Kuopion Sirkus

Kuopio Circus School – Circus school in Kuopio, Finland

Located in Kuopio, in eastern Finland, Kuopion Sirkus is a non-profit circus school founded on February 16, 1986. Initially created under the name Kuopion Lasten Sirkus ry , its objective is to develop the practice of circus arts among children and young people in the region.

Today, the school welcomes around 380 students , from young children to adults. It offers regular classes, workshops and performances, in a friendly environment where everyone can progress at their own pace.

A school open to all levels

Kuopion Sirkus offers progressive circus arts training, adapted to the age and experience of the participants. Activities begin in early childhood, with groups accessible from age 3 depending on the course offered.

Students can discover several circus disciplines, including acrobatics, juggling, balancing, and aerial techniques. The sessions also include exercises for muscle strengthening, flexibility, and coordination.

The school favors a non-competitive approach, where participants are encouraged to develop their own abilities. Beginners discover the basics of circus arts, while more experienced students can refine their technique and work on more complex routines.

A structured arts education

Kuopion Sirkus provides fundamental training in circus arts, recognized in the Finnish system under the name Taiteen perusopetus .

This program allows children and teenagers to follow regular artistic training, organized according to a pedagogical progression.

The goal is to develop technical skills, but also creativity, personal expression and the ability to work with others.

The courses are led by professionals trained in circus arts, accompanied by specialized teachers and instructors.

Students learn to master their movements, gain confidence, and use circus disciplines as means of artistic expression.

Courses for children, teenagers and adults

The school offers groups adapted to different age groups.

The youngest children discover the circus through games, motor skills courses, and simple exercises. Older children gradually develop their technical skills, while teenagers can access more in-depth training.

Adults can also participate in courses, even without prior experience.

This diversity allows people of all ages to discover circus arts in an encouraging atmosphere.

Kuopion Sirkus also offers specialized aerial acrobatics courses, particularly on the aerial hoop. His TIUSKIS group, created in 2019 , allows practitioners over 10 years old to follow a more intensive training program and, if they wish, to participate in competitions. Competition remains optional .

Shows throughout the year

In addition to his teaching activities, Kuopion Sirkus develops a significant artistic activity.

The school produces two regular shows:

• Pakkassirkus , a winter circus show presented around January and February, in collaboration with the Kuopio Municipal Theatre.
• Kesäsirkus , a summer show organized during the months of June and July.

These performances allow young artists to discover stage work, prepare acts and present their skills in front of an audience.

The school also offers shows and entertainment for private events, cultural events, and community groups. The content and duration of the performances can be tailored to the organizers' needs.

The proceeds from these performances contribute to the funding and development of the association.

Internships and activities for groups

Kuopion Sirkus organizes internships and workshops in addition to weekly classes.

These activities allow participants to discover different disciplines or to deepen their skills during the holidays and during special sessions.

The establishment also offers circus-themed birthday parties, with games, acrobatic exercises and supervised introductions.

Workshops can be organised for companies, associations and various groups wishing to discover circus arts in a collective setting.

The school also makes some of its spaces available for training and artistic activities.

A place dedicated to the practice of circus arts

Kuopion Sirkus classes take place at BellaCenter, Siikaranta 4, 70620 Kuopio .

The establishment has training rooms and equipment adapted to the different disciplines taught.

All necessary equipment for the classes is provided to students. Participants simply need to bring comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity.

The school organizes its teaching during the autumn and spring semesters, with regular sessions throughout the school year.

New students can participate in an initial introductory session before confirming their registration.

An association involved in local cultural life

Since its creation, Kuopion Sirkus has contributed to the development of circus arts in the Kuopio region.

The association works with various local cultural and sporting stakeholders and participates in artistic events.

She is also a member of Suomen Nuorisosirkusliitto , the Finnish federation of circus schools for youth.

The school seeks to maintain an accessible practice, with particular attention paid to mutual support, creativity and the joy of learning.

In particular, it offers opportunities for tuition fee exemptions for certain families experiencing financial difficulties.

Thanks to nearly forty years of experience, its structured teaching and its artistic productions, Kuopion Sirkus is an important player in the training and dissemination of circus arts in eastern Finland .

Address: Siikaranta 4, 70620 Kuopio, Finland.

Official website: https://kuopionsirkus.com/