Circus SamBal – Houten and Bussum

Circus SamBal is a circus school located in the Netherlands, offering regular classes in the towns of Houten and Bussum. Directed by Samuel Stranders , it develops a pedagogical approach combining the learning of circus techniques, theatrical expression and artistic creation.

The school welcomes beginner participants as well as practitioners who already have experience in juggling or acrobatics.

Its goal is to allow everyone to discover circus arts, to progress at their own pace and to develop their creativity in an environment that promotes cooperation .

Weekly circus classes

Circus SamBal offers an annual program of circus-theatre courses .

The 2026-2027 season includes 30 sessions , organized between the end of September 2026 and June 2027.

Classes are held on Wednesdays in Houten and on Fridays in Bussum .

The school suspends its regular activities during school holidays.

The sessions are adapted to different levels of practice.

Beginners discover the main circus disciplines through progressive exercises.

More experienced participants can delve deeper into certain techniques and specialize in disciplines that particularly interest them.

The teaching combines physical training , technical learning and the development of artistic skills .

Juggling and object manipulation

Juggling is one of the disciplines offered by Circus SamBal.

Participants discover the principles of coordination , rhythm and concentration necessary for manipulating objects.

The school also teaches diabolo , which helps develop precision of gestures and mastery of movements.

These activities offer numerous opportunities for progression, from the first exercises to the creation of more elaborate sequences.

Object manipulation can also be integrated into stage productions .

Balance and unicycle

Circus SamBal offers several disciplines dedicated to balance .

Students can, in particular, discover tightrope walking , called koorddansen in Dutch.

This practice develops stability , concentration , and body control .

Balancing on a circus ball is another activity taught.

Participants gradually learn to maintain their position and control their movements on an unstable surface.

Unicycling is also part of the program.

This discipline requires perseverance and allows you to work on coordination and dynamic balance.

The exercises are adapted to the level of the participants in order to allow for gradual and safe progress.

Acrobatics and aerial disciplines

Acrobatics plays an important role in Circus SamBal's teaching.

Students discover different body techniques and learn to develop their strength , coordination and confidence .

The courses also include aerial disciplines .

The trapeze allows you to explore balances and suspended positions.

Aerial fabric , called fabric or klimdoek, is also among the techniques offered.

These disciplines allow us to discover new possibilities for movement and bodily expression.

The learning is tailored to the abilities and experience of the participants.

Theatre, clown and magic

One of the distinctive features of Circus SamBal is its approach to circus theatre .

The school is not limited to teaching acrobatic and juggling techniques.

Participants also discover clowning , magic , and various theatrical exercises.

These activities help to develop imagination , stage presence and expressive abilities.

Students learn to use their bodies, gestures, and expressions to communicate with an audience.

Theatre exercises also encourage improvisation and creativity .

This approach makes it possible to combine technical skills with a genuine artistic process .

A progression adapted to the students

Circus SamBal offers instruction that allows participants to progress according to their abilities and preferences.

Beginners are introduced to several disciplines in order to discover the different possibilities offered by circus arts.

Experienced practitioners can then devote more time to their specialties.

They refine their techniques and work on more demanding sequences.

The school encourages participants to experiment and explore original ways to present their achievements.

This progression helps to develop autonomy and self-confidence .

An end-of-year show

The course season ends with a group performance .

This presentation allows students to showcase the skills acquired during the year.

Participants thus discover the different stages of preparing a circus show.

They learn how to create an act, how to work on their presentation, and how to perform in front of an audience.

Theatre training contributes to this preparation by developing stage presence and personal expression .

The show is an important moment in the life of the school.

It allows students to share their progress and discover the pleasure of presenting their work.

A pedagogy based on cooperation

Samuel Stranders places particular importance on the educational dimensions of circus arts.

His approach prioritizes cooperation , trust and respect rather than competition.

Participants are encouraged to discover their abilities and gradually take on new challenges.

The exercises help to develop perseverance and concentration .

Group activities also promote mutual support and communication .

The goal is to create an environment in which everyone can experiment, learn and progress at their own pace.

A specialist teacher

Circus SamBal classes are taught by Samuel Stranders .

He has initial training as a primary school teacher and has obtained a supplementary qualification for teaching physical education .

He also completed a "Begeleider in de Circuskunsten" training course in Belgium, dedicated to the supervision of circus arts.

Alongside his circus activities, he continues to work part-time in teaching.

This dual educational and artistic experience is an important element of Circus SamBal's identity.

School workshops and interventions

In addition to its regular classes, Circus SamBal organizes discovery workshops .

These activities can be offered in schools , leisure centers and after-school facilities .

The school also participates in festivals , family events and private events .

The workshops allow participants to discover different circus disciplines in a fun setting.

They can be adapted to the age of the children and the objectives of the organizers.

Circus SamBal offers entertainment for birthdays , among other things.

Participants discover circus accessories, practice different techniques and can prepare a small performance for families.

An active school in 2026-2027

Circus SamBal officially confirms the organization of its 2026-2027 course season.

The program includes 30 weekly sessions , from September to June, as well as an end-of-year show .

Classes are offered in Houten on Wednesdays and in Bussum on Fridays .

A free trial session allows interested individuals to discover the teaching before registering.

Thanks to its approach combining circus techniques, theatre and pedagogy, Circus SamBal offers an environment adapted to the discovery and deepening of circus arts.

The school provides an interesting structure for the inhabitants of Houten , Bussum and the surrounding municipalities who wish to regularly practice circus disciplines.