Jugend Circus Biber – Arni Circus School

Jugend Circus Biber is a non-profit circus school located in Arni , in the canton of Aargau , Switzerland. Founded in 1984 , it offers an original artistic training and personal development program for children and teenagers in the region.

The story of Circus Biber begins with Beat Rhyner , who, at only 13 years old, decided to organize his first circus show with seven friends during the summer holidays.

This first performance, consisting of six acts and presented in a village playground, was met with an enthusiastic reception. The experience gave rise to a project destined for long-term development.

Over the years, the Jugend Circus Biber has become a true local institution , now bringing together around fifty young amateur artists aged 8 to 16 .

Unlike a school offering only recreational courses, Circus Biber organizes its activity around an annual artistic project : participants train for several months in order to present a complete show under a big top.

Children discover different circus disciplines and can gradually develop their skills in the techniques that interest them.

Acrobatics plays an important role in this training, particularly through body work, group figures and trampoline exercises.

Aerial disciplines are also among the activities offered, including learning aerial silks .

Juggling and object manipulation are represented, among other things, by the diabolo .

The unicycle allows young artists to work on balance, coordination and control of movements.

The learning process is based on an adapted progression, accompanied by a team of around thirty trainers , including former artists from Circus Biber.

One of the association's great distinguishing features is its entirely voluntary operation.

The Jugend Circus Biber has no employees : training, the organization of shows, the preparation of costumes, sets, catering and all the activities necessary for the operation of the circus rely on the participation of families , former members and volunteers .

This organization represents approximately 10,000 hours of volunteer work each year.

Young artists are not simply considered as students coming to learn techniques. They participate in a genuine collective project in which solidarity, autonomy, creativity and a sense of responsibility occupy a central place.

The association wishes to transmit values that go beyond circus practice: self-confidence , personal commitment , perseverance , mutual support and participation in the life of a group .

Each year, the children take part in the preparation of a new themed creation .

The performances are organized at the end of the summer in a real big top set up in Arni.

The annual show is the culmination of the work done during the season and allows young people to discover all the dimensions of a circus production: rehearsals, technique, staging, costumes, music and meeting with the public.

For the 2026 season, Circus Biber notably presented a show entitled "Unterwasserwelten" , inviting spectators to discover an imaginary underwater universe.

The project also has a particularly strong family dimension.

Parents participate directly in the life of the association and contribute to the installation of infrastructure, welcoming the public and ensuring the smooth running of performances.

In order to improve learning conditions, the association has also developed the Biberbau project, dedicated to creating a training infrastructure adapted to the requirements of circus disciplines.

The Jugend Circus Biber regularly welcomes new children wishing to discover the practice of circus arts.

Introductory sessions allow families to meet the teaching team and future participants to try different techniques, including unicycle, aerial silks and diabolo.

With over forty years of existence , Circus Biber is today an example of a youth circus combining amateur teaching, creation of shows, intergenerational transmission and volunteer commitment.

Its operation offers children and teenagers a complete circus experience , from the first technical learning to the presentation of a show in front of a real audience.