Feet in the Air, Head Down

Presentation of the association

Les Pieds en l'Air la Tête en Bas is an association created in 2023 to develop and democratize the practice of circus arts in the municipalities of Loire-Atlantique , and more particularly in the Erdre et Gesvres sector.

The association views circus arts as a physical , artistic , cooperative , and social activity. Its aim is to enable diverse audiences to discover circus arts through regular classes , workshops , one-off events , and cultural and social outreach activities .

The weekly workshops

For the 2026-2027 season, weekly workshops are offered in Grandchamp-des-Fontaines and Notre-Dame-des-Landes . Children are divided into groups adapted to their age, with workshops for 4-6 year olds and for 7-10 year olds .

A multidisciplinary practice

The activity is multidisciplinary . Children discover juggling and object manipulation, including balls, clubs, hoops, devil sticks, and plates. They also experiment with different forms of balance on objects , such as rolling pins, wooden blocks, the American roller, and the plank.

Acrobatics is another important aspect of the teaching. The workshops allow students to explore acrobatic movements, hand and head balances, as well as acrobatic lifts.

A non-competitive pedagogy

The association's teaching method is intentionally non-competitive . The pursuit of performance is not considered an end in itself: the primary objective is to allow everyone to enjoy practicing , to experiment and to progress at their own pace .

The workshops aim to develop physical and artistic skills, as well as imagination , self-confidence and trust in others , socialization , and stage presence . Listening, respect, and kindness play a significant role in guiding the activities.

Internships during school holidays

In addition to regular classes, Les Pieds en l'Air la Tête en Bas organizes workshops during school holidays. The programs can be adapted to different age groups and allow participants to further develop their skills in acrobatics , juggling , and object manipulation .

Some courses place particular emphasis on acrobatics . Children can then experience acrobatic lifts, movement alone or in groups, and different forms of stunts adapted to their age.

The association also develops workshops focusing on movement , mobility , and hand balance . These sessions allow participants to explore hand and foot support, inversions, and different ways of moving their bodies within an acrobatic framework.

A traveling, multigenerational project

The project is not limited to children enrolled in regular classes. The association aims to bring circus arts to the towns and villages of Loire-Atlantique and targets diverse and multigenerational audiences.

Its primary purpose is to intervene in school , social , healthcare , educational , and professional settings. The workshops are designed to adapt to the abilities and potential of the participants rather than imposing a standardized performance level for everyone.

This itinerant dimension is important in the project: the association uses the facilities available in the different municipalities in order to bring circus practice closer to the inhabitants and to develop an artistic offering in territories where circus arts are still little represented.

A young, non-profit circus school

Les Pieds en l'Air la Tête en Bas is a young , non-profit, and itinerant circus school , particularly focused on introductory circus arts. Weekly classes, holiday camps, specialized workshops, and outreach activities allow participants to discover the circus arts in an approach based on enjoyment , cooperation , creativity , and personal growth .