Confignon Circus School (EDCE)

The Confignon Circus School (EDCE) is a circus arts school located in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland.

With over forty years of history, it offers multidisciplinary teaching for children, teenagers and adults, from the first discoveries of movement to intensive practice of circus arts.

History

The school's history dates back to the 1980s. In 1984 , when classes were now held in Confignon, a first show was organized. This experience gave rise to new artistic ambitions, notably through the creation of a touring troupe and the acquisition of a big top.

In 2014 , Vanessa Pahud , granddaughter of Renée Pahud, took over the management of the establishment, continuing the development of this family and artistic project.

Pedagogy and approach

EDCE views the circus as a space for transmission , bodily exploration , and personal development . Its pedagogy is based on an inclusive and non-competitive approach, respecting the pace of each participant.

The courses help develop strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, balance, proprioception and creativity, while giving significant importance to individual expression and cooperation .

Courses offered

Children's classes

The school welcomes children as young as two and a half in a parent-child course called "Les Petits Pas" (Little Steps). Children can then continue their discovery with the "Zig et Zag", "Equilibrio" and "Pirouette" groups, adapted to their age and level of commitment.

Leisure classes

The recreational courses offer a general introduction to circus disciplines. Participants experience acrobatics , balancing , juggling , and aerial techniques in a progressive and safe environment.

For students wishing to deepen their practice, the school develops intermediate and specialized courses.

"Circus of the Imagination" Creative Group

The "Circus of the Imagination" creative group, for 8-12 year olds , combines technical development with an introduction to stage creation. Students work on acrobatics, aerial disciplines, juggling and balancing, while discovering theatricality, choreography and musicality.

Adult courses

EDCE also offers courses for adults, allowing them to specialize in different disciplines such as acrobatics, trapeze, silks or aerial hoop.

Artistic research

Significant emphasis is placed on artistic exploration. Learning is not limited to technical mastery: it also encourages participants to build a personal gestural vocabulary and to develop their ability to create and interpret a performance.

Intensive training “Horizon Cirque”

The school also has an intensive course called " Horizon Cirque – Performing Arts / Circus Specialization ".

Accessible from age 14 under certain conditions of level and experience, this training takes place over one school year, with the possibility of continuing for a second year.

It combines six hours of weekly classes , a circus specialization, times of collective creation, rehearsals and public performances.

Students are supported in developing their physical and artistic abilities, with particular attention paid to personal research, interpretation and collective work.

Training future teachers

EDCE also participates in the training of future circus teachers and instructors. From the age of 14 , young people interested in passing on their knowledge can gradually join the teaching team, gain practical experience, and benefit from further training.

Internships and collaborations

The institution regularly organizes intensive workshops led by guest professional artists. These sessions allow participants to explore new technical, physical, and stage approaches.

Alongside its educational activities, the school collaborates with the association " Une fois, un cirque… " to develop shows, artistic projects and various cultural events.

Its big top and infrastructure can also accommodate amateur and professional artists, fostering encounters and the emergence of new creations.

Affiliations and cultural role

The Confignon Circus School is a member of the Swiss Federation of Circus Schools and actively participates in Geneva's cultural life.

Through its history, the diversity of its teachings and its desire to link amateur practice, in-depth training and artistic creation, EDCE constitutes an important structure for the learning and transmission of circus arts in French-speaking Switzerland .