Circus Helsinki

Located in the Suvilahti cultural district of Helsinki, Circus Helsinki is a non-profit circus school founded in 2001 by Martina Linder . It offers comprehensive circus arts training for children, teenagers, and adults, from introductory family activities to intensive training for the most motivated young artists.

Circus Helsinki is one of the major circus schools in Finland. It welcomes more than a thousand students each week in its two training halls and offers a program combining juggling, ground acrobatics, aerial disciplines, balancing, clowning and artistic creation.

The institution is distinguished by its structured teaching, its commitment to the artistic training of young people, and its numerous performance projects. It offers the comprehensive basic artistic training curriculum in circus arts, recognized within the Finnish education system.

The school also organizes training courses, specialized workshops, open training sessions, and international events. It also welcomes adults wishing to discover a new activity or deepen their knowledge of a particular discipline.

A school founded in 2001

The story of Circus Helsinki begins in March 2001 , when Martina Linder created an association intended to allow a small group of young artists to continue their training.

The establishment was initially named Young Circus and had only seven students.

In the early years, participants trained in different rooms in Helsinki, due to the lack of a permanent venue.

1. In 2003 , the association began offering recreational classes in addition to its performance group.
2. In 2005 , it officially adopted the name Circus Helsinki .
3. The opening of a first permanent hall in the Vallila district in 2006 made it possible to develop teaching and to accommodate more students.
4. In 2007 , the institution began to offer the extended basic artistic training curriculum in circus arts.
5. From 2009 onwards, this teaching benefited from public funding from the Finnish State.
6. In 2013 , the school moved into the former Suvilahti power station, into a space specially designed for the practice of circus arts.
7. Since this installation, Circus Helsinki has considerably developed its program and artistic activities.
8. In 2026 , the association celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary .

A major institution of Finnish circus education

Since its creation, Circus Helsinki has grown from a small group of seven students to a school welcoming more than a thousand practitioners each week .

The institution now offers a wide variety of courses and activities.

• Participants can discover the fundamental disciplines of the circus, deepen their knowledge of a specialty, or join an intensive training program.
• The school places great importance on artistic education, the creation of shows and individual progress.
• She also supports students wishing to pursue studies in circus arts.

The diversity of its activities allows it to welcome both beginners and experienced practitioners. The establishment maintains an approach based on the enjoyment of practice , respect for differences , and the pursuit of new challenges.

An art program recognized in Finland

Circus Helsinki offers the comprehensive basic artistic training program in circus arts, called taiteen perusopetus in Finnish. This training is guided by the pedagogical principles defined by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

All students under 18 enrolled at Circus Helsinki participate in this program. The program allows them to progressively acquire technical and artistic skills. It combines regular practice, exploration of different disciplines, personal expression, and an understanding of live performance.

The circus as a leisure activity

In addition to its structured artistic program, Circus Helsinki offers a variety of recreational courses. These activities allow participants to discover circus arts without necessarily seeking intensive training.

Participants can practice one or more disciplines depending on their age, experience, and interests. The sessions are organized in a supportive atmosphere.

The exercises help develop coordination , strength , mobility , balance , and confidence . The school also aims to foster creativity and the joy of discovering new skills.

Beginners can start with general activities before possibly choosing a specialized discipline.

Family classes

Circus Helsinki offers activities for children accompanied by an adult. These sessions allow them to discover circus arts in a family setting.

• Participants explore different forms of movement and can try exercises adapted to their abilities.
• The activities combine games, coordination, balance and body awareness.
• The adult accompanies the child in the exercises and participates in the session.

This format allows for a shared artistic and physical experience. It also provides a first introduction to circus arts for young children.

The school offers family groups of varying lengths, including 45-minute and one-hour sessions.

Circus classes for children

Circus Helsinki offers a program for preschool and school-aged children. The groups allow them to discover the fundamental disciplines of circus arts through progressive exercises.

Students can practice juggling, ground acrobatics, balancing, and aerial disciplines. Activities are adapted to each student's age and skill level.

Children develop their coordination, motor skills, and body control. They also learn to participate in group activities and follow instructions. Teachers encourage curiosity , experimentation , and perseverance .

The courses allow students to discover different disciplines before possibly developing a preference for certain practices.

Education for teenagers

Teenagers can continue their training in groups tailored to their experience. The school offers general circus classes as well as specialized activities.

• Students can delve deeper into aerial disciplines, juggling, acrobatics, and balancing.
• The teaching includes adapted physical preparation and progressive technical work.
• Teenagers also learn to develop their independence and organize their training.
• Group exercises help to develop cooperation and mutual trust.

Motivated students can increase their practice frequency and join the school's intensive groups.

Juggling and the arts of manipulation

Juggling is one of the major disciplines taught at Circus Helsinki. Students can discover different object manipulation techniques.

Learning helps develop hand-eye coordination, precision, rhythm, and concentration. Beginners start with simple exercises before progressing to more complex sequences.

Experienced practitioners can refine their techniques and develop a personal approach. Juggling can also be incorporated into stage productions.

It occupies an important place in the school's history, with several former students having pursued artistic careers in this discipline. The courses thus allow students to approach juggling as a technical , creative , and expressive activity.

Ground acrobatics

Floor acrobatics is a fundamental discipline in Circus Helsinki's teaching. Students learn to develop their coordination, strength, and body control.

The exercises are organized progressively, from basic movements to more complex techniques. The sessions include physical preparation adapted to the participants' level.

The instruction allows students to work on rotations, impulses, balances, and acrobatic movements. Students also discover the principles necessary to perform their movements safely .

Ground acrobatics provides an important foundation for other circus disciplines. Participants can then further develop their skills in specialized groups.

Collective acrobatics

Circus Helsinki also places great importance on group disciplines. Students can discover lifts, human pyramids and various forms of acrobatics performed in groups.

• These exercises require good communication and precise coordination between partners.
• They help to develop mutual trust and a sense of responsibility.
• Participants learn to understand each person's role in the creation of a figure.

Group acrobatics also provides an important foundation for creating shows. Students can build sequences involving several people and develop a shared artistic expression.

Aerial disciplines

Aerial disciplines are among the specialties offered by Circus Helsinki. The school has facilities for learning suspension and high-altitude movement techniques.

Students gradually discover the fundamentals of aerial arts. The first sessions focus on developing strength, coordination, and confidence. Participants learn to control their movements and follow safety guidelines.

Experienced practitioners can refine their skills and work on more elaborate sequences. Aerial disciplines also offer significant opportunities for artistic expression and are regularly incorporated into the shows prepared by the institution.

The balances

Circus Helsinki also offers instruction in balance disciplines. Students discover various techniques to develop their stability and body control.

The exercises promote concentration, coordination, and precision. Beginners learn to control their posture before progressing to more demanding movements.

Balance activities can be practiced individually or integrated into collective creations. They constitute an essential component of circus training.

The clown and stage performance

Clowning is one of the disciplines presented in Circus Helsinki's artistic program. This practice allows for the exploration of different forms of physical expression and communication with the public.

Students discover the importance of play , imagination , and stage presence . Activities may combine improvisation, gestural expression, and the creation of situations.

Clowning offers a complementary approach to technical disciplines. It allows participants to develop their creativity and discover the narrative possibilities of live performance. Artistic expression also plays an important role in the other disciplines taught by the school.

Courses for adults

Circus Helsinki welcomes adults aged 15 and over in various groups. Participants can discover circus arts without prior experience or deepen their knowledge of a discipline they already practice.

The sessions focus on coordination, strength, mobility, and balance. Adults can choose between general or specialized activities. Instruction is tailored to each individual's level and abilities.

The classes offer a unique way to engage in physical activity while developing creativity. Experienced adults can also participate in independent training sessions at the school's facilities.

Intensive groups

Circus Helsinki offers several groups for particularly motivated students. These groups include Valmennusryhmä , Taiturit , Konkarit and Esiintyvä ryhmä .

They allow for more in-depth training and the development of advanced technical and artistic skills. Participants dedicate more time to circus practice. The sessions combine physical preparation, advanced training in various disciplines, and artistic creation.

The aim is to allow students to progress steadily and develop their independence. Some groups also participate in preparing shows. Young people interested in pursuing studies in circus arts can benefit from this in-depth experience.

The performance troupe

Circus Helsinki has a performance group that forms an important component of its artistic activity. This group brings together advanced students who participate in the creation of shows.

The young artists work on different acts and learn how to present them to an audience. Preparing for the shows combines technique, artistic expression, and teamwork. Participants develop their stage presence and discover the demands of performing.

The troupe performs at festivals, cultural events, and private functions. It has also participated in international competitions in several European countries. This activity allows students to discover a professional dimension of live performance, while remaining within the framework of their artistic training.

A school focused on creation

The creation of shows plays a vital role in the identity of Circus Helsinki. The institution encourages students to use their technical skills to develop artistic proposals.

Participants can work on developing routines, coordinating movements, and stage presence. The performances combine different disciplines and allow students to discover the stages of a collaborative creation. The school also organizes performances bringing together several groups.

In 2018 , she notably created Joulusirkus Yhdessä , a Christmas show bringing together nearly one hundred students. This type of project allows participants to share a common artistic experience and share their work with the public.

The YlösAlas International Festival

Circus Helsinki organizes the YlösAlas International Youth Circus Festival. Created in 2014 , this event brings together young artists and amateur groups from Finland and other countries.

The festival is held every three years. It allows participants to train together, present shows, and discover different artistic approaches.

Over the years, groups from Belgium , France , Germany , Sweden , Estonia , and other countries have participated in the event. The next edition is scheduled for 2027 .

The festival provides an important opportunity for exchange and interaction among young circus arts practitioners. It demonstrates Circus Helsinki's international commitment and its interest in collaborative projects.

Specialized internships and workshops

In addition to weekly classes, Circus Helsinki organizes workshops and intensives dedicated to different disciplines. These activities allow participants to discover new techniques or to deepen their understanding of a particular practice.

The school offers holiday camps, among other programs. Children can participate in days combining various circus activities. Adults can also attend specialized workshops, particularly in acrobatics.

During the summer of 2026 , the institution offered dance acrobatics classes, combining handstand work, impulses, and movement exploration. These workshops allow students to dedicate more time to a discipline and to meet different instructors.

Sunday's open training sessions

Circus Helsinki offers open training sessions for people who wish to practice independently. These sessions are held on Sundays in the large Generaattorisali hall.

A teacher from the school is present to answer questions and supervise the general operation. It is not necessary to be enrolled in regular classes to participate.

Sessions are organized according to age groups. For autumn 2026 , young children and families can participate on Sundays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Older children and teenagers have a time slot from 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Adults aged 15 and over can train from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Younger children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The advertised price is €6.50 per session. The school also offers a ten-session pass. These sessions complement regular classes and allow students to continue their personal practice.

Independent daytime training

Circus Helsinki also offers daytime training slots for professional artists and experienced adults. These sessions take place in the large Generaattorisali hall.

These sessions allow practitioners to work on their techniques and personal projects. Unlike supervised classes, these training sessions are conducted independently. Participants must possess the necessary skills to use the facilities safely.

This option represents an interesting service for artists and advanced practitioners in Helsinki.

Suvilahti facilities

Circus Helsinki is located in the Suvilahti cultural district, in the buildings of a former power station. The facility has two training rooms.

The main hall, Generaattorisali , has an area of 600 m2 . It allows three groups to train simultaneously. This hall is located at Sörnäisten rantatie 22, building 1, door C, on the second floor .

The second room, Konttorisali , has an area of 80 m2 . It accommodates smaller groups, including classes for children and adults. This room is located at Kaasutehtaankatu 1, building 7, door B, on the second floor .

The former power station has been converted to accommodate circus activities. The work included the installation of rigging points for aerial disciplines, ground anchors, and equipment adapted for acrobatics.

An elevator has also been installed as part of the accessibility improvements to the main building. These facilities allow Circus Helsinki to offer a diverse range of instruction in an environment tailored to the demands of circus arts.

A structured teaching and administrative team

Circus Helsinki relies on a team of professionals who provide teaching, administration and organization of artistic activities.

• The association is headed by Martina Linder , its founder.
• The administrative and pedagogical management is provided by Senja Pihko .
• The team also includes those responsible for registration, student relations, communications, and performances.
• Fanni Tähtinen is notably responsible for monitoring registrations and administrative matters concerning students.
• Saga Kolehmainen is responsible for shows and intensive groups.

The institution also works with numerous teachers specializing in the various circus disciplines. This structure allows for the monitoring of a large number of groups and the development of diverse artistic projects.

The educational commitment and values of the school

Circus Helsinki champions an approach to circus arts based on enjoyment , respect , and personal growth . The institution encourages students to discover their abilities and take on new challenges.

The courses help develop perseverance, confidence, and independence. Group practice promotes cooperation and respect for others.

The school also strives to create a welcoming environment where participants can thrive regardless of their prior experience. Artistic training fosters creativity and the exploration of diverse forms of expression. This approach helps make circus arts a physical, artistic, and social activity.

Organization of the 2026-2027 season

Circus Helsinki's autumn 2026 season runs from August 17 to December 13. The spring 2027 season is scheduled from January 7 to May 15. Each semester comprises sixteen teaching sessions .

Classes are organized according to age, level, and discipline. Families can enroll children in activities tailored to their development. Teenagers have access to general and specialized classes. Adults can choose from various disciplines and participate in open training sessions. Intensive groups allow for more in-depth learning.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year opened on May 8, 2026. Some groups may be full. The school will then provide a waiting list.

Classes are suspended during certain school holidays and public holidays. The school also organizes open days allowing families to discover the activities offered.

A leading school for circus arts in Helsinki

Circus Helsinki occupies an important place in the Finnish circus scene. Since its creation in 2001 , the institution has developed a structured teaching program and a particularly rich artistic activity.

The school allows children and young people to discover the main circus disciplines, progress steadily, and participate in performance projects. Adults also benefit from a diverse range of offerings, from introductory circus arts workshops to independent training.

The presence of a recognized artistic curriculum, intensive groups, and a performance troupe allows students wishing to deepen their practice to do so. Suvilahti's facilities, international events, and the organization of performances reinforce the institution's cultural role.

Circus Helsinki is therefore a reference structure for discovering, practicing and deepening circus arts in the Finnish capital.