Il Tendone dell'Arte – Scuola di Arti Circensi

Il Tendone dell'Arte is a circus arts school located in Trambacche di Veggiano, in the province of Padua, in Veneto.

Its distinctive feature is immediately apparent: unlike many schools located in gymnasiums or multipurpose rooms, classes take place under a real circus tent .

The school was created by Alex Michael and Romy Meggiolaro Michael , two professional artists from families with a long circus tradition.

The Tendone dell'Arte was officially inaugurated on June 15, 2024 .

The project was born from their desire to create a permanent place to pass on the circus arts and the experience acquired during their international careers.

Alongside their teaching activities, Alex Michael and Romy Meggiolaro Michael continue to perform as artists.

Their career has allowed them to work in various circuses, theatres, festivals and international productions.

This professional experience is one of the school's strong characteristics: techniques are taught by artists who themselves have significant experience on the track and on stage.

The project thus combines the tradition of circus families with a modern organization of a circus school open to the general public.

Groups and student reception

The school welcomes children from the age of four .

• Mini Circus : designed for children aged 4 to 6. This first introduction allows younger children to gradually discover the world of the circus in an environment adapted to their age.
• Circo Junior : then welcomes children aged 7 to 10. At this age, students begin to develop their skills more precisely in different families of circus disciplines.
• Circo Teen : is aimed at young people aged 11 to 17. Teenagers can progressively deepen their knowledge of different techniques and participate in the creative and performance work developed by the school.

From age 18 , Il Tendone dell'Arte also offers a multi-level adult course . This structure allows them to welcome both complete beginners and practitioners with prior experience.

The subjects taught

The school has a deliberately multidisciplinary orientation.

Juggling

Juggling is one of the major families of techniques taught. It allows students to develop coordination, concentration, precision and the ability to manipulate different objects.

Ground acrobatics

Floor acrobatics also plays an important role in training. It helps develop strength, mobility, coordination and body awareness while providing a useful foundation for many other circus disciplines.

Aerial disciplines

Aerial disciplines are another important focus of the school. The program includes aerial dance and various forms of aerial acrobatics . Students gradually learn to move at height, developing strength, flexibility, body control, and confidence.

Balancing and verticalism

Balancing is also one of the main disciplines taught. Working on balance allows students to explore techniques characteristic of both traditional and contemporary circus arts. Verticality, that is, handstands, is another specialty offered.

Contortion

Contortion is another discipline offered by the school. It requires specific work on mobility and body control and naturally complements acrobatic training.

Antipodism

More unusual in European circus schools, antipodism is also taught at Tendone dell'Arte. This traditional circus discipline involves manipulating and spinning various objects with the feet, usually from a prone position. It demonstrates the school's commitment to preserving and passing on certain techniques from the heritage of traditional circus.

The Sky Walker

Il Tendone dell'Arte also has a special connection with Skywalker . Alex Michael is a renowned specialist in this spectacular discipline, and the school announced its intention to teach this technique from its inception. This presence of relatively rare disciplines is one of the key differences between Il Tendone dell'Arte and a traditional, general circus school.

Track culture and educational values

The teaching is based on a genuine circus culture . Students don't just work on technique during classes; they also participate in shows organized throughout the year . These performances allow them to experience the sensations of being on stage, the relationship with the audience, and the demands of an artistic presentation.

The school views circus arts as going beyond mere physical performance. It emphasizes values of respect, perseverance, collaboration, and personal growth . Technical progression thus becomes a means of also developing autonomy and confidence.

The circus tent environment plays a significant role in this educational approach. Students discover the disciplines in a space that directly reflects the professional world of the circus. Contact with professional artists and the opportunity to attend or participate in performances further enhance this immersive experience.

Additional activities

In addition to regular classes, Il Tendone dell'Arte organizes workshops and thematic seminars . These events allow participants to delve deeper into certain techniques and welcome various specialists.

The school states its aim is to offer training broad enough to meet the needs of both beginners and those considering a professional career in circus arts. However, this educational ambition should be distinguished from a professional degree program or a higher education circus school. Currently, the clearly structured activity of Tendone dell'Arte remains primarily that of a practical and advanced training school open to people of all ages and skill levels.

Entertainment activities and educational and social projects

Tendone dell'Arte also develops a performance activity . The big top hosts shows and can also be rented for various events. Circus-themed birthday parties are offered to children with educational and fun activities.

The association also works with schools . Projects allow children to discover the circus tent, attend shows, and then try out different circus equipment and accessories themselves. This experience is used to develop psychomotor skills, cooperation, and self-confidence.

The association also develops projects with a social dimension . In 2026, the " Pinocchio – From Wood to Freedom " project brought together vulnerable teenagers, circus workshops, physical theatre, and visual arts. The young people gradually became active participants in the creation of a public performance exploring themes of transformation, fragility, and freedom. This project illustrates a commitment to using circus arts not only as an artistic practice but also as an educational and social tool .

A circus school with a distinctive identity

Il Tendone dell'Arte is today recognized as an amateur sports association and is listed in the register of associations of the municipality of Veggiano.

Despite its recent creation, the school already has a structured local presence and is simultaneously developing regular courses, shows, school workshops and artistic and social projects.

Its identity is particularly interesting within the landscape of Italian circus schools. It combines the family tradition of circus arts , the international experience of its founders, an openness to amateur practitioners, and a commitment to passing on certain disciplines that have become relatively rare. The fact that all of this activity takes place under a real big top further reinforces this identity.

Il Tendone dell'Arte thus offers children, teenagers and adults the opportunity to learn circus arts in an environment directly inspired by the professional world of the circus ring.