Circus Connecta

Circus Conecta is an inclusive circus school located in Veghel , in the province of North Brabant , in the Netherlands .

Led by Jannie Meijer , it offers regular classes allowing children and young people to discover circus arts, with or without a disability .

The school continues the activities of Circus Caps , a project developed from 2012 by René Hildesheim within the Vrienden van Poehaa foundation.

In 2025 , Jannie Meijer resumed circus activities in order to continue this educational and social work.

A circus school open to all

Circus Conecta is based on a simple philosophy: circus arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities .

The courses welcome participants with or without disabilities .

The school caters in particular to children and young people with intellectual or physical disabilities , as well as autistic people or those with attention deficit disorder .

The activities are adapted to individual abilities .

The goal is to allow everyone to discover their talents, develop their skills and fully participate in the life of the group.

A story related to Circus Caps

The Circus Caps project was created in 2012 to offer an artistic activity to children and teenagers needing special support.

Over the years, it has welcomed many young artists, their brothers and sisters, as well as their friends.

A group of young talents has gradually developed.

The participants presented their acts at numerous events, including during a visit by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands .

In 2025 , the activities were taken over by Circus Conecta , under the direction of Jannie Meijer .

This transition allows for the continued development of a circus based on inclusion and cooperation .

Juggling and object manipulation

Juggling is one of the disciplines traditionally offered in the courses.

Participants discover different object manipulation techniques.

The program includes, among other things, diabolo and Chinese plates .

These activities help to develop coordination , concentration and precision of movements.

Each participant can progress at their own pace, according to their abilities and desires.

Unicycle and balance disciplines

Unicycling is another discipline practiced within the activities inherited from Circus Caps .

Students gradually discover techniques to maintain their balance and control their movements.

Balancing on a circus ball is also part of the program.

These exercises help develop stability , coordination and confidence in movement.

Learning is tailored to individual needs in order to promote positive experiences.

Acrobatics and aerial disciplines

Acrobatics plays an important role in teaching.

Participants discover physical exercises that promote coordination , flexibility , and cooperation .

Activities may also include trapeze and aerial silks .

These disciplines allow one to explore different forms of movement and to develop body awareness .

The exercises are adapted to the abilities of each participant.

A pedagogy based on successes

One of the distinctive features of Circus Conecta is its educational approach .

Circus arts are used to encourage self-confidence , autonomy , and social relationships .

Each new figure represents an opportunity to see one's progress.

The teaching prioritizes positive experiences over competition .

Participants are encouraged to discover their abilities and gain confidence in their movements.

The school also values mutual support and cooperation .

Students learn to work together, to respect differences and to recognize the qualities of each other.

Appropriate support

Circus Conecta welcomes, in particular, people who need specific support .

Activities can be adapted for people with intellectual or physical disabilities .

The school also welcomes participants with autism or attention deficit disorder .

This diversity is an integral part of how it functions.

The goal is to create an environment in which everyone can participate and develop their skills.

Weekly classes in Veghel

Circus Conecta offers regular classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays .

The Tuesday sessions take place at the PieterBrueghelHuis .

Wednesday training sessions are held in the Noordkade theatre hall.

These two venues allow participants to practice circus arts in a collective environment.

The courses are complemented by introductory sessions and workshops open to different audiences.

Workshops and meetings

In addition to its weekly teaching, Circus Conecta organizes activities to discover the circus arts.

Open sessions are offered on certain Saturdays .

These meetings allow participants to practice together and share their experiences.

They promote exchanges between regular students of the school and new participants.

A school specializing in inclusive circus arts

Circus Conecta distinguishes itself from traditional circus schools through its commitment to inclusion .

Circus disciplines are used as tools for motor , artistic and social development.

The school allows participants to discover their abilities while developing their confidence and autonomy.

Thanks to its weekly classes and tailored support, Circus Conecta continues in Veghel an educational and artistic project initiated several years earlier by Circus Caps .

It therefore constitutes a particularly interesting structure in the field of adapted circus in the Netherlands .