Taidekoulu Estradi

Located in Lappeenranta, in the South Karelia region, Taidekoulu Estradi is a Finnish arts school specializing in three complementary fields: circus arts , theatre , and contemporary music . The school is run by the Etelä-Karjalan Estradi ry association and offers regular arts education for children, teenagers, and adults.

Its circus department, called Sirkuslinja, is an important part of the school, with over 350 students participating in circus activities each week. It offers progressive training in juggling, ground acrobatics, aerial disciplines and balancing, as well as opportunities for creation and performance in front of an audience.

The school combines an accessible approach to circus arts with in-depth artistic training, organized according to the Finnish system of basic arts education. It also welcomes babies, young children accompanied by their parents, and adults wishing to discover or deepen their circus skills.

A school encompassing several artistic disciplines

Taidekoulu Estradi has a unique identity among Finnish arts education institutions. It brings together circus arts , theatre and contemporary music in a single structure.

This organization promotes encounters between different practices and allows for the development of collective artistic projects.

Students can thus discover the specific requirements of their discipline while evolving in an environment dedicated to live performance .

The establishment regularly organizes concerts, theatrical performances, circus shows and productions combining several art forms.

Creativity, personal expression and the pleasure of practice occupy an important place in his educational project.

A structured curriculum of artistic education

The circus department offers an extensive curriculum of basic artistic training, in accordance with the Finnish education system.

This teaching is primarily aimed at children and teenagers wishing to develop their skills over several years.

The program includes basic studies, called Perusopinnot, followed by advanced studies, or Syventävät opinnot.

Students gradually discover the main circus disciplines, develop their technical mastery and learn to use their skills in an artistic approach.

Fundamental studies provide the basics of acrobatics, balance, juggling and aerial disciplines.

Further studies then offer the opportunity to work on more demanding techniques and to develop a personal expression.

The teaching also includes performance experiences, group projects, and reflection on the creative process.

This course constitutes a structured artistic training, but should not be confused with a professional circus artist diploma .

The circus for babies

Taidekoulu Estradi offers circus-themed early learning activities for babies from four months old .

These sessions, called Vauvasirkus, take place with the participation of an accompanying adult.

They allow children to discover movement through physical games and activities adapted to the development of toddlers.

The goal is not to perform acrobatic feats, but to promote body exploration, coordination, and interaction between the child and their parent.

The activities are organized in a reassuring atmosphere, where families can share a common experience.

The circus for toddlers

Children aged 1 to 2 years can participate in Taaperosirkus sessions.

These activities provide an initial introduction to circus arts through movement and play.

The exercises help to develop balance, coordination and confidence in movement.

Children can explore different accessories and participate in age-appropriate activities.

The presence of an adult helps to support their discoveries and promote interaction.

Family circus classes

The Perhesirkus program welcomes children aged 3 to 8 years accompanied by an adult.

These sessions allow families to discover together the main circus activities.

Participants can try different exercises involving balance, coordination, manipulation, and acrobatics.

The activities are adapted to the age and abilities of each individual.

The teaching emphasizes cooperation and the pleasure of practicing together.

Children discover new movement possibilities while adults actively participate in the exercises.

This formula provides a user-friendly approach to circus arts.

The first self-directed lessons for children

The Temppusirkus program is intended for children aged 5 to 7 .

It allows you to discover the fundamental disciplines of the circus through fun and progressive activities.

Students learn to work in a group, to follow instructions and to develop their autonomy.

The sessions include exercises in coordination, balance, acrobatics and manipulation.

The goal is to build the initial motor skills necessary for practicing circus arts.

Teachers encourage curiosity, experimentation, and perseverance.

Basic studies for children aged 7 to 12

From school age onwards, students can join the basic arts education curriculum.

The basic studies are primarily aimed at children aged 7 to 12 at the time of their entry into the program.

They allow for the development of a regular and structured practice of circus arts.

Students are introduced to several disciplines before being able to delve deeper into certain techniques.

Acrobatics, juggling, balancing and aerial disciplines constitute the main categories of activities taught.

The sessions combine physical preparation, technical learning and artistic expression.

Participants develop their coordination, strength, mobility, and body control.

The program also allows you to discover the different stages of preparing a show.

Advanced studies from age 12

Students who have acquired the fundamental skills can continue their studies in advanced courses.

These groups are intended for young people wishing to dedicate more time to practicing circus arts.

The teaching allows one to deepen the techniques already acquired and to develop a specialization.

Participants can work on more complex sequences and develop their personal expression.

The sessions place great emphasis on artistic creation, cooperation, and the preparation of performances.

This training allows young people to gradually build their own approach to circus arts.

It can also be a useful preparation for people wishing to pursue artistic studies after their time at Estradi.

Juggling

Juggling is one of the four main families of disciplines taught by Taidekoulu Estradi.

Students gradually discover object manipulation techniques.

The exercises help to develop coordination, concentration, rhythm and precision.

Beginners start with simple movements before progressing to more elaborate figures.

The teaching can be adapted to the preferences and level of the participants.

Juggling also offers significant opportunities for artistic creation.

Students can learn to build sequences and integrate their skills into performance acts.

Ground acrobatics

Floor acrobatics is a fundamental discipline in the teaching offered by the school.

Participants discover different movements that allow them to develop their body control.

The sessions combine physical preparation exercises, coordination, mobility and technical learning.

Students progress according to their age and experience.

The teaching pays particular attention to the quality of movements and to safety .

Acrobatics also forms an important basis for other circus disciplines.

It allows participants to develop the confidence and precision needed to perform more demanding movements.

Aerial disciplines

Taidekoulu Estradi also offers instruction in aerial disciplines.

Students discover the fundamental principles of movements performed in suspension.

Learning helps develop strength, coordination, and body control.

The exercises are adapted to the age and experience of the participants.

Practitioners can deepen their skills within the framework of the artistic curriculum.

Aerial disciplines also offer opportunities for expression and stage creation.

They are an integral part of the multidisciplinary teaching of the circus department.

The balances

Balance techniques constitute another important family of disciplines taught at Estradi.

Students learn to control their posture and movements in different situations.

The exercises promote concentration, stability, and coordination.

Beginners discover the fundamental principles of balance, while experienced practitioners can deepen their skills.

These activities complement the work done in acrobatics and juggling.

They also help to develop perseverance and confidence in one's abilities.

Circus classes for adults

Taidekoulu Estradi offers courses for adults wishing to discover or deepen their knowledge of circus arts.

These sessions are open to people with different levels of experience.

Participants can discover several disciplines and gradually develop their skills.

The exercises help to work on coordination, strength, mobility and balance.

The teaching prioritizes a progression adapted to each individual's abilities.

Adults can practice circus arts as a physical and artistic activity, without necessarily seeking an intensive training program.

For the 2026-2027 school year, the school confirms the continuation of its adult circus groups and invites new participants to come and discover the sessions.

Social circus and inclusive activities

One of the important features of Taidekoulu Estradi is his commitment to social circus .

The establishment offers groups adapted to children needing special support, with the participation of their family.

These activities are organised in collaboration with the sports services of the city of Lappeenranta.

The exercises are adapted to the abilities and needs of the participants.

The goal is to allow everyone to discover circus arts in a welcoming environment.

The sessions promote coordination, confidence, collective participation and the pleasure of practicing.

This approach makes circus arts accessible to a wider audience.

Shows and artistic creation

Public performance occupies an important place in Taidekoulu Estradi's pedagogy.

The students participate in various shows and events each year.

The establishment organizes demonstrations, presentation evenings, end-of-year parties and artistic performances.

Participants can also get involved in external events.

These experiences allow them to discover the demands of the stage and to develop their artistic presence.

Students gradually learn to use their technical skills in individual or group creations.

Preparing for the shows also promotes cooperation and teamwork.

Internships and intensive courses

In addition to weekly classes, Taidekoulu Estradi organizes workshops and short training courses.

Children can participate in circus workshops during school holidays, particularly in the summer.

These activities allow you to discover different disciplines and to devote more time to practice.

The school also offers workshops for babies, toddlers and families.

Specialized courses can be organized to delve deeper into certain techniques.

The internships are supervised by the school's teachers and take place on its premises.

Workshops for groups and communities

Taidekoulu Estradi also offers workshops for school groups, businesses, associations and communities.

These activities allow you to discover circus arts as part of a special event or day.

Participants can try different disciplines and take part in group exercises.

The school also organizes days dedicated to well-being at work, activities for private groups and circus-themed birthday parties.

These services allow people who do not usually attend the establishment to discover circus activities.

Circus meetings and festivals

Taidekoulu Estradi maintains close ties with the Finnish Federation of Youth Circuses, Suomen Nuorisosirkusliitto.

His students and teachers participate in festivals, workshops and meetings in Finland and abroad.

The school also organizes MiniSirkusFestradi, an event dedicated to young practitioners of circus arts.

These meetings allow students to discover other schools, share their experiences and present their artistic work.

They contribute to the development of the Finnish circus community.

Teacher training

Taidekoulu Estradi also participates in the development of pedagogical skills in circus arts.

In August 2026 , the establishment hosted a session of the national circus teacher training organised by the Finnish Youth Circus Federation.

This training allows teachers and facilitators to discover different teaching methods and to deepen their skills.

The reception of this session testifies to the place occupied by Estradi in the Finnish network of circus education.

A specialized teaching team

The circus department is under the responsibility of Petra Mäki-Neuvonen .

The team includes several specialist teachers, including Sanni Granqvist , Oona Möller , Tea Taipale , Elina Jääski , Siiri Varila and Veronica Dolhain .

This organization makes it possible to offer varied teaching and to support students in their progress.

The courses are primarily organized in groups to encourage interaction and collective learning.

Teachers adapt the exercises to the abilities and experience of the participants.

The institution seeks to develop an encouraging and respectful learning environment.

Organization of the 2026-2027 school year

Taidekoulu Estradi offers regular classes during the school year.

Registration for new students in the circus department opened on May 18, 2026 .

Registration takes place on the Eepos platform, which allows you to view the groups and available places.

Students already enrolled benefit from specific re-enrollment procedures.

Courses are billed per semester, with separate billing for autumn and spring.

The school also offers payment plans, under certain conditions.

Financial assistance may be available to eligible families residing in Lappeenranta.

The institution recommends that families contact its secretariat for information on groups and registration procedures.

An important school for circus arts in South Karelia

Taidekoulu Estradi occupies an important place in the artistic education of the Lappeenranta region.

With over 350 students attending its circus department each week, it offers a particularly well-developed program.

Children can start with introductory activities before continuing their learning in a structured artistic curriculum.

Teenagers have opportunities for improvement and participation in shows.

Adults can also discover circus arts.

Involvement in social circus allows us to welcome families and children with special needs.

Internships, shows, festivals and exchanges with other schools contribute to enriching the students' educational journey.

Thanks to its multidisciplinary teaching, its links with theatre and music and its in-depth artistic curriculum, Taidekoulu Estradi is a leading school for discovering and practicing circus arts in southeastern Finland.

Official website: https://taidekouluestradi.fi/