Stage presence and clowning

Circus techniques are complemented by work on artistic expression: stage presence, clowning, and overall physical work. This dimension allows students to transform their technical skills into artistic practice and to discover their relationship with the audience.

One unique feature: equestrian vaulting

Capella boasts a unique specialty among circus schools: equestrian vaulting , developed in partnership with the Haras des Villards stud farm . The activity goes beyond simply performing tricks on horseback; students also learn about hippology , horse care, theoretical aspects, and equipment maintenance. In 2026, specific courses will be offered for children aged 4-9 and for those aged 10 and over .

Capella also organizes holiday camps combining circus arts and horse riding.

Parent-child classes

The school offers a family-friendly approach: parent-child classes are held on Saturdays so that adults can discover and share circus activities with their children. This offering reflects Capella's commitment to family values and fosters intergenerational exchange.

Internships during each holiday period

Capella organizes workshops during all school holidays, open to children from age 3. These workshops can be taken for a single day or a week and are suitable for both beginners and those wishing to delve deeper into the disciplines. The days are generally organized from 10 am to 4 pm , with childcare available before and after activities.

• Internships available from age 3
• Format: day or week
• Hours: generally 10am–4pm with childcare available
• Final presentation in the form of a short show
• Specialized equestrian vaulting courses with the Haras des Villards stud farm

The Yearlings, Capella's troupe

Capella has developed a troupe of young circus performers called Les Yearlings. It brings together children who are particularly motivated by circus arts. A municipal publication from 2024 indicated that the troupe then had 15 young people aged 7 to 17 .

The Yearlings program allows the most dedicated students to delve deeper into creation and performance, particularly for shows at events (including Christmas performances). The children gradually become young artists participating in a collective creation.

Shows throughout the year

Performing in front of an audience is part of the curriculum. In addition to performances organized during workshops, the school brings its various groups together for two major annual shows: a Christmas show and a show in June . These events provide an artistic culmination to the work done during classes.

School and external interventions

Capella also works in schools, with local communities, and with leisure centers to introduce circus arts to children who don't necessarily attend regular classes. This activity perfectly aligns with the association's mission: to promote circus and street arts as tools for popular education .

A school recognized by the FFEC

Capella is affiliated with the FFEC network and its regional federation. Recent municipal information indicates that the school is accredited by the FFEC, recognizing the quality of its teaching, supervision, and training conditions. Instruction is provided by qualified and passionate instructors .

With its multidisciplinary teaching, its internships, its shows, its Yearlings troupe and its specialty in equestrian vaulting, Capella constitutes a particularly complete local circus school for children and teenagers in the Pays de Fayence.