Jeugdcircus Acrobatico – Badhoevedorp

Jeugdcircus Acrobatico is a non-profit circus school located in Badhoevedorp, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, in the Netherlands. Founded on October 21, 1986 by Lenie Olde Scholtenhuis, it allows children and teenagers to discover the circus arts and participate in the creation of collective shows.

For nearly forty years, the association has been developing an educational approach combining technical learning, creativity, cooperation and artistic expression.

Its goal is to enable each participant to discover their abilities, develop their talents and gain self-confidence in a welcoming environment.

A circus school open to children as young as 6

Jeugdcircus Acrobatico welcomes children from 6 years old, without requiring prior experience.

New participants begin with an introductory training session held on Wednesday afternoons.

These sessions allow participants to discover the main circus disciplines and gradually acquire fundamental techniques.

Each training session begins with a group warm-up, followed by exercises adapted to the children's abilities.

Juggling plays an important role in the curriculum. Students learn to manipulate different props and develop their coordination, concentration, and precision.

Diabolo is also among the disciplines practiced.

Children can discover the unicycle and gradually learn to master their balance while moving.

The school also offers balance exercises on a circus ball, rola-bola and tightrope walking.

These activities develop stability, posture, and body control.

Stilt walking is another discipline that is taught.

Floor acrobatics allows participants to work on their coordination, flexibility and strength.

The association also practices various forms of aerial acrobatics, particularly on silks and aerial hoop.

The diversity of disciplines allows children to discover several techniques before choosing those that particularly interest them.

A progression towards live performances

After a period of learning, the children can join the performance group.

They then participate in the preparation of one or more acts intended for the association's shows.

Young artists are encouraged to delve deeper into their favorite disciplines while continuing to explore other techniques.

Some specialize in juggling or diabolo, while others choose balancing, unicycling, or acrobatics.

Performance group training sessions are mainly held on Wednesday late afternoon and Friday.

Participants gradually learn to build sequences and present their creations in front of an audience.

They are also encouraged to suggest their own ideas for improving or creating acts.

This participation in artistic creation constitutes an essential dimension of the educational project.

Circus-theatre shows

Jeugdcircus Acrobatico stands out for the quality of its artistic productions.

The association usually creates a new show every two years.

These performances combine several circus disciplines with a story, staging, costumes, sets and a musical selection.

The young artists participate in shows that go beyond a simple succession of technical demonstrations.

Each act contributes to building a true theatrical performance.

The association presents its productions in various venues, including theatres, community halls, schools and facilities for the elderly.

She also performs at cultural events and activities organized in the Haarlemmermeer region.

His creations include the shows Foresta Magica , 1001 Nacht and BOEH!! .

In October 2025, the young artists notably presented the final performances of BOEH!! at the Theater Cpunt in Hoofddorp.

The show brought together many disciplines: juggling, diabolo, acrobatics, unicycle, ball balancing, wire walking, aerial hoop and aerial silks.

The association also announces the preparation of a new production intended for a theatrical tour in 2026.

A teaching method based on cooperation

Acrobatico's educational philosophy is based on the belief that circus arts allow children to develop skills that go beyond sports practice.

Participants learn to persevere, to take on new challenges, and to work collectively.

Preparing the acts promotes concentration, creativity and a sense of responsibility.

Group exercises encourage cooperation and mutual trust.

The young artists gradually discover the importance of mutual support in the success of a show.

The association aims to enable everyone to progress according to their abilities.

Children are encouraged to develop their own ideas and to actively participate in the artistic life of the group.

This approach helps to strengthen their autonomy and self-confidence.

An association run by volunteers

Jeugdcircus Acrobatico operates entirely thanks to the commitment of volunteers.

Training sessions are led in particular by former artists and parents with experience in circus disciplines.

The association also places great importance on the participation of families.

Parents contribute to the running of the circus by participating in various activities.

Some accompany the training sessions, while others are involved in preparing costumes, organizing shows, technical aspects, or transporting equipment.

This collective involvement helps to keep membership fees affordable and to develop a true sense of community.

It also helps to create links between families.

Several former participants continue to be involved in the association after completing their artistic journey.

Some in turn become coaches or volunteers.

This transmission between generations is an important characteristic of the school.

A story spanning several generations

Since its creation in 1986, Jeugdcircus Acrobatico has welcomed several generations of young artists.

The association has gradually developed its activities and shows.

It has historically brought together around forty experienced young artists, in addition to beginner children.

This figure, published in the association's historical presentation, does not, however, constitute a confirmed number for 2026.

Acrobatico has also participated in various national and international events.

Its young artists have notably performed at cultural events, television shows and international circus gatherings.

The association occasionally organizes additional workshops allowing participants to discover new disciplines.

It also encourages exchanges with other schools and circus artists.

A training location in Badhoevedorp

Training sessions take place at the Dorpshuis in Badhoevedorp.

The association has used this place since its founding.

After the building was rebuilt in 2016, it continued its operations in the new facilities.

Classes are held weekly, primarily on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Beginner children have a specific time slot, while more experienced artists participate in training sessions aimed at preparing for shows.

A trial session allows new participants to discover the association before registering.

Workshops for different audiences

In addition to its regular training sessions, Jeugdcircus Acrobatico offers workshops to discover the circus arts.

These services can be organized for children's birthdays, school groups, after-school programs, or businesses.

Participants discover different disciplines in a fun environment.

Activities may include juggling, unicycling, balancing, acrobatics and hula-hooping.

The workshops can also end with a short group presentation.

This format allows participants to share the techniques discovered during the session.

A community-based and artistic circus school

Jeugdcircus Acrobatico does not offer professional qualification training.

Its goal is to allow children and teenagers to discover circus arts, develop their skills and participate in group shows.

The association places particular importance on the enjoyment of practice and creativity.

Young artists benefit from an environment in which they can experiment with different disciplines, progress at their own pace, and learn to work together.

With its weekly training sessions, circus-theatre shows and its associative operation, Jeugdcircus Acrobatico constitutes a historical structure of the Dutch amateur circus.

It offers children and teenagers from Badhoevedorp and the surrounding area the opportunity to discover circus arts and participate in a collective artistic adventure.