Taideakatemian Sirkuskoulu

Taideakatemian Sirkuskoulu – Circus school in Turku, Finland

Located in the city of Turku , on the southwest coast of Finland, the Taideakatemian Sirkuskoulu is a circus school open to children, teenagers, and adults who wish to discover, practice, and deepen their knowledge of circus arts. It is part of the Academy of Arts (Taideakatemia) at Turku University of Applied Sciences, also known as Turun AMK.

This school has a unique educational approach: it serves as a learning environment for amateur practitioners while also providing training for future circus arts instructors. Classes are taught by university students specializing in circus arts, under the supervision of qualified teachers. This structure creates a direct link between professional training, the transmission of skills, and artistic practice accessible to all.

A varied education in circus arts

The educational program allows students to explore several major circus disciplines. Floor acrobatics plays a significant role, with instruction in fundamental movements, body techniques, and sequences adapted to the participants' abilities. Students are also introduced to duo acrobatics and human pyramids , disciplines that promote mutual support, trust, coordination, and teamwork.

Aerial acrobatics is also among the areas covered, alongside juggling and balance exercises . These activities allow participants to explore different ways of controlling their bodies and manipulating objects, while developing concentration, precision of movement, and a sense of movement.

The sessions also include acrobatic games, warm-up exercises, muscle strengthening, activities designed to improve mobility and flexibility, as well as creative expression exercises. This diversity allows students to progress both physically and artistically .

Courses for children, teenagers and adults

The school welcomes several age groups in order to offer learning adapted to the experience and abilities of each individual.

Children aged 6 to 9 can discover the fundamentals of circus arts through a gradual introduction. The sessions focus on exploring movement, acrobatic games, basic coordination techniques, and discovering a variety of disciplines. This approach allows young children to develop their motor skills, confidence, and enjoyment of artistic and physical activity.

Young people aged 10 to 15 have access to courses dedicated to the fundamentals of circus arts. They can refine their acrobatic techniques, discover various disciplines, and progressively develop their body control. Working in a group also encourages cooperation and consideration for others.

From the age of 16 , older teenagers and adults can join introductory courses or open-level groups. These sessions are accessible to those wishing to discover circus arts or continue an existing practice, in an environment that fosters progressive learning and personal development.

A pedagogical approach based on practice

Taideakatemian Sirkuskoulu places great importance on experimentation and learning through practice. Each session combines physical preparation, technical discovery, and artistic expression.

Students work on their balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. Group exercises develop listening skills, teamwork, and the ability to work with other participants. Creative activities also allow them to explore improvisation and different ways of expressing themselves through movement.

The progression is based on a diverse exploration of circus arts, without being limited to a single specialty. Participants can thus identify the disciplines they enjoy and develop their skills at their own pace.

A school linked to the higher education of circus artists and teachers

One of the most interesting aspects of this structure lies in its integration with the Turku Academy of Arts. The university institution trains students in several artistic fields, including circus arts, dance, theatre and music.

Sirkuskoulu provides a practical learning environment for circus students. They participate in teaching classes and develop their artistic transmission skills under the supervision of experienced professionals. Marina Vavilova is one of the key figures in this practical learning environment.

This relationship between higher education and leisure school benefits both audiences: students gain concrete teaching experience, while amateur students benefit from an environment directly linked to professional artistic training.

For Turun AMK students enrolled in a degree program or an access to studies program, some courses may also be registered in a two ECTS credit university module, subject to the conditions of participation and attendance provided by the institution.

Facilities dedicated to circus arts

The courses take place within the Linnankatu arts campus in Turku, in the training spaces used by the circus students of the Academy of Arts.

The teaching takes place in a large circus hall located on the third floor of the building, at the address Linnankatu 60. Access is via the entrance located at the corner of Linnankatu and Crichtoninkatu streets, at the end of the building on the port side.

Integration into an arts campus allows participants to practice in an environment dedicated to teaching the performing arts, in contact with a university community specializing in creation and performing arts disciplines.

Course organization and 2026-2027 season

For autumn 2026, classes are scheduled from September 1st to December 10th , with a break during the autumn holiday week in October.

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays . On Tuesdays, the school welcomes children aged 6 to 9 for an introduction to circus arts, followed by classes for young people aged 10 to 15 to learn the fundamentals. On Thursdays, sessions are offered to participants aged 16 and over, as well as adults, with an introductory group and an open-level group.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 participants and require a minimum of 10 registrations to be maintained. Places are allocated in the order of registration.

The advertised price for the Fall 2026 semester is €96.15 , including VAT. The first session is free of charge, allowing you to try out the activity before committing. Eligible Turun AMK students benefit from special conditions, including free tuition for certain courses.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement, bring a water bottle, and follow all safety instructions. The school specifies that students are not automatically covered by individual accident insurance and must have their own appropriate coverage.

A gateway to circus arts in Turku

With its openness to different ages, the variety of its disciplines and its link with higher artistic education, the Taideakatemian Sirkuskoulu occupies a special place in the landscape of circus education in Turku.

It allows children, teenagers and adults to discover circus arts in an organized and progressive framework, while participating in the practical training of future teachers of this discipline.

Whether the goal is to learn juggling, discover acrobatics, improve balance, develop physical abilities or simply practice an original artistic activity, the school offers a collective , creative and accessible approach to circus arts.

Updated schedules, registration procedures and contact details for those in charge are available on the official Turun AMK website.