Cirkuški svet – Workshops and introduction to circus arts

Circus Workshops – Circus workshops and discovery of circus arts in Slovenia

Cirkuški svet , whose name means "The World of the Circus," is a Slovenian organization specializing in circus arts education, workshops, and activities for children, young people, and families. Founded in 2023 by Nastja Fekonja , it is located in the Pomurje region, near Radenci, in northeastern Slovenia.

Through its activities, Cirkuški svet invites participants to discover an artistic universe combining juggling, object manipulation, games of skill, creativity, and physical expression. Its interventions primarily take the form of participatory workshops organized during cultural events, family gatherings, and educational meetings.

The goal of Cirkuški svet is to make circus arts accessible to all , allowing participants to discover original techniques in a playful, caring and friendly atmosphere.

A project created by Nastja Fekonja

Cirkuški svet was born from Nastja Fekonja’s passion for circus arts and her desire to pass on the knowledge acquired during her international experiences.

Originally from the Radenci region, she became interested in the various circus disciplines and their educational potential. Her journey led her to participate in several European training programs and to discover different teaching methods.

In 2023, she presented her project as part of the PONI Pomurje program, dedicated to supporting new entrepreneurial projects. She then aimed to develop an activity that would introduce people to the circus through hands-on workshops and activities adapted to different generations.

Cirkuški svet is built around a simple idea: circus arts are not limited to shows under a big top, but constitute a set of accessible, creative and enriching disciplines.

An experience at the Galway Community Circus in Ireland

One of the most important experiences in Nastja Fekonja's career took place in Ireland, within the Galway Community Circus .

For eleven months , she participated in the activities of this organization, which is recognized for its work in the field of youth circus and social circus.

In particular, she took part in the weekly teaching of circus techniques to children, discovering different pedagogical approaches based on play, cooperation and individual progression.

This experience allowed him to deepen his technical knowledge while discovering how the circus can promote personal development and relationships between participants.

She also participated in activities related to the practice of tightrope walking , notably within the framework of the LifeLine project, organised around a crossing on a wire above the River Corrib.

His time in Ireland greatly influenced his conception of the circus as an artistic, physical and educational activity.

Juggling: a first introduction to the circus

Juggling occupies a central place in the workshops of Cirkuški svet.

This discipline allows you to discover the basics of coordination and object manipulation through progressive exercises.

Participants begin, in particular, with juggling scarves , whose slow movements facilitate the observation of trajectories and the learning of gestures.

They can then discover juggling with balls, working on throws, catches and the first sequences.

The exercises are adapted to each person's abilities in order to allow for individual progress.

Juggling develops hand-eye coordination, concentration, patience, and precision of movement.

It also allows you to discover the pleasure of gradually mastering a technique that seemed difficult at first.

The workshops encourage participants to experiment, try again, and develop their own way of manipulating objects.

Chinese plates and balancing games

Cirkuški svet also offers exercises in manipulating Chinese plates .

This discipline consists of spinning a plate on a stick and maintaining its movement through precise gestures.

Participants gradually discover the techniques needed to initiate rotation, control balance, and perform small movements.

The activity develops concentration, coordination and motor skills.

It provides a playful introduction to the principles of balance and object manipulation.

Chinese plates are particularly well-suited to group workshops, as they allow participants to quickly discover an original circus technique.

They also offer numerous opportunities for games and small individual challenges.

Manipulation sticks and circus accessories

Cirkuški svet workshops can include various activities dedicated to the manipulation of props.

Nastja Fekonja notably presented techniques using manipulation sticks , hats and other dexterity objects.

These exercises allow you to discover different forms of movement, coordination and control of objects.

Each accessory has its own characteristics and requires a specific approach.

Some exercises emphasize precision of movement, while others encourage fluidity, rhythm, and imagination.

The diversity of the equipment allows for a variety of activities and offers several opportunities for discovery within the same workshop.

Balloon sculpting

Balloon sculpting is also among the activities offered by Cirkuški svet.

Participants discover how to transform elongated balloons into different shapes using twisting and assembly techniques.

The workshops can include the creation of animals, flowers, hearts and various decorative objects.

This activity develops fine motor skills, precision of movements and imagination.

It also allows children to leave with a personal creation made during the workshop.

Balloon sculpting adds an artistic and manual dimension that complements juggling and object manipulation exercises.

It naturally finds its place in family entertainment, parties and events aimed at young audiences.

Giant soap bubbles

Cirkuški svet also offers entertainment dedicated to giant soap bubbles .

This activity allows you to discover the gestures and movements necessary to create large bubbles in the air.

Participants experiment with different ways of manipulating the accessories and observe the effects of movement on the bubbles.

The practice combines coordination, observation, patience, and creativity.

It also has a visual dimension that is particularly appreciated during outdoor events.

The giant bubbles help to create a poetic and playful atmosphere, while allowing children to actively participate in the entertainment.

A pedagogy based on play and discovery

Cirkuški svet's educational approach is based on learning through experimentation .

Participants are invited to discover circus techniques without any obligation to perform.

The exercises allow you to progress at your own pace, depending on your age, experience and abilities.

Circus thus becomes a way to develop coordination, balance, concentration and self-confidence.

The activities also encourage perseverance, as learning a figure often requires several attempts.

The gradual success of the exercises allows participants to become aware of their abilities.

Working together promotes mutual support, the sharing of experiences and exchanges between the people present.

This approach is inspired in particular by youth circus methods discovered by Nastja Fekonja during her European training.

Workshops for children, young people and families

Cirkuški svet primarily works with children and young people, but its activities can also be adapted for a family and intergenerational audience.

The workshops are designed to allow participants to discover several circus techniques in the same space.

Everyone can experiment with different accessories and choose the activities that interest them.

Younger children discover objects through simple games, while more experienced participants can delve deeper into certain exercises.

This flexibility allows us to accommodate diverse groups during cultural events and community gatherings.

The workshops emphasize active participation : the public does not simply observe circus techniques, but can try them directly.

Interventions in cultural events

Cirkuški svet participates in local events and events dedicated to youth, culture and leisure.

The organization intervenes in various partner spaces, offering activities adapted to the context of each event.

The workshops can take place in cultural centers, meeting spaces or outdoor locations.

This organization makes it possible to introduce circus arts to audiences who do not necessarily attend a specialized school.

Participants can thus be introduced to several disciplines during a festival, a group workshop or an association meeting.

A circus workshop for young people in Maribor

On September 18, 2025 , Nastja Fekonja led a workshop dedicated to circus arts at the Kulturni inkubator in Maribor .

This activity was organised as part of an evening event for young people.

Participants were able to discover techniques for manipulating Chinese plates, juggling with scarves and the first exercises in juggling with balls.

The workshop also included balloon sculpting and making juggling balls from everyday materials.

This intervention combined technical learning, creativity and conviviality.

It illustrates Cirkuški svet's desire to offer an active discovery of circus arts, in which each participant can experience different disciplines.

Circus activities in Maribor in 2026

Cirkuški svet also participated in the activities organized in September 2026 at Doživljajsko igrišče , a play and discovery space located in the Tabor sector of Maribor.

The event was part of the celebrations for the sixteenth anniversary of this community space.

Nastja Fekonja offered a circus-themed entertainment for children and families.

Participants were able to discover various accessories, including balls, scarves, plates, diabolos and manipulation equipment.

The workshop took place in an open-air environment, amidst the trees of Mali betnavski gozd .

Children, teenagers, parents and grandparents participated in the activities according to their desires and abilities.

This event demonstrates the importance given to the circus as an activity for intergenerational encounter and discovery.

A creative approach to circus arts

Cirkuški svet seeks to showcase the diversity of circus disciplines beyond traditional circus images.

The workshops showcase accessible practices that combine skill, coordination, creativity and personal expression.

Juggling, Chinese plates, manipulation accessories and creative activities allow for the exploration of different forms of movement.

Participants can discover their own abilities, learn new skills and share a collective experience.

This approach values the pleasure of doing, curiosity and the desire to learn.

A traveling activity in northeastern Slovenia

Cirkuški svet is located in the Radenci region of Slovenia.

Its activities are mainly developed through workshops and interventions organized in various partner locations.

This mobile format allows the activities to be adapted to the needs of the organizers and the characteristics of the audiences being welcomed.

The organization thus participates in the dissemination of circus arts in local events, cultural spaces and family events.

Thanks to Nastja Fekonja's teaching experience and the diversity of activities offered, Cirkuški svet helps to make circus arts accessible to new generations of practitioners.

His work combines technical discovery, imagination, physical activity, and the pleasure of sharing a collective artistic experience.