Hinwiler Zirkusverein – HiKiZi

The Hinwiler Zirkusverein is an association dedicated to the teaching and promotion of circus arts, located in Hinwil, in the Zurich Oberland, Switzerland.

The association develops a particularly comprehensive offering for children and teenagers, while promoting the transmission of circus skills between different generations of practitioners.

It brings together four complementary sections : the Hinwiler Kinderzirkus HiKiZi, the Zirkus-Variété Esperienza, the Zirkus Zick Zack Zuck and the Zirkus-Turnen ZiTu programme.

This organization allows us to offer several forms of practice, from a first playful discovery to participation in real circus creations presented in front of the public.

The Hinwiler Kinderzirkus HiKiZi

The Hinwiler Kinderzirkus HiKiZi forms the historical heart of the association. Active for over 45 years, this children's circus welcomes young artists aged 6 to 15.

Each year, the participants collectively prepare a new show which is then performed several times and toured.

The artistic program is particularly varied. It includes acrobatics, juggling, diabolo, unicycle, tightrope walking, balance ball, trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop, Chinese pole, human pyramids, dance, theatre, magic and clowning.

Young artists can thus discover many disciplines and participate in a true collective adventure, ranging from regular training to the presentation of a full show.

The Zirkus Zick Zack Zuck

Zirkus Zick Zack Zuck offers a different approach to circus arts, organized in six-month periods. Children explore various circus techniques before presenting the results of their work in an end-of-session show.

The disciplines practiced include juggling, diabolo, acrobatics, unicycling, hula-hoop, rola-bola, trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop, balancing, dance and magic.

The Zirkus-Turnen ZiTu program

The Zirkus-Turnen ZiTu program, meanwhile, is a formula for discovery and physical development accessible to children aged 6 to 14.

The sessions combine motor games, obstacle courses, balance exercises and introductions to different circus disciplines.

The goal is to develop coordination, flexibility, strength, endurance, spatial awareness and self-confidence, while encouraging enjoyment of movement and positive relationships between participants.

Children can try their hand at juggling, diabolo, ground acrobatics, tightrope walking, unicycling, balancing on objects, and various aerial apparatus.

Zirkus-Variété Esperienza

Finally, Zirkus-Variété Esperienza allows for a more in-depth artistic practice within a circus ensemble that blends theatre, music and circus techniques.

This section brings together artists who have gained experience within HiKiZi, while remaining open to new participants.

Each year, the members of Esperienza create an original show presented to the public. The shows may combine trapeze, acrobatics, human pyramids, juggling, unicycle, tightrope walking, magic and various group disciplines.

The group also performs at private events, community events, association festivals and intergenerational gatherings.

An association founded on the bridges between sections

One of the great features of the Hinwiler Zirkusverein lies in the footbridges between its different sections .

Young people can start with a playful discovery, gradually develop their technical skills, join a performance group and then participate in passing on the knowledge to younger generations.

Several artists from Esperienza also act as coaches in other sections of the association.

This organization promotes collective learning, mutual support, taking responsibility and the continuity of circus practice.

Stage work also occupies an essential place in the educational project.

The annual shows allow participants to discover all the stages of an artistic creation, from technical preparation to meeting the public.

The Hinwiler Zirkusverein is a member of the Verband Schweizerischer Zirkusschulen , the Swiss association of circus schools, and also maintains links with the national Youth+Sport (J+S) scheme.

Thanks to the diversity of its disciplines, its four complementary programs and its commitment to the creation of shows, the Hinwiler Zirkusverein constitutes an important structure for the amateur learning of circus arts in the Hinwil region and the Zurich Oberland.