Variety Voilà – Voilà eV Bad Nauheim

Voilà Variety is a circus and variety school for children and teenagers based in Bad Nauheim, in the state of Hesse. The project is run by Voilà – Verein für Sport & freie Jugendarbeit Bad Nauheim eV , an association dedicated to sport and youth work.

The project's story began in the summer of 2002 with the idea of creating a real variety show within the school. The first Varieté-AG was then formed, and the very first performance took place in July 2003. More than twenty years later, this initiative has become a non-profit organization offering a wide range of courses throughout the year and a major annual production.

Around 60 students , former participants, and variety show enthusiasts regularly take part in this adventure. The shared goal is to create a show each year that allows young artists to escape their daily routine for a few days and immerse themselves in the world of performing.

Discovering the circus from a very young age

The discovery of the circus begins very early. From the first year of primary school, children can participate in courses offered by Circus-AG . This allows them to gradually discover different disciplines before choosing the specialties they wish to explore further.

Unlike a format where all techniques are covered in a single general course, Voilà offers numerous specialized training sessions . This structure allows children and teenagers to truly progress in the disciplines that interest them.

A wide range of disciplines

The program includes, in particular:

• the thread
• the unicycle
• aerial fabric
• the trapeze
• acrobatics
• the trampoline
• the diabolo
• the aerial hoop
• balancing on a ball

Other sporting and artistic activities complement this offering.

Aerial disciplines

Aerial disciplines play a significant role. Several levels of aerial silks are offered, depending on age and experience, in addition to trapeze, hoop, and aerial straps. This allows teenagers to gradually progress to more demanding techniques.

Balance, juggling and acrobatics

Balance is practiced in various ways using the tightrope, unicycle, and ball walking. Juggling is represented by the diabolo, while acrobatics and trampolining help develop coordination, strength, mobility, and body awareness .

The Zirkuskarussell

Voilà also offers a "Zirkuskarussell". This formula allows young children to discover several facets of the circus before possibly choosing a particular discipline.

Variety Training

From ninth grade onwards, teenagers can join the Variety training program. They then have several hours of weekly training to refine their techniques and, above all, participate in the preparation of the major annual production.

Variety is the artistic heart of the project . For a year, participants work, experiment, imagine acts, and prepare a complete show together. The result is therefore not just a series of technical demonstrations but a genuine creation intended for the stage .

Behind the scenes: the technical team

Young people who prefer to see behind the scenes can also participate. A technical team provides an opportunity to discover how a show works and the professions related to theatrical and stagecraft. Lighting, sound, and backstage organization are all integral parts of the experience offered by Voilà.

This organization gives teenagers the opportunity to find their place in the project even if they don't necessarily want to become artists. A large-scale variety show thus becomes a collective effort involving artists, technicians, coaches, and volunteers.

A collective and intergenerational project

The association places great importance on this collective dimension. The project seeks to offer young people a space that allows them to develop their abilities , take on responsibilities, and gradually overcome their own limitations.

The involvement of alumni is another distinctive feature of Voilà. Some remain involved in the project after their studies and contribute to training, performances, and the life of the association. This continuity fosters the transfer of skills between generations of participants.

Holiday activities and outdoor performances

In addition to weekly classes, Voilà organizes holiday activities for children aged 7 to 14. For one week, participants can immerse themselves in the circus and try different disciplines.

These weeks offer the opportunity to discover juggling, trapeze, and tightrope walking. The children are guided by an experienced team, work on several disciplines, and then prepare a short performance for their families and friends on the last day.

Voilà also performs outside its own venue. Artistic acts can be presented at events and demonstrations, allowing young artists to gain additional experience in front of different audiences.

Protection and well-being of minors

The protection and well-being of minors are also addressed through a formalized system within the association. Voilà has a prevention and protection plan , specifically designated staff responsible for these issues, and requires coaches and supervisors working with young people to adhere to precise rules.

A complete journey, from discovery to the stage

With its many specialized courses, its activities from primary school onwards, its aerial and acrobatic disciplines, its holiday weeks and above all its grand annual show, Varieté Voilà offers a particularly rich journey allowing one to go from the discovery of the circus to participation in a real stage production .