Circus Imago eV – Kinder- und Jugendzirkus

Circus Imago eV is a creative circus for children and teenagers based at two locations in the greater Munich area: in Aufkirchen , near Erding, and in Inning am Ammersee . The association offers weekly training sessions allowing young people to discover the circus arts from the age of 6 , then progress to specialized groups and advanced-level productions.

A story that began in 2016

The story of Circus Imago began in 2016 with a small circus activity organized within the Montessori-Schule Aufkirchen . The project gradually developed into an independent association and a true circus school, now offering several regular groups.

The educational project

The educational project combines technical learning , movement , artistic expression , and creativity . For Circus Imago, the circus allows children and teenagers to discover their own abilities, develop their self-confidence , and learn to work with others .

Beginners can join the first groups from the age of 6. Learning is done in a fun way and allows them to gradually experiment with the different circus disciplines. Young people thus acquire their first artistic experiences before being able to choose the techniques they wish to explore further.

The Aufkirchen groups

Imago Minis

In Aufkirchen , Imago Minis welcomes the youngest children. One group is open to children from age 6 and another from age 8. There, children gradually discover different disciplines and can also gain their first performing experiences in front of their families and then an audience.

Imago Kids

From age 10 , Imago Kids allows children with prior circus experience or a solid gymnastic foundation to continue their development. Training includes fundamental gymnastics and acrobatics , supplemented by sessions to specialize in different disciplines.

Imago Kids offers a specific specialization in aerial disciplines . Participants can thus delve deeper into techniques requiring greater strength , coordination , and body control .

Imago-Varieté

For the most experienced young people, Imago-Varieté represents the advanced level of the Aufkirchen structure. Entry into this group already requires a solid foundation and is based primarily on the recommendation of the group leaders .

The young performers in the Variety program have several training sessions during the week. They benefit from more intensive individualized work, develop their specialties, and learn to create choreographies and acts intended to be presented in front of an audience.

The groups of Inning am Ammersee

Minimagos

Circus Imago's second location is in Inning am Ammersee . The Minimagos welcome children aged 6 to 10 who want to discover the circus. They learn the basics of ground and duo acrobatics, aerial disciplines, juggling, and various balancing techniques.

Maximagos

Young people who have already gained experience can then join the Maximagos from the age of 10. Their program combines fundamental acrobatic training with various opportunities for specialization.

Acrobatics

The Maximagos acrobatics program includes gymnastics , duo and group acrobatics , and in-depth work on handstands . This allows the young athletes to develop the physical foundation necessary for pursuing more specialized disciplines.

Unicycle and juggling

A unicycle specialization allows students to work on both movement control and more complex figures and group formations. The juggling specialization, on the other hand, explores throwing, catching, and manipulation techniques with balls, clubs, rings, sticks, and various other props.

Aerial disciplines and hula-hoop

Another specialization is devoted to aerial disciplines and hula-hoop . Young people can work on vertical fabric, trapeze, aerial hoop or straps and simultaneously develop hula-hoop techniques integrating manipulation, movement and dance expression.

This diversity allows children to begin with a general introduction to the circus before gradually building their own artistic path. Some gravitate more towards acrobatics, others towards juggling, unicycling, aerial disciplines or balancing techniques.

The creation of shows

The creation of shows occupies a particularly important place in Circus Imago's pedagogy. The young people do not simply learn tricks: they work on choreography , costumes , sets and how to tell a story on stage.

Circus Imago's productions are distinguished by their commitment to offering contemporary and creative circus . Young artists participate in full shows and also perform at festivals and outdoor events.

Awards and festivals

The school's artistic work has been recognized on several occasions at German youth circus and variety festivals. Young artists from Circus Imago have received numerous awards at the Kölner Zirkusfestival , the GOP Kinder- und Jugend Varieté Festival , and other events dedicated to young circus artists.

These experiences allow participants to go beyond the simple weekly class. Going on stage, working in groups, preparing a creation and presenting their work in front of an audience contribute to the development of autonomy , self-confidence and the ability to lead a collective project .

Transmission between generations

Intergenerational transfer of knowledge also plays a significant role. Alongside adult coaches , young coaches from within the organization work together. This allows the more experienced participants to gradually pass on their expertise to the younger generation.

A true artistic training program

Circus Imago ultimately offers a comprehensive artistic training program : playful discovery from age 6 , learning the fundamentals, choosing specializations, advanced training, and then participation in shows and festivals. With its two locations in Aufkirchen and Inning , the association is now a major center for circus arts for children and teenagers in the Munich region.