Don Bosco Youth Circus

Jeugdcircus Don Bosco is a non-profit circus school located in Oudenbosch , in the province of North Brabant , in the Netherlands . Founded in 1956 , it allows children and teenagers aged 4 to 18 to discover the circus arts and participate in the creation of collective shows.

For almost seventy years, the association has been passing on circus arts disciplines to several generations of young artists.

It has its own training building, located in Pastoor Hellemonsstraat , behind the Oudenbosch Basilica.

The school offers weekly classes led by a team of volunteers, some of whom have experience in teaching, physical education or artistic practice.

A circus school founded in 1956

The story of Jeugdcircus Don Bosco begins in 1956 , at the initiative of Brother Gangulfus and Chaplain Kloeg .

The founders wanted to offer young people in Oudenbosch a constructive activity, promoting their development and participation in community life.

The association is inspired by the educational philosophy of Giovanni Bosco , a 19th-century Italian priest known for his commitment to young people.

This approach is based in particular on kindness, dialogue, trust and empowerment.

These values continue to guide the operation of the school.

Children are encouraged to develop their abilities while learning to work together.

Courses available from age 4

Jeugdcircus Don Bosco welcomes children from the age of 4 .

A specific course is offered on Wednesday afternoons for younger children.

Beginners discover circus arts through fun exercises in coordination, motor skills and balance.

They gradually learn to handle different accessories and develop confidence in their movements.

From the age of 8 , students can join specialized training programs.

These courses allow students to delve deeper into different disciplines according to their preferences.

The school also offers activities for teenagers up to 18 years old .

Juggling and object manipulation

Juggling is one of the disciplines taught.

Participants learn how to handle balls and other accessories.

The exercises help to develop coordination, concentration and precision of movements.

The school also offers the handling of Chinese plates .

Students learn to keep the plates rotating and to perform different shapes.

These activities can be integrated into the acts presented during the shows.

Unicycle and balance disciplines

Unicycling is one of the specialties offered by Jeugdcircus Don Bosco.

Students gradually learn to master their balance and move on one wheel.

The school also teaches various balance techniques.

Participants can discover activities such as tightrope walking , balancing on a circus ball and rola-bola .

These disciplines develop stability, posture, and body control.

The exercises are adapted to the age and experience of the participants.

Acrobatics and aerial disciplines

Jeugdcircus Don Bosco also offers acrobatics training.

Students discover different floor techniques and learn to improve their coordination and body control.

Aerial disciplines occupy an important place in the program.

The school teaches, among other things , aerial silks and aerial hoop .

These activities allow participants to develop their strength, flexibility and mastery of suspended movements.

Teenagers can follow a specific training dedicated to aerial disciplines on Friday evenings .

Clown, magic and illusionism

One of the distinctive features of Jeugdcircus Don Bosco is the diversity of its artistic activities.

The school notably offers clowning classes.

Participants learn to develop their body expression, creativity, and ability to communicate with an audience.

Magic and illusionism are also among the disciplines taught.

Students can discover different techniques designed to surprise and entertain spectators.

The program also includes activities inspired by fakir acts .

These disciplines help to develop stage presence and allow for a variety of performances.

Public performances

Jeugdcircus Don Bosco regularly organizes performances.

The young artists present their acts at cultural events, local festivals and community events.

The association also participates in shows organized in the Netherlands and abroad .

The performances allow students to put into practice the techniques learned during training.

They discover the demands of the stage, the preparation of acts and the importance of teamwork.

The shows may combine juggling, balancing, acrobatics, aerial disciplines, clowning and magic.

The association also offers activities and workshops aimed at different audiences.

A team of dedicated volunteers

Jeugdcircus Don Bosco operates entirely thanks to volunteers .

The coaches come primarily from the world of teaching, physical education, or circus arts.

Some are former artists from the association.

Volunteers also participate in the organization of shows, the making of costumes, makeup, lighting and sound.

This organization allows children to discover the different dimensions of a circus production.

It also helps to create a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The school places particular importance on mutual support and respect.

Participants learn to cooperate, listen to others, and gradually take on responsibilities.

A pedagogy based on trust

The educational philosophy of Jeugdcircus Don Bosco is based on several essential values.

The association aims to provide children with a welcoming environment in which they can discover their abilities.

The coaches encourage students to progress and experiment with new techniques.

Group activities promote communication and cooperation.

Children also learn to trust their partners and recognize their own progress.

The goal is not only to master circus tricks, but also to develop skills useful in everyday life.

Workshops and activities

In addition to regular training, Jeugdcircus Don Bosco offers services for various events.

The association can organize shows and workshops to discover circus arts.

These services are offered in particular during birthday parties, local events and community events.

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

The services can be organized in the association's building or in other locations.

An active school in 2026-2027

Jeugdcircus Don Bosco continues its activities during the 2026-2027 season.

Training sessions are organized several times a week, from Monday to Friday , depending on the discipline.

The youngest students have a specific class on Wednesday afternoons .

Older children and teenagers can participate in specialist training in juggling, magic, unicycling, acrobatics and aerial disciplines.

The school welcomes people wishing to discover its activities during a trial session .

With its history dating back to 1956 , its many disciplines and its associative operation, Jeugdcircus Don Bosco constitutes an important structure for learning circus arts in the Oudenbosch region.

It allows children and teenagers to develop their technical and artistic skills while participating in a collective adventure based on trust, creativity and the pleasure of practicing.