Pré en Bulle – Circus School of Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont

Pré en Bulle is a circus school and a Centre for Expression and Creativity located in Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont , in the province of Hainaut in Belgium.

The school was founded in 1990 by Angelo Panarisi , an artist and circus enthusiast. It is presented as the first circus school created in the Charleroi and Centre regions and as one of the first structures of its type in Wallonia .

Originally, Pré en Bulle was primarily dedicated to introducing and developing skills in the various disciplines of circus arts. Over the years, the project has grown considerably while maintaining circus practice at the heart of its identity.

The subjects taught

Juggling and manipulation

Children can discover different forms of juggling and manipulation. Diabolo is one of the disciplines practiced and allows them to progressively develop dexterity , coordination and object control .

Balances

Balance is another important aspect of the learning. Participants can experiment with balancing on a wire or a ball , but also discover stilts and unicycles.

Aerial techniques

Aerial techniques are also included in the teaching. More experienced practitioners can, in particular, learn trapeze and aerial silks .

Circummotor skills for the youngest children

For younger children, the school develops a specific approach around circus-based motor skills. Adapted courses allow the world of circus to be used as a support for the development of motor skills , coordination , balance and body awareness .

Expression and creativity

Technical mastery is not considered the sole objective . Pré en Bulle places as much importance on the expressive and creative development of children as on learning the different circus disciplines.

Physical and stage expression, role-playing, demonstrations and artistic creations allow participants to explore different ways of expressing themselves and developing their imagination .

Pedagogy and values

The teaching methods encourage each child to progress at their own pace . The school aims to develop autonomy , self-confidence and the ability to take initiative , while transmitting values of collaboration , teamwork and tolerance .

The management team brings together professionals from the circus and physical education sectors. Some instructors were themselves trained within Pré en Bulle, while others are pursuing higher education related to their activity.

The school pays particular attention to the pedagogical preparation of its activities. The content of the workshops is developed as a team, evaluated after the different internship periods and then adapted when necessary in order to maintain offerings that are fun , educational and age-appropriate for the participants .

Additional activities

In addition to circus arts, Pré en Bulle has gradually developed numerous artistic, sporting, and creative activities. Theatre , acrobatic gymnastics , music , drawing , sculpture , cooking , and various creative workshops can thus complement circus practice.

This cross-disciplinary approach is particularly evident during holiday camps . Some camps combine circus arts with cooking, theatre, improvisation, musical theatre, magic, or various creative activities.

The courses specifically dedicated to the circus allow you to deepen your juggling and balance skills and to discover in particular the diabolo , the silks , the stilts and the unicycle .

School visits and performances

Pré en Bulle also works with schools , institutions and groups . Its "circus classes" can be organized directly on the school premises or at the requesting institution.

During these days, participants discover different circus activities with the instructors before being able to present their learning in the form of demonstrations or a small show .

The school can also offer interactive professional shows for children, thus creating a link between initiation , amateur practice and live performance .

Recognition and identity

Pré en Bulle has been recognized as a Centre for Expression and Creativity by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation since 1993. This recognition corresponds to an educational project in which artistic practice serves as much to acquire skills as to develop the personality , creativity and expression of each individual.

After more than thirty years of existence, Pré en Bulle has become a historic circus school in the Charleroi and Centre region. Its project combines learning circus techniques, artistic expression, motor development, creativity and collective life in a deliberately friendly environment.