Oulun Tähtisirkus

Located in Oulu, in northern Finland, Oulun Tähtisirkus is a non-profit circus school offering regular circus arts instruction for children, teenagers, and adults. It also welcomes families and toddlers through introductory circus activities accessible from three months of age with an accompanying adult.

The school is distinguished by the exceptional diversity of disciplines taught. Its program includes traditional juggling and balancing techniques as well as ground acrobatics, group lifts, and aerial disciplines. Participants can explore numerous practices before potentially choosing a specialty to pursue in greater depth.

Oulun Tähtisirkus offers approximately thirty hours of instruction per week . Classes are organized into groups tailored to the age, experience, and interests of the participants. The association also develops performances, specialized workshops, activities for communities, and opportunities for independent practice.

A school whose history dates back to 2000

The origins of Oulun Tähtisirkus date back to the year 2000 , when Stellan Sirkuskoulu was created within Suuri Tähtiteatteri.

The activity gradually developed and led to the creation of the association Oulun Tähtisirkusyhdistys ry on August 15, 2008.

This non-profit association's mission is to promote circus arts in Oulu and the surrounding communities.

Today, she oversees the school's operations, the organization of classes, and the development of artistic activities.

Oulun Tähtisirkus is a member of Suomen Nuorisosirkusliitto , the Finnish Federation of Youth Circuses. This affiliation allows him to participate in the national network of circus schools and associations for young people.

The school thus combines significant local activity with broader participation in the development of circus arts in Finland.

A multidisciplinary teaching

One of the main features of Oulun Tähtisirkus is its multidisciplinary approach.

Students can discover juggling, balancing, acrobatics and aerial disciplines during their training.

The sessions include technical exercises, games, group activities and moments of personal exploration.

Teaching is not just about reproducing figures. Participants also learn to experiment, develop their creativity, and use their skills in an artistic context.

Teachers encourage individual progress while placing great importance on cooperation and group functioning.

Students can join introductory courses, advanced groups, or specialized courses in certain disciplines.

Juggling: a wide variety of accessories

Juggling occupies a particularly important place in the program of Oulun Tähtisirkus.

The school teaches, among other things, juggling with balls , scarves , rings and clubs .

These different practices help to develop coordination, precision, rhythm and concentration.

Beginners learn the fundamental techniques of throwing and catching. They can then progress to more complex figures and sequences.

The school also offers an introduction to diabolo , which combines manipulation, coordination and control of an object rotating on a string.

The devil stick , or flower stick , is also one of the disciplines taught.

Students can discover basic movements, learn to keep the stick moving and gradually develop more technical figures.

Pois and staff allow for other forms of manipulation based on rotations, trajectories and fluidity of movement.

The hula hoop is also featured in the program, as well as Chinese plates .

This diversity allows participants to discover different families of objects and develop complementary skills.

Students can then delve deeper into the subjects that best match their preferences.

Balances and the unicycle

Oulun Tähtisirkus offers several disciplines dedicated to balance.

Participants can discover unicycles , balance balls and rola-bola .

Unicycling helps develop dynamic stability, coordination and control of movements.

Learning it requires patience, but offers many opportunities for progress.

The balance ball allows you to work on posture control and movement on an unstable surface.

The rola-bola, consisting of a board placed on a roller, allows one to learn to maintain balance while controlling the movements of the whole.

These disciplines promote concentration, perseverance, and confidence in one's abilities.

They can also be incorporated into artistic performances.

Ground acrobatics

Ground acrobatics is an essential component of the teaching.

Students gradually discover different acrobatic movements, adapted to their age and experience.

The exercises help to develop strength, mobility, coordination and body control.

The courses also include physical preparation activities and exercises that promote control of landings.

The school has a flexible acrobatic floor , allowing for training adapted to different techniques.

Students can also use a small trampoline and safety equipment to practice certain movements.

Ground acrobatics provides an important foundation for other disciplines, including lifts and aerial activities.

Acrobatics in pairs and groups

Oulun Tähtisirkus also teaches group acrobatics.

Participants can discover lifts, duo exercises, human pyramids and different forms of group acrobatics.

These disciplines require precise coordination and good communication between partners.

Students learn to understand their role in a figure and to respect safety instructions.

The exercises help to develop mutual trust, cooperation and a sense of responsibility.

Group acrobatics also provides an excellent support for shows, as it allows for the creation of acts involving several participants.

Aerial disciplines

The school offers a varied curriculum in aerial arts.

The apparatus mentioned in his program includes the static trapeze , the aerial hoop , the vertical rope , and the aerial silks .

These disciplines help develop strength, mobility, coordination and mastery of movements in suspension.

Beginners discover the fundamental techniques and basic positions.

Experienced practitioners can deepen their skills and work on more elaborate sequences.

The school has nine attachment points for aerial disciplines, allowing the use of different apparatus.

The facilities also include landing mats and equipment suitable for acrobatic practice.

Aerial activities can be taken as part of general courses or specialized groups.

The circus for babies and toddlers

Oulun Tähtisirkus offers activities for babies and young children accompanied by an adult.

Vauvasirkus welcomes babies from about 3 months to 1 year old, provided they can already hold their head up when lying on their stomach.

These sessions emphasize sensory discoveries, movement, and interactions between the child and their caregiver.

Taaperosirkus is aimed at children from about 10 months to 2 and a half years old who are starting to stand or walk.

Activities include balance games, simple partner acrobatics exercises, and explorations with different accessories.

Music accompanies the sessions and helps to create a stimulating environment.

These courses allow families to share a unique experience while promoting the physical discovery of the youngest children.

For autumn 2026, a second six-week session is announced from October 30 to December 4 .

Circus for children aged 5 to 7

The first circus classes for unaccompanied children begin in particular with the Leikkisirkus groups, for 5 to 7 year olds.

These sessions allow participants to discover circus arts through fun activities.

The children experiment with movements, balances, early manipulation exercises and group activities.

The teaching emphasizes curiosity, coordination, and the pleasure of participation.

Students gradually learn to follow instructions, work with others, and take on new challenges.

For autumn 2026, the Astronautit and Asteroidit groups are welcoming new participants in this age group.

Classes for children aged 7 to 12

School-aged children can join several introductory and progression groups.

The school offers, in particular, the Pisarat , Sateenkaaret and Uusikuut groups for new students aged 7 to 12.

Participants discover different disciplines and gradually develop their skills.

The courses allow students to work on the fundamental techniques of juggling, acrobatics and balance.

Students can also discover aerial disciplines.

The teaching includes group exercises and activities that promote creativity.

Children who already have experience can continue their training in advanced groups.

Advanced groups and specialties

Oulun Tähtisirkus offers several groups for students who have already acquired skills.

These groups are organized according to age, experience, and preferences for certain disciplines.

The Auringot group welcomes older primary school students as well as middle school students. Its program places particular emphasis on balance and juggling.

The Revontulet group is aimed at motivated students wishing to progress towards a performance activity.

Participants can deepen their skills and prepare acts to be presented to the public.

The school also has a performance group called Hydrat , accessible to students already enrolled and to new candidates according to the registration procedures.

These groups allow for the development of a more in-depth practice and the discovery of the demands of artistic work.

Courses for adults

Oulun Tähtisirkus also offers activities for adults.

The courses welcome beginner and experienced participants, with mixed-level groups for some disciplines.

The Jouhevat group is notably dedicated to ground acrobatics.

The Sukkelat group offers a more general practice of circus arts.

Adults can discover several disciplines, develop their physical abilities and deepen their skills.

The sessions allow you to work on coordination, strength, mobility and creativity.

The school also offers specialized courses allowing students to focus on a particular technique.

These activities are suitable for people wishing to discover circus arts as a leisure activity or to pursue a more regular practice.

Preparing for shows

Public performance occupies an important place in the pedagogy of Oulun Tähtisirkus.

The courses include exercises to develop stage presence and the skills necessary to present an act.

Students gradually learn to use their techniques in an artistic process.

They can work on sequences, develop ideas for acts and participate in collective creations.

The autumn season includes a week dedicated to the Christmas show .

This performance allows students to showcase their work and share their experience with their families and the public.

Advanced groups can also participate in other shows during the year.

Shows for events

In addition to its educational activities, Oulun Tähtisirkus offers performances for public and private events.

The association can organize performances comprising one or more acts, with durations ranging from a few minutes to almost an hour.

The performances may combine juggling, acrobatics, aerial disciplines and other circus techniques.

Magic acts can also be incorporated into the shows upon request.

The performances are adapted to the venue, the audience, and the organizer's needs.

The association distinguishes between shows performed by its amateur students and performances provided by professional artists.

This activity allows participants to discover the world of the stage and contributes to the promotion of circus arts in the Oulu region.

The discovery workshops

Oulun Tähtisirkus organizes workshops for schools, nurseries, businesses, associations and private groups.

These activities can take place on school premises or at another location.

The workshops allow participants to discover several circus disciplines, without prior experience.

The association also offers specialized sessions in juggling, diabolo, unicycle, duo acrobatics and aerial acrobatics.

These activities can be adapted to the needs of sports groups, dancers or people wishing to deepen their knowledge of a particular technique.

The workshops generally last between 60 and 90 minutes , with longer formats possible.

An introduction to circus pedagogy

The school also offers a training course called Sirkusajokortti , which could be translated as circus passport or permit.

This training is aimed at people wishing to acquire the necessary basics to supervise circus discovery activities.

It may be of interest to teachers, activity leaders, sports educators and people working with children and teenagers.

The program includes four main areas: juggling , acrobatics , balancing , and performance .

Participants discover the technical and pedagogical principles that allow for the creation of varied exercises.

The training lasts eight hours , possibly spread over several days.

This is an introduction to the supervision of circus activities, and not a professional diploma for circus artists.

Facilities adapted to the practice

The premises of Oulun Tähtisirkus are located at Posantie 6, in Oulu .

The facility has two training rooms.

The large hall has an area of 208 m2 and features a dance floor.

The second room, with an area of 102 m2 , is equipped with a flexible acrobatic floor.

The ceiling height reaches approximately seven meters , of which six meters is clear height.

These facilities allow for the practice of numerous disciplines, including aerial acrobatics.

The school has nine anchor points , landing mats and safety equipment.

The equipment also includes unicycles, balance balls, rola-bolas, hoops, poi, jump ropes and a wide selection of juggling accessories.

The premises can be rented for training and artistic activities, subject to availability.

Self-directed training

The association allows its members and some professional artists to train in its premises outside of regular classes.

These time slots are intended for people who are sufficiently independent to practice in good conditions.

Participants can use the available equipment and work on their own techniques.

The sessions do not constitute structured classes.

Access is generally reserved for people aged 14 and over , while children aged 7 to 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

A family slot is also offered on Saturdays, under the responsibility of the accompanying adult.

The association offers single-session tickets, monthly subscriptions, and seasonal passes.

This formula allows regular practitioners to supplement their classes and develop their autonomy.

Internships and one-off events

Oulun Tähtisirkus regularly organizes workshops and events around circus arts.

These activities allow you to discover new disciplines or to deepen your understanding of a particular technique.

For October 2026, the school is announcing, among other things, a hand balancing workshop led by Mika Kaski on October 23 and 24 .

This training course includes work on alignment, physical preparation, mobility and progression techniques.

The association is also organizing a family event for Halloween, on October 31, 2026 .

Entitled Kummallisuuksien kuja , it takes the form of a circus-themed journey including encounters with different characters and artistic demonstrations.

These events complement the school's regular activities and allow circus arts to be introduced to a wider audience.

Organization of the autumn 2026 season

The autumn 2026 season runs from August 17 to December 22 .

It comprises eighteen weeks , one of which is devoted to the Christmas show.

Classes are suspended during week 43 , corresponding to the autumn school holidays.

The school offers early learning groups, classes for children, activities for teenagers, adult classes and specialized training.

Registrations can be made directly on the website.

New students can join certain groups during the semester when places are available.

In this case, the price is adjusted according to the number of sessions remaining.

The association also offers payment options tailored to certain situations.

Weekly classes are supplemented by internships, workshops, shows and independent training sessions.

A school committed to passing on the circus arts

Oulun Tähtisirkus occupies an important place in the development of amateur circus practice in Oulu.

The association offers a particularly comprehensive education, allowing students to discover the major families of circus disciplines.

The diversity of juggling accessories, balance equipment and aerial apparatus constitutes one of the establishment's main assets.

Children can start with fun activities before progressing to more demanding techniques.

Teenagers have access to advanced training groups and opportunities to participate in shows.

Adults can discover a new activity or deepen their existing practice.

The workshops and introductory training courses also allow the circus arts to be passed on beyond the usual students of the school.

Through its history, educational program, facilities and artistic activities, Oulun Tähtisirkus is a particularly interesting structure for discovering and practicing circus arts in northern Finland.

Official website: https://tahtisirkus.fi/