Zirkus Chicana – Kinder- und Jugendzirkus Dietzenbach

Zirkus Chicana is a non-profit circus school located in Dietzenbach , in the state of Hesse, near Frankfurt am Main . The association develops a particularly comprehensive approach to circus arts, from introducing the youngest children to training experienced artists.

The school welcomes participants regardless of their initial level . Its philosophy is based less on what the student already knows how to do than on their desire to learn, progress and participate in the collective life of the circus.

An organization by age and skill level groups

The teaching is organized into several groups corresponding to the age and level of the practitioners.

The Flohzirkus (4 to 6 years old)

Flohzirkus is the first gateway into the world of the circus. Designed for children aged 4 to 6 , it emphasizes a playful approach to movement and allows for the gradual development of motor skills, coordination, and body confidence.

The Kinderzirkus (ages 6 to 14)

The Kinderzirkus then welcomes children and teenagers aged 6 to 14 .

Under the supervision of trained circus educators and coaches, young people can experiment with a wide range of disciplines before gradually developing those that appeal to them most.

The subjects taught

Aerial acrobatics

Aerial acrobatics occupies a particularly important place.

The facilities allow, in particular, the practice of aerial silks, aerial hoop, hammock, rope, straps and different forms of trapeze.

The school also has more unusual equipment such as a triangle, net or aerial ladder.

Aerial work can be practiced alone, in pairs or in groups, through individual figures, lifts and synchronized movements.

Mast disciplines are also represented with the Chinese mast, spinning pole and aerial anchor.

Ground acrobatics

Ground acrobatics is another important aspect of the training.

The students work individually, in pairs or in groups, with static figures, pyramids and different forms of dynamic acrobatics.

Juggling

Juggling allows you to explore different manipulations with balls, clubs, rings, scarves and plates.

It is used to develop both technical skills and creativity and hand-eye coordination.

Other disciplines

Numerous other disciplines complement this offering.

Students can practice activities such as the Cyr wheel, unicycle, stilts, bolas, tightrope walking, trampoline, balance ball, and free ladder.

Dance, character and clown

Dance is also integrated into the teaching.

Several styles can be explored, including musical, jazz, modern and funk.

Character work and clowning allow for the development of expression, stage presence, humor and the ability to construct small scenes.

This diversity makes Zirkus Chicana a particularly multidisciplinary school where students can progressively build their own circus career path.

The Variety Group

From around the age of 14 , practitioners can join the Varietégruppe.

This group is unique in that it is open to both beginners and established artists and professionals.

Young people who have grown up in the Kinderzirkus can thus continue their practice without interruption while meeting artists with more experience.

The stage at the heart of the educational project

The stage plays a vital role in the educational project.

The techniques learned during training are regularly incorporated into real creations presented to the public.

The association's marquee, the Sternenzelt, set up in the Hessentagspark in Dietzenbach, is the heart of this activity for a large part of the year.

Children and teenagers participate in their own productions while the Varietégruppe develops shows more specifically oriented towards cabaret and variety shows.

The association also organizes an annual Christmas show bringing together artists from different age and training groups around a story interpreted through circus disciplines.

This approach gives students a circus experience that goes far beyond technical learning: preparing a show, rehearsals, teamwork, creating acts and facing a real audience are integral parts of their journey.

Internships, workshops and introductory sessions

Zirkus Chicana also develops workshops during school holidays.

Specialized workshops also allow for in-depth exploration of certain techniques. These can be organized as intensive courses, particularly over a weekend.

The marquee can also accommodate professional artists wishing to organize their own workshops.

The association also offers circus initiations and birthday parties, allowing children outside the school to discover several disciplines with the Zirkus Chicana coaches.

This combination of regular teaching, free or advanced practice, internships, performances and the presence of experienced artists creates a particularly rich environment for students.

A school still active in 2026

Still very active in 2026 , Zirkus Chicana continues to present several public productions in Dietzenbach and to keep its Sternenzelt alive as a true place dedicated to the practice and presentation of circus arts.

With its teaching accessible from early childhood, the very wide diversity of its disciplines, its continuity up to adult and professional practice and the important place given to performances, Zirkus Chicana constitutes a particularly complete circus school in the Frankfurt region.