Koulutuskeskus Salpaus – SaSak

Koulutuskeskus Salpaus – SaSak is a vocational training institution for circus arts located in Lahti , Finland. It prepares students for a career as a circus artist through a diploma program recognized by the Finnish national vocational education system.

The program combines technical mastery , artistic creation , physical preparation , and learning about the realities of the profession. Students develop their own artistic identity while acquiring the skills necessary to work in circus companies, theaters, and the live performance sector.

A training program recognized by the Finnish state

Salpaus offers the Sirkusalan perustutkinto , a Finnish secondary-level professional diploma that grants access to the title of Sirkusartisti , circus artist.

The course represents 180 skill points and generally lasts two to three years , depending on each student's prior learning and background.

It includes vocational training, general subjects and periods of learning in real work situations.

The training is delivered in Finnish and can also be taken under certain conditions as part of an in-company apprenticeship.

Becoming a circus artist

The main objective is to train artists capable of designing and presenting circus acts solo or in groups.

Students develop their technical and expressive skills in different circus disciplines.

They learn to construct an artistic performance, to collaborate with other artists and to adapt to the demands of live performance.

The program also encourages specialization in one or more disciplines.

Technical and artistic training

The program combines physical training , mastery of circus techniques and artistic research .

Students work on their physical fitness, coordination, and ability to perform complex movements.

They also develop their stage presence, creativity and ability to create acts.

The goal is to go beyond simple technical execution to give an artistic dimension to the performances.

Various circus disciplines

The center has facilities allowing the training of different disciplines, including aerial acrobatics and balance techniques .

The equipment includes rigging points, trapeze installations, safety devices, and specialized training equipment.

Students can delve deeper into one or more disciplines depending on their academic background and professional goals.

Specialization plays an important role in the construction of their artistic identity.

The creation of shows

The program places a central emphasis on the design and presentation of shows .

Students learn to prepare individual and group acts.

They develop their performance skills, stage presence and ability to collaborate within an artistic team.

Creative projects allow students to put their technical skills into practice in situations close to professional conditions.

Safety and physical preparation

Circus professions require appropriate physical preparation and constant attention to safety .

The Finnish professional program places particular emphasis on safe training methods and the overall well-being of artists.

Students learn to develop their abilities while taking into account the physical constraints of their discipline.

The centre's specialized equipment allows work to be carried out in an environment designed for circus arts practice.

Training linked to the professional world

The studies include periods of on-the-job learning .

Students discover the realities of the artistic sector and can develop their skills in professional contexts.

The curriculum also covers the skills needed to work as an independent artist or as a member of a production team.

Depending on their background, graduates can work in circus companies, theaters, events, associations and amateur teaching structures.

A specially equipped circus center

The training mainly takes place at Sirkuskeskus , the Salpaus circus center, located in Lahti.

The establishment has several specialized spaces, including a large circus hall of 330 m2 , a circus studio of 215 m2 and a dance studio of 170 m2 .

The main hall offers a maximum hanging height of 8.4 meters .

It includes equipment for aerial disciplines, landing mats, suspension systems and stage equipment.

The facilities allow for both daily training and the preparation of shows.

Spaces adapted for performance

The halls can be converted into performance spaces using modular seating , stage curtains and sound and lighting equipment.

The main hall can accommodate up to 300 people , including 200 spectators seated in bleachers .

This versatility allows students to work in conditions similar to those of a professional performance.

A place open to other circus performers

Sirkuskeskus also hosts associations, amateur schools and outside artists.

The spaces can be rented for classes, workshops, rehearsals or artist residencies.

The organizations that use the premises include Sirkus Sirius and other organizations offering circus activities in the region.

The center thus plays an important role in the circus ecosystem in Lahti.

A selection process at the entrance

Admission to the professional course is based on entrance and aptitude tests .

The selection process assesses, in particular, creativity, physical abilities, motivation, and the capacity to undertake demanding professional training.

Candidates must also present their training plan and their motivations.

This process helps to identify individuals who wish to engage in a genuine professional development process.

Post-graduation prospects

Upon completion of the training, graduates can consider various careers in the performing arts.

They can work as performing artists , participate in collective productions or work independently.

The course also allows students to acquire useful skills in animation, amateur teaching and event organization.

The Finnish professional diploma also allows one to apply for higher education .

Koulutuskeskus Salpaus – SaSak is a key institution for professional circus training in Finland. Through its diploma program, specialized facilities, and approach that combines technical skill and creative expression, the school guides aspiring artists towards careers in the performing arts.