Circus - in the workshop Twist Vzw – Diest

Circus- & Dansatelier TWIST is a circus and dance school located in Diest, Flemish Brabant. Founded in 2009, the association has been developing regular circus arts instruction alongside significant dance activities for many years.

TWIST's philosophy is based on three key concepts emphasized by the school: fun , challenge , and enthusiasm . The goal is to share the passion for circus arts and allow everyone to progress in a stimulating and friendly environment.

A multidisciplinary approach to the circus

Circus arts are approached from a multidisciplinary perspective. Multi-circus courses allow participants to discover different major families of techniques rather than specializing immediately.

Juggling

Juggling plays an important role in this learning process. Students can discover traditional juggling as well as different types of manipulatives.

The diabolo and the flowerstick are among the techniques regularly used by TWIST.

Acrobatics

Acrobatics is another major focus of the teaching. The activities developed over the years include both dynamic acrobatics and exercises performed in pairs or groups.

Pyramids and other collective constructions allow for the simultaneous development of body control, confidence, and cooperation among participants.

Aerial disciplines

Aerial disciplines are also part of the circus arts taught by the organization.

The work of balance

The work on balance is particularly diverse. Students can notably experiment with walking on a ball and on a barrel, the rola-bola or even the unicycle.

These different disciplines allow for the gradual development of balance, coordination, concentration, and body awareness.

A practice with multiple benefits

TWIST's approach is not limited to the acquisition of skills. Circus practice is also considered a tool to stimulate participants on a motor , social and creative level.

Students learn to try, start again, gradually overcome certain difficulties and collaborate with others.

The school welcomes different age groups and organizes activities according to the development and level of the participants.

Circus and dance within the same structure

TWIST is unique in that it combines circus and dance within a single structure. Students thus develop in an environment where different forms of movement and physical expression meet.

This proximity between disciplines also allows for the gradual integration of an artistic and theatrical dimension into the practice.

Local activity locations and partnerships

The structure has several activity locations in Diest and notably uses the facilities of Karteria, Freinetschool De Pit, Sportzaal De Warande and Sporthal De Prins.

TWIST has been working with local partners for many years. For example, the collaboration with the Freinetschool De Pit on circus arts education dates back more than ten years.

The association also participates in events organized in Diest. Its workshops allow the general public to discover different techniques such as juggling, diabolo, flowerstick or barrel walking.

Internships

Internships constitute another important aspect of its activity.

During school holidays, TWIST organizes various themed weeks around movement, dance and circus.

In 2026, circus-specific training courses are being organised in Diest and Bekkevoort.

During these weeks, children can discover many techniques under the guidance of an experienced circus instructor.

The work completed during the workshop culminates in a final presentation for families and friends. Participants also discover the pleasure of presenting their learning to an audience.

TWIST also participates in activities and events with workshops and entertainment adapted to different contexts.

This combination of regular classes, internships, outdoor workshops and presentations allows you to discover circus arts in different forms.

A well-established school in Diest

After more than fifteen years of activity, Circus- & Dansatelier TWIST has become a well-established structure in the associative life of Diest.

Its multidisciplinary approach, combining juggling, manipulation, balance, unicycle, acrobatics and aerial practices, allows participants to develop a fairly broad circus culture.

The simultaneous presence of dance enriches this approach through complementary work around movement and bodily expression.

TWIST is therefore a true school for amateur practice of circus arts, with regular activity and a strong local presence in Diest.