Circus Callisto – Circus School of Bar

Circus Callisto – Circus Arts School in Bar, Montenegro

Circus Callisto is a circus arts school and artistic collective located in Bar , on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro . Founded by Aleksandr Khanimov and Irina , two artists passionate about live performance, it offers a space dedicated to learning circus techniques, developing physical abilities and artistic expression.

The school welcomes children from the age of three and a half , teenagers and adults. It offers regular training sessions organized according to the age and level of the participants, as well as a group of young artists dedicated to more in-depth stage work.

His world combines acrobatics , aerial disciplines , juggling , balances , physical preparation , body expression and the creation of shows .

Circus Callisto develops a family approach to the circus, in which technical learning is accompanied by creativity, self-confidence and the pleasure of practicing together.

A circus school founded by artists

Circus Callisto was born from the meeting and artistic journey of Aleksandr Khanimov and Irina .

The two founders devoted a significant part of their lives to circus arts and live performance.

Their joint project consists of passing on their experience to new generations while developing artistic creations for the public.

Based in Montenegro, they created a place in Bar where children and adults can discover different circus techniques.

The school is designed as a space for learning , creativity and meeting .

It combines the rigor necessary for learning acrobatics with a warm and encouraging atmosphere.

Aleksandr Khanimov, a journey into the heart of the circus

Aleksandr Khanimov comes from a family of circus artists.

From his childhood, he discovered the world of touring, rehearsals and shows.

His artistic journey began in particular with juggling and balancing techniques .

He then became particularly interested in aerial acrobatics and clowning , two disciplines that occupy an important place in his artistic identity.

Throughout his career, he developed different acts and explored several forms of stage expression.

In Israel, he notably created his clown character, Shurik , which combines humor, sensitivity and closeness with the public.

This experience allowed him to develop an approach to the circus in which technical mastery is accompanied by genuine artistic research.

At Circus Callisto, Aleksandr shares his experience and interest in the various circus disciplines.

Irina, artist and educator

Irina is also the originator of the Circus Callisto project.

Her journey has led her to discover several areas of entertainment, including acrobatics, fire performances and arts education.

She is particularly interested in how circus arts can help develop self-confidence , body expression and stage presence .

His approach values the grace of movement , creativity, and personal progress.

She guides students in their discovery of techniques while encouraging them to express their personality.

For Irina, learning circus arts represents an artistic and human experience that allows her to overcome her apprehensions and discover new abilities.

An artistic encounter centered around the Florentine circus

Aleksandr and Irina meet as part of the Florentine circus project.

This collaboration marks the beginning of their shared journey, both artistic and personal.

Their experience in live performance led them to imagine a project combining the creation of acts and the transmission of circus techniques.

Circus Callisto was born from this desire to share their passion with the inhabitants of Bar and to contribute to the development of circus arts in Montenegro.

The school retains this dual identity today: a place of learning and a collective of artists.

Circus skills training from early childhood

Circus Callisto welcomes children from the age of three and a half .

The first groups allow the youngest children to discover body movements and the basics of acrobatics in a suitable environment.

The activities emphasize play, coordination, balance and the discovery of new sensations.

Children gradually learn to better understand their bodies and control their movements.

The exercises develop motor skills , concentration and attention .

The playful aspect plays an important role in this learning process.

Young participants can thus discover circus arts while enjoying moving, trying and progressing.

The development of coordination and balance

Circus disciplines require good coordination between different parts of the body.

Circus Callisto places great importance on this learning process.

Students discover exercises that develop stability, precision of movement and control of movement.

Balance training helps improve posture and body awareness.

It also provides a useful basis for acrobatic techniques.

Participants gradually learn to control their center of gravity and adapt their movements to different situations.

These exercises contribute to the development of self-confidence and concentration.

Juggling and object manipulation

Juggling belongs to the artistic universe transmitted by Circus Callisto.

Aleksandr Khanimov began his circus career with this discipline, which combines skill, coordination and a sense of rhythm.

Juggling involves controlling the trajectories of different objects through throwing, catching, and manipulating them.

Learning this skill develops precision of movement and hand-eye coordination.

The exercises also help to develop concentration and perseverance.

Each new technique requires repetition and careful attention to movement.

Juggling also has a creative dimension, since the figures can be combined to compose personal sequences.

Circus acrobatics and gymnastics

Acrobatics is an essential element of Circus Callisto's teaching.

Students develop the physical abilities necessary to perform acrobatic movements.

The preparation includes, in particular, work on strength, flexibility, coordination and body control.

The exercises are adapted to different age groups.

The youngest students discover the basics of the movement, while the more experienced students deepen their technique.

Learning is based on regular progression.

Participants learn to understand the movements and develop the necessary physical qualities before tackling more demanding exercises.

Aerial acrobatics

Aerial acrobatics plays an important role in the artistic identity of Circus Callisto.

This discipline allows one to explore movements performed in suspension and the different possibilities of bodily expression in the air.

It combines strength, coordination, flexibility and body control.

The students gradually discover the sensations associated with working at heights.

The exercises help to develop concentration, stability, and confidence.

Aerial acrobatics also has a strong visual dimension.

The positions and sequences can be integrated into choreographic creations intended for the stage.

Physical preparation

Physical preparation accompanies the learning of circus disciplines.

Participants work on the qualities necessary for progressive practice: strength, mobility, coordination, endurance and flexibility.

The exercises are adapted to each person's abilities and age.

This preparation helps to develop better body awareness and improve movement control.

It also helps to build the necessary foundations for acrobatic exercises.

Regular training plays an important role in students' progress.

A teaching method adapted to each age

Circus Callisto organizes its training sessions into different groups.

The youngest children discover fundamental movements through activities adapted to their development.

Older children gradually deepen their technical exercises and physical abilities.

Teenagers can work on more complex movements and develop their artistic expression.

Adults also have opportunities to practice.

This organization makes it possible to offer learning tailored to the needs of the participants.

The school values individual progress and the pleasure of discovering new skills.

A school open to adults

Circus Callisto is not just for children.

Adults can also participate in training sessions and discover the world of circus arts.

The practice helps to develop coordination, strength, mobility and body awareness.

It also offers a creative activity that differs from traditional sports training.

Participants can explore new movement possibilities and progress at their own pace.

The circus thus combines physical activity and personal expression in a collective atmosphere.

A group of young artists

Circus Callisto is developing an advanced training group for young practitioners who wish to deepen their artistic work.

Access to this group is based on technical preparation and skills assessment.

Students can develop their mastery of circus disciplines and work from a stage performance perspective.

The practice requires regularity, concentration and significant involvement.

Participants deepen their physical preparation and their ability to perform sequences.

This experience allows them to discover the demands of working as a circus artist.

The creation of numbers

Circus Callisto combines technical learning with artistic creation .

The movements and figures can be combined into acts intended for the stage.

The creative process requires working on transitions, rhythm, and physical expression.

Students gradually discover how to transform a series of exercises into an artistic presentation.

Music, stage presence and the relationship with the audience all contribute to this approach.

This creative dimension allows participants to explore their personality and artistic sensibility.

The stage movement

Stage movement is part of the educational and artistic universe of Circus Callisto.

It consists of developing the way of moving, occupying space and presenting an action in front of an audience.

The exercises can engage coordination, rhythm, and body expression.

Stage work helps to build self-confidence.

It also helps to develop the ability to communicate through movement.

This dimension complements the technical learning of circus disciplines.

Clowning and artistic expression

Clowning art occupies a special place in Aleksandr Khanimov's career.

His character Shurik demonstrates his interest in humor, sensitivity, and audience interaction.

The clown represents a form of expression that combines movement, theatrical play, and imagination.

It helps to develop stage presence and the ability to convey emotions.

This artistic culture contributes to the identity of Circus Callisto, where the circus is viewed as a performing art and not solely as a physical activity.

Self-confidence

Learning circus arts allows students to gradually discover their abilities.

The first exercises can be challenging, especially when they require new movements or unusual coordination.

Progress helps to build self-confidence .

Each new skill acquired is a source of motivation.

Teachers encourage participants to persevere and appreciate their progress.

This approach helps to develop a positive relationship with learning and effort.

Patience and perseverance

Circus techniques often require many repetitions.

Students learn to repeat a movement, understand their mistakes, and gradually improve their movements.

Patience thus occupies an essential place in the practice.

The school values consistent effort and individual progress.

Difficulties become stages of learning.

This approach allows participants to develop their ability to overcome challenges and persevere in their efforts.

A family and community environment

Circus Callisto presents itself as a large family united around a passion for the circus.

The founders seek to create a warm atmosphere in which every participant can feel welcomed and encouraged.

The training sessions allow for the sharing of experiences and the building of positive relationships.

Students learn to respect others, to listen to instructions, and to support the progress of their classmates.

The collective dimension promotes mutual aid and cooperation.

It also helps to make the school a place for meeting and sharing.

Shows and events

In addition to its teaching activities, Circus Callisto develops artistic performances.

The collective presents acrobatic acts and circus creations at events.

These performances allow families to discover the circus arts.

They showcase the work of the artists and the expressive possibilities of acrobatic disciplines.

The shows also contribute to developing local cultural life.

Circus Callisto at Porodični Bar Fest

In September 2026 , Circus Callisto is among the announced participants in the Porodični Bar Fest , a family event held in the city of Bar.

The program notably includes acrobatic acts presented by the collective.

This event brings together various artistic and cultural activities aimed at children and families.

Circus Callisto's participation illustrates its commitment to the city's event life.

It also allows the public to discover acrobatics and circus arts in a festive context.

A school open to the city of Bar

Circus Callisto contributes to the development of circus arts in the city of Bar .

Its establishment allows residents to discover a practice that combines physical activity, creativity and spectacle.

Children can begin their learning at a very young age and continue their progress over the years.

Teenagers have opportunities to improve their skills and discover stage work.

Adults can also try out the disciplines offered.

This diversity makes Circus Callisto a place for intergenerational practice.

An artistic approach to personal development

Circus arts allow for the development of complementary physical and personal qualities.

• Acrobatics requires strength, flexibility, and coordination.
• Juggling develops precision and concentration.
• Stage work promotes creativity and personal expression.
• Group training sessions encourage cooperation and mutual trust.

Circus Callisto brings these dimensions together in an educational approach based on progressive learning and the pleasure of practice.

A place for discovery and creation

Circus Callisto combines the experience of two circus artists with a desire to pass on their knowledge to children and adults.

The school allows you to discover circus disciplines in a structured setting, with groups adapted to different ages.

Participants develop their physical abilities, body control, and artistic expression.

The performance collective extends this educational activity by presenting creations and acrobatic acts to the public.

Through its courses, training sessions and performances, Circus Callisto participates in the dissemination of contemporary circus arts in Bar and Montenegro.