Circus Miloco

Circus Miloco is a circus school located in Leiden , in the province of South Holland , in the Netherlands . Founded in March 2002 , it has been developing an educational project dedicated to the discovery and learning of circus arts for over twenty years .

The school is run by Jeroen van Ede and Minke Dreef , two professionals passionate about circus disciplines and their transmission to young people.

Circus Miloco offers regular training primarily for children and teenagers . Its goal is to allow everyone to discover the different circus techniques in a supportive environment, where the joy of practice plays a key role.

The school promotes a non-competitive approach to physical activity. Unlike some sports, circus arts allow participants to progress without systematically seeking to outdo others.

Each child can develop their own skills, discover their strengths and progress at their own pace .

A diversity of disciplines

The teaching is based on a wide variety of disciplines.

Juggling

Juggling is one of the activities offered. Students gradually learn to manipulate different objects and develop their coordination , concentration , and precision .

The diabolo

The diabolo is also one of the techniques taught. It allows students to work on coordination of movements, rhythm and object control.

The balance disciplines

Balance disciplines occupy an important place in the courses.

Children can learn, among other things, how to ride a unicycle or walk on a wire .

These activities develop balance , concentration , and perseverance . They also allow students to gain confidence in their abilities.

Acrobatics

Acrobatics is another essential element of Miloco's teaching.

The young people discover different body techniques and gradually work on their strength , flexibility and coordination .

The exercises can be individual or collective , thus promoting cooperation and trust among participants.

Aerial disciplines

Aerial disciplines are also included in the school's curriculum.

Circus Miloco offers, in particular, the practice of aerial silks , trapeze and aerial hoop .

These activities allow students to discover different suspension techniques and develop their strength, flexibility and body control.

The school also offered specialized groups in aerial disciplines for adults .

This diversity allows students to discover several families of techniques before possibly developing a preference for certain disciplines.

An organization adapted to each age

The courses are organized according to the age and level of the participants.

This allows children to progress over several years and gradually deepen their skills.

Circus Miloco has also developed activities adapted for younger children, including circus discovery classes for preschool-aged children.

These sessions emphasize fun exercises to develop motor skills , balance and coordination .

A pedagogy based on creativity and cooperation

Circus skills training is also considered a way to develop creativity .

Children are encouraged to experiment with different techniques and discover their own potential.

Teachers support them in their progress while giving them ample room to try , start over , and find their own solutions .

This approach helps to develop autonomy and perseverance .

Cooperation is also an essential dimension of Miloco's pedagogy.

Students learn to work together, to help each other, and to respect each other's abilities.

Group activities, in particular, help to develop mutual trust and listening skills .

Artistic expression and performances

The school also places great importance on artistic expression .

The techniques learned during the courses can gradually be used to construct acts intended to be presented in front of an audience.

Circus Miloco notably has a group of young artists participating in shows and demonstrations.

These performances allow students to discover the demands of the stage and develop their self-confidence .

Preparing a show is a particularly enriching experience.

Young people need to learn to master their techniques, work on their presentation, and cooperate with other participants.

They also discover the pleasure of sharing their achievements with an audience.

The shows thus contribute to the artistic and personal development of the students.

Workshops and activities

In addition to its regular classes, Circus Miloco organizes workshops to discover the circus arts.

These activities can be offered in particular as part of school events, community events or festivals.

Participants discover different circus techniques under the supervision of experienced teachers.

The school also organizes birthday parties dedicated to circus arts.

These activities allow children to discover several disciplines in a fun setting.

A well-established school in Leiden

Circus Miloco has significant experience in teaching circus arts to young people.

Over the years, the facility has grown to accommodate several hundred students each week.

This growth reflects the interest of families in Leiden and the surrounding area in artistic and sporting activities that differ from traditional pursuits.

The school relies on an experienced teaching team and an organization adapted to the teaching of numerous disciplines.

It has equipment for practicing juggling , balancing , acrobatics and aerial disciplines .

A change of location in 2025

After holding its classes for a long time in a gymnasium on Lammenschansweg , Circus Miloco had to look for a new training location due to a real estate project involving the demolition of its old hall.

In 2025 , the school agreed to continue its operations in a former school building on Noachstraat , in Leiden.

This change of venue was intended to allow the majority of classes to continue and to maintain regular activity for young practitioners.

The values of Circus Miloco

Miloco's educational project remains based on several essential values: enjoyment , self-confidence , creativity , cooperation and individual progress .

Teachers believe that every child possesses abilities that they can discover and develop through the diversity of circus disciplines.

Circus arts thus allow us to work simultaneously on physical abilities , concentration and social skills .

Students learn to persevere in the face of difficulties and to gradually measure their progress.

They also discover the importance of mutual support and teamwork .

With over twenty years of existence , multidisciplinary teaching and significant pedagogical experience, Circus Miloco is a well-established amateur circus school in Leiden.

It allows children and teenagers to discover circus arts, to progress in different disciplines and, for the most motivated, to participate in creations and public performances .

Circus Miloco thus contributes to making circus arts accessible to a wide audience while promoting the physical , artistic and personal development of young practitioners.