The Hendricks Brothers Circus School

Presentation

Founded in 2016 , the Les Frères Hendricks Circus School is located in Longpont-sur-Orge, in the Essonne department, where it welcomes children, teenagers, and adults under its big top . The school was created by a team of artists and professionals from the circus world with the aim of passing on their experience and making the various circus disciplines accessible to both beginners and those wishing to progress.

Education

The teaching is based on a multidisciplinary exploration of circus arts. Students can learn and progress in various techniques such as:

• acrobatics
• juggling
• trapeze
• aerial fabric
• balances
• magic
• other track disciplines

This diversity allows everyone to explore several practices, develop their skills and gradually move towards the techniques that best suit them.

Audience and ages

The school welcomes a particularly wide audience, as circus arts can be introduced to children as young as 10. A Baby Circus program is offered to children aged 1 to 3 accompanied by their parents. This introductory session allows toddlers to enter the world of the circus through activities adapted to their age and development.

From the age of 3 , children then have access to dedicated classes allowing them to continue their exploration of circus arts. The exercises and teaching situations evolve with age in order to progressively support the development of motor skills , coordination , balance , concentration and self-confidence .

From the age of 6 , students can delve deeper into the various disciplines through regular classes. The practice gradually becomes more technical while maintaining a versatile approach to circus arts. Youngsters discover different apparatus and techniques and develop their independence as they progress.

Specific time slots are also offered to teenagers aged 12 and over, as well as to adults. The school thus caters to practitioners of different ages and levels, from beginners to those with more regular training. Adults, in particular, have access to two-hour sessions allowing them to work on the disciplines offered by the school.

Pedagogy and supervision

The teaching method employed by Les Frères Hendricks combines technical learning , personal development , and safety . Instruction is provided by artists and professionals with experience in the circus world. Students thus benefit from knowledge directly linked to artistic practice and circus ring techniques.

Artistic dimension and performances

The artistic dimension also plays a significant role in the school's operation. The learning acquired throughout the year extends beyond the classroom: students are encouraged to prepare and perform acts for an audience. A themed show is organized at the end of the season, allowing the different groups to present the results of their work.

This performance preparation allows participants to discover another facet of circus arts. Beyond mastering a single move or apparatus, students learn to create a presentation, perform in front of an audience, and integrate their technical skills into a routine. The performances bring together different age groups, from young children to teenagers and adults.

Internships during the holidays

In addition to year-round classes, the Les Frères Hendricks Circus School organizes workshops during school holidays. These allow children to immerse themselves more deeply in the circus world for several consecutive days and are accessible to different levels, including beginners.

These internships combine discovery, learning, and practice in different disciplines. They can be taken:

• per week
• per day
• half-day

The week-long workshop culminates in a grand showcase: every Friday, a performance is held under the big top. Families and friends are invited to come and discover the work the children have accomplished during the week. Participants thus progress from learning to performing in front of an audience, discovering in just a few days different stages of circus arts.

Activities, workshops and events

The Hendricks Brothers Circus School also develops numerous activities outside of its regular classes. It offers demonstrations and introductory workshops for schools, leisure centers, local authorities, works councils, and various local or cultural events.

• schools
• leisure centers
• communities
• works councils
• local or cultural events

The team can participate in events such as town festivals , flea markets , fairs , and other public gatherings, offering workshops and activities related to circus arts. This activity allows the school to reach audiences who may not attend regular classes.

Circus-themed birthday parties are also available for children. Several packages allow you to organize an event centered around the circus ring and introduce a group to circus disciplines in a festive setting.

Professional and artistic dimension

The school also has a professional and artistic dimension. The team members are international artists and experienced circus professionals . Performances can therefore be offered alongside educational activities and events.

The big top setting greatly contributes to the school's identity. Students don't simply practice a sport in a hall; they move within a space directly associated with the traditional world of circus performance. The big top hosts classes, workshops, and student performances throughout the year.

Conclusion

Through its diverse activities, the Les Frères Hendricks Circus School serves as a place for amateur learning, a space for discovering circus arts, and an artistic organization capable of producing shows and performances. From introductory Baby Circus workshops with parents to classes for teenagers and adults, it offers circus arts practice across a wide age range and supports participants in discovering, learning, and publicly presenting their chosen disciplines.