Cirqu'onflexe

Presentation

Founded in 1985 , Cirqu'Onflexe is a non-profit circus school located at 495 rue d'Abbeville in Amiens , in the Somme department. For over forty years, the organization has been developing a project dedicated to the discovery, initiation, specialization, and artistic practice of circus arts for children, teenagers, and adults.

Approvals and shares

Cirqu'Onflexe is currently accredited by the French Federation of Circus Schools under number 80096 , belongs to the FREC Grand Nord, and holds the federal "Amateur Practice" label. Its mission extends beyond weekly classes: the school works with schools, leisure centers, and other organizations, develops programs for people with disabilities, and participates in various artistic and cultural projects in the Amiens area.

Target audiences and pathways

The school welcomes children from the age of two . For the youngest, Baby Circus offers a first introduction to the circus world, accompanied by an adult. The approach then progresses gradually with the 4-6 , 7-9 , and 10-13 age groups, before continuing in workshops for teenagers and adults. This structure allows the teaching methods to be adapted to the physical abilities, independence, and development of each age group.

Subjects taught

The proposed practice is resolutely multidisciplinary . The adolescent and adult classes, in particular, confirm the work of the different circus disciplines, allowing participants to discover and deepen their understanding of several techniques.

• Carpet acrobatics
• Trampoline
• Acrobatic lifts
• Juggling
• Balances on objects
• Aerial disciplines
• Body language

Airlines

Aerial disciplines hold a particularly important place. Cirqu'Onflexe organizes courses specifically dedicated to aerial arts, including trapeze , silks , rope, and aerial hoop . A beginner/intermediate workshop allows teenagers and adults who have never practiced, or have only had a brief introduction through a workshop, to progress in a structured environment. Aerial specialization is also offered, subject to certain conditions, to more advanced practitioners.

Pedagogy and objectives

Acrobatics allows for the exploration of the body's possibilities in space, while trampolining and partner acrobatics gradually introduce concepts of propulsion, landing, positioning, and cooperation. Juggling develops coordination, rhythm, precision, and concentration, and balancing on objects engages proprioception and body control. This diversity is an essential element of the pedagogy: the objective is not solely technical performance but also artistic development, autonomy, and creativity.

Stage and shows

The performance aspect is an integral part of the curriculum: several groups participate in the end-of-year show organized at the Cirque Jules Verne in Amiens , giving students the opportunity to experience their learning firsthand in front of a live audience. The links between Cirqu'Onflexe and the National Circus and Street Arts Center are part of the school's official mission statement.

Internships

In addition to its annual workshops, Cirqu'Onflexe organizes numerous holiday camps. These allow children and teenagers to discover circus arts over several days or a full week, with content adapted to each age group.

• Internships for 2-3 years
• Workshops for 4-6 year olds
• Workshops for 7-9 year olds
• Workshops for 10-17 year olds (with the possibility for older groups to present a show at the end of the week)

These workshops focus on acrobatics, balance, aerial disciplines, and body expression, while emphasizing the discovery of one's abilities, creativity, and self-confidence. Workshops specifically dedicated to aerial disciplines complete the offering.

Adapted Circus

Adapted Circus is a key focus of Cirqu'Onflexe: the association has been developing this activity for about twenty years and considers circus arts as a tool for communication and inclusion. Projects are developed in collaboration with educators, supervisors, and medical teams to adapt to the abilities, pace, and needs of each participant and group.

Partners and specific actions

The organization collaborates with artists and partners: Benoît Leleu (musician and director of the Musique en Herbe music school) is involved in the Dr. Micky project, while magician Jimmy Loock participates in workshops combining circus arts and magic. The Dr. Micky project, which brings clowns to pediatric wards, holds a special place in the association's social mission, and its support is enshrined in its mission statement.

Family offers and events

Families have access to a special "Circus for Families" program, allowing adults and children to discover and practice circus arts together. Events are organized periodically throughout the year, including one scheduled for October 11, 2026 .

Cirqu'Onflexe also offers birthday parties and team building activities, using circus techniques and values in a festive or professional setting to strengthen bonds between participants.

Conclusion

Through its regular classes, specializations, workshops, shows, school programs, adapted circus program, and family activities, Cirqu'Onflexe is now one of the leading circus arts education centers in Amiens. Its long-standing presence, FFEC accreditation, and partnership with the Cirque Jules Verne ensure continuity between amateur practice, arts education, and the discovery of contemporary circus. From the first experience in Baby Circus to adult practice, from juggling to trapeze, from trampoline to aerial silks, from object balancing to acrobatic lifts, the school aims to help everyone find their place in the circus world, while developing confidence , creativity , self-expression , and the joy of performing together .