Haminan Teinisirkus

Located in Hamina, in southeastern Finland, Haminan Teinisirkus is a non-profit school dedicated to the learning, creation, and dissemination of circus arts. Founded in 1973, it is considered the oldest youth circus in Finland.

The association currently welcomes children, teenagers, and adults for weekly classes, specialized groups, and artistic activities. It also offers shows, discovery workshops, and events for various audiences.

A story that begins in 1973

The story of Haminan Teinisirkus begins with Claes Cedercreutz , a doctor with a passion for circus arts.

In 1973, he began passing on his knowledge to his son Kettil and several of his friends. The first lessons focused on magic tricks and unicycling.

The young people even make some of their unicycles at the Hamina vocational training establishment.

At that time, the group trained in the courtyards and streets of the city, before obtaining a space in a shelter thanks to municipal support.

In 1974, the young artists gave their first performance at the summer markets of Hamina, the Elomarkkinat .

The show is inspired by the world of the Wild West, with costumes made by Rita Cedercreutz, sets built for the occasion and musical accompaniment.

In 1976, an association was officially formed under the name Sirkuksen ystävät ry . It became Haminan Sirkustaiteen ystävät ry in 1978, then adopted its current name, Haminan Teinisirkus ry , in 1992.

This history makes the establishment an important player in the development of the Finnish amateur circus.

An association committed to education through circus arts

Haminan Teinisirkus is a non-profit organization.

Its mission is to promote circus culture while contributing to the well-being of children and young people through artistic practice.

The school places great importance on cooperation, responsibility and mutual trust.

Group activities allow students to learn to rely on each other, respect their partners, and engage in a common project.

The circus is thus used not only as a physical and artistic activity, but also as an educational and social tool.

Family circus from the age of 1

Haminan Teinisirkus offers several family circus groups intended for young children accompanied by an adult.

The groups are organized according to the age of the participants:

• Hiput : 1 to 2 years.
• Tuutit : 3 to 4 years old.
• Tötteröt : 5 to 6 years old.

These sessions allow participants to discover circus arts through play and movement.

Children develop their motor skills, coordination and self-confidence, while sharing an activity with their accompanying adult.

This initial approach gradually prepares the youngest children to join circus groups intended for school children.

Circus groups for children

The school offers several general practice groups for children from the age of 7.

The Hattarat and Huiskut groups welcome children aged 7 to 8.

The Vieterit group is for 9 to 11 year olds, while the Popparit group is for 10 to 12 year olds.

These courses help develop the fundamental skills needed to practice circus arts.

Students discover different techniques, improve their coordination and learn to practice with others.

Organizing by age groups allows us to offer exercises adapted to children's development.

Specialized courses in aerial acrobatics

Haminan Teinisirkus offers several groups dedicated to aerial disciplines.

A first group welcomes children aged 8 to 9.

From the age of 10, students can join aerial acrobatics courses organized into two levels.

This progression allows participants to discover basic techniques before tackling more demanding exercises.

Aerial work develops strength, coordination, mobility and body control.

The presence of multiple levels allows students to continue their learning within the school.

The unicycle as a specific discipline

The unicycle occupies a special place in the history of Haminan Teinisirkus.

It was already among the first disciplines taught by Claes Cedercreutz in 1973.

The school continues to offer a specialized group called Yksipyörä , dedicated to learning and perfecting the unicycle.

This course welcomes participants wishing to discover the basics or develop their skills.

Unicycling requires concentration, coordination and a gradual mastery of balance.

It also constitutes a discipline that can be integrated into stage productions.

Dance acrobatics

The school offers a Tanssiakrobatia course, or dance acrobatics, intended for children over 10 years old, teenagers and adults.

This activity combines acrobatic movements with rhythmic and physical work.

It allows us to explore the relationships between movement, coordination, and artistic expression.

Dance acrobatics provides an interesting bridge between circus techniques and choreographic disciplines.

A group for teenagers and adults

The NYX + X-Teinit group welcomes young people over 15 years old as well as adults.

It allows older practitioners to continue their activity within the association.

This offering complements the courses for children and helps to make Haminan Teinisirkus a place of practice open to several generations.

An advanced group for experienced students

The Maailma group is aimed at advanced practitioners.

It is dedicated to acrobatics and aerial acrobatics, with work adapted for students who already have significant experience.

Access to this group is granted after discussion with the association.

It allows participants to continue their technical development in a more specialized setting.

A performing arts troupe active all year round

Haminan Teinisirkus has a performance group called SHOW-ryhmä .

This troupe participates in various events and demonstrations throughout the year.

It allows students to develop their stage experience, work on preparing acts and discover the requirements of a public performance.

Access is generally intended for students aged at least 10 years with approximately two years of circus experience.

The group members rehearse several times a week and can also continue their learning in technical courses.

This organization allows regular practice to be combined with a genuine artistic experience in front of an audience.

Customized shows for events

The association offers artistic services to communities, businesses and event organizers.

The shows are built according to the needs, the desired duration and the available acts.

Haminan Teinisirkus offers, in particular, general circus shows as well as performances using fire arts.

This activity allows young artists to meet different audiences and present their work in varied contexts.

Workshops for schools and groups

The association also organizes introductory workshops for schools, nurseries, associations and adult groups.

These activities can take place in the Hamina circus hall or in the premises of the host structure, when conditions permit.

Participants discover different circus accessories and equipment with the guidance of teachers.

The workshops can be adapted to the group's objectives: artistic discovery, cooperation, team cohesion or collective activity.

The sessions usually last one to two hours.

The association welcomes both groups of children and adults wishing to discover circus arts.

Birthday entertainment

Haminan Teinisirkus offers birthday parties organized around circus arts.

Younger children can participate in fun activities, accompanied by the association's staff.

Children discover different equipment and can try exercises adapted to their age.

The establishment also offers options to add a small show or special lighting to the room.

These events provide an opportunity to discover the circus in a festive setting.

A room at the Summa cultural center

Haminan Teinisirkus classes take place at Summan kylä-ja kulttuurikeskus , a village and cultural center located in Hamina.

The address is Summantie 46, 49420 Hamina .

The association organizes its regular classes, workshops and various group activities there.

The presence of an identified training location allows participants to practice in an environment dedicated to their activities.

A historic school focused on transmission

Haminan Teinisirkus holds a special place in the history of circus arts in Finland.

Since the first unicycle and magic sessions organized in 1973, the association has progressively developed a program including courses for very young children, general circus groups, specialized disciplines and stage creation activities.

Its associative structure and its commitment to youth demonstrate the importance it places on transmission.

Haminan Teinisirkus is thus a historic amateur circus school, which combines artistic teaching, collective practice and shows, while contributing for more than fifty years to the cultural life of Hamina.

Course address: Summantie 46, 49420 Hamina, Finland.

Email: posti.haminanteinisirkus@gmail.com

Official website: https://www.haminanteinisirkus.fi/