ROOM 100 – Contemporary Circus and Training

ROOM 100 – Contemporary circus, contortion and artistic training in Split

ROOM 100 is a Croatian contemporary circus collective founded in 2010 in Split by Antonia Kuzmanić and Jakov Labrović. It develops activities in artistic creation , training , residency and dissemination of contemporary circus arts.

The collective operates within the framework of the cultural association Pozitivna sila , whose administrative headquarters are located at 6 Biskupa Jurja Dobrile, in Split .

Since its creation, ROOM 100 has participated in the development of contemporary circus in Croatia and Southeast Europe. Its activity combines the production of shows , the teaching of specialized acrobatic techniques , the hosting of international artists and the organization of cultural events .

A specialization in contortion and balancing acts

Contortion and hand balancing are two disciplines characteristic of ROOM 100's work.

The founders of the collective developed a physical approach combining gymnastics , circus techniques , dance and artistic research .

Their creations explore in particular the possibilities of the body through balance positions , highly flexible movements and acrobatic figures .

This specialization is reflected in their teaching activities.

ROOM 100 appears in a professional mapping of Croatian circus schools among the structures offering continuous training for amateur practitioners , with contortion and hand balancing as the main disciplines.

Antonia Kuzmanić is identified there as coordinator and educator .

Acrobatic workshops accessible to amateurs

ROOM 100 has a documented history of workshops for people wishing to discover acrobatic techniques .

The sessions focus in particular on flexibility , balance and body control .

In 2016 , the collective organised several free workshops in different districts of Split, in partnership with the MoST association.

These activities were devoted to the basics of contortion and acrobatics .

Participants were able to discover stretching , body flexion and balance exercises, with a progression adapted to their experience.

The goal was to allow beginners to explore circus techniques in an accessible setting.

These workshops combined physical discovery , technical learning and participation in local cultural life .

Flexibility and contortion work

Contortion is a discipline based on the progressive development of mobility and mastery of body ranges of motion .

The historical workshops of ROOM 100 have notably addressed forward bends , splits and certain balance positions .

The work was not limited to the search for flexibility: it also combined muscle strengthening , coordination and body awareness .

The exercises were offered at different levels of difficulty.

This allowed participants to progress at their own pace, according to their abilities and experience.

This approach made the workshops accessible not only to circus practitioners, but also to people from dance , yoga , or other physical activities.

Handstands

Balances are another important specialty of ROOM 100.

The collective is particularly interested in positions on the hands , on the forearms and on the head , as well as the transitions between different figures.

This discipline requires coordination , core strength , stability and control of the center of gravity .

The workshops allow participants to gradually approach the principles of inverted balance .

ROOM 100 also organised training sessions with guest artists specialising in acrobatic balances.

These meetings provide an opportunity to discover different training and improvement methods.

Hand balancing thus occupies a place that is both technical and artistic in the collective's identity.

HALA 100: a residency space dedicated to the circus

In June 2015 , ROOM 100 opened HALA 100 , an artist residency space located in a former printing press in Split.

Presented as the first venue of its kind dedicated to contemporary circus in Croatia and in the former Yugoslavia , HALA 100 has made it possible to host artists and companies from different countries.

The place was designed to promote research , creation and professional exchange .

It hosts residencies, public presentations, workshops and masterclasses.

This activity complements the teaching intended for amateurs by offering opportunities for improvement and artistic development.

The historically documented address of HALA 100 is Hrvatske ratne mornarice 4, in Split . This corresponds to the activities of 2017; its current use as a teaching venue needs to be verified.

Masterclasses with international artists

ROOM 100 has developed a program to host artists specializing in different disciplines of contemporary circus.

These collaborations make it possible to offer occasional training courses aimed at advanced amateurs and professionals.

In September 2017 , the collective notably organised a contortion masterclass with Swiss artist Nina Burri .

This meeting addressed anatomy applied to flexibility , physical preparation and techniques to deepen mobility work .

Participants were able to discover the artist's training methods and receive individualized advice.

The collective also hosted workshops on hand balances and breakdancing , notably with the Spanish artist DanyzoO .

These activities illustrate the diversity of bodily influences present in the ROOM 100 educational program.

An internationally recognized company

ROOM 100 also has a significant show creation activity.

His first production, “ C8H11NO2 ”, was recognized as part of the European Young Circus Talents program 2009–2010 .

This project helped to raise the profile of the collective's work internationally.

The artists then developed several other creations, including " Seed ", " split " and " BLINK ".

Their shows combine circus techniques , movement , contemporary dance and dramaturgical research .

They have been presented in various European countries as well as in the United States .

This international experience informs the training and residency projects developed by the association.

A contemporary approach to circus arts

ROOM 100 champions a concept of the circus that is not solely based on the demonstration of technical prowess.

Her creations explore the relationships between the body , emotions , physical constraints , and social issues .

The collective notably uses contortion and balancing as means of artistic expression .

This approach brings his work closer to contemporary dance , physical theatre and performance art.

Circus techniques thus become tools for research and composition .

This artistic orientation is also reflected in the meetings and educational programs organized around the collective.

A role in structuring the Croatian circus

ROOM 100 actively participates in the development of contemporary circus networks in Croatia.

Since 2022 , the collective has coordinated the Croatian national circus platform , which brings together several organizations in the sector.

This initiative aims to strengthen exchanges, cooperation and resource sharing between artistic structures.

ROOM 100 also participates in European projects dedicated to the circulation of artists and contemporary creation.

In particular, it has been a partner of the circusnext and Circus Without Circus programs.

These collaborations promote access to residencies, training, and international networks.

Projects for audiences far from major cultural centers

The collective develops initiatives aimed at introducing contemporary circus to audiences living outside of major Croatian cities.

The “ Cirkus na margini ” project, or “Circus on the periphery”, makes it possible to present shows and activities in islands and rural localities.

The interventions concern in particular the Dalmatian hinterland , Gorski Kotar and Hrvatsko Zagorje .

The goal is to make circus arts more accessible and to promote encounters between artists and residents.

ROOM 100 also organizes the Kino Cirkus program, dedicated to the screening of films and documents on circus arts.

These activities complement its training work through an approach of raising awareness and developing audiences.

The Peculiar Families Festival

Since 2020 , ROOM 100 has been organizing the Peculiar Families Festival in Split, also known as Festival neobičnih obitelji .

This event is dedicated to contemporary forms of circus and their relationship with society.

The festival offers shows, meetings and workshops.

It promotes exchanges between international artists, cultural actors and local residents.

The 2026 edition took place from April 10 to 12 in the Kopilica district, under the title "Days of Kopilica".

The program was developed in collaboration with a local association and residents of the neighborhood.

Public spaces have become places for representation, encounters, and artistic activity.

This edition illustrates the collective's desire to link contemporary creation and cultural participation.

A confirmed professional activity in 2026

ROOM 100 will continue its operations in 2026.

The organization of the seventh edition of the Peculiar Families Festival confirms its active presence in the contemporary circus sector.

The collective also offers support to emerging and established artists, particularly through residencies and educational programs.

He develops collaborations with theatres, festivals and cultural institutions.

Since 2025 , ROOM 100 has also coordinated the " Circus Fragments " network, which brings together several Croatian structures wishing to program contemporary circus shows.

These activities confirm its role in the creation , dissemination and professional development of artists .

A reservation regarding regular courses

The educational dimension of ROOM 100 is clearly documented.

The collective organized acrobatics, contortion and balance workshops, as well as training sessions with international artists.

It also appears in a professional mapping among the structures offering continuing education for amateurs .

However, the detailed examples of publicly accessible courses found in the archives date mainly from 2016 and 2017 .

No complete schedule of weekly classes for the 2026–2027 season has been identified.

It is therefore advisable to check with Antonia Kuzmanić whether registrations for regular amateur training sessions are currently open.

A structure between teaching and professional creation

ROOM 100 occupies an important place in the landscape of contemporary Croatian circus.

His work combines an artistic specialization in contortion and balancing , a history of amateur teaching , the organization of masterclasses and the mentoring of professional artists .

Thanks to HALA 100 and its national and international projects, the collective contributes to the development of circus arts creation in Croatia.

It can be referenced as an artistic and contemporary circus training structure , with a complementary activity of residency and production.

However, it should not be presented as a professional degree school or as an establishment whose weekly courses would necessarily be open in 2026.