Zirkus Krümel – Kinder- und Jugendzirkus Wuppertal

Zirkus Krümel is a circus for children and teenagers based in Wuppertal and closely linked to the Rudolf-Steiner-Schule . Born as a small class circus project, it has gradually transformed into a real circus structure bringing together more than 60 young artists today.

Origins and development

Krümel's story begins with a first-grade class whose children described themselves as " little Krümels ," tiny crumbs. A weekly circus session was then set up after school with the support of the parents.

The initial learning involves balls, rings, diabolo, balance ball, scarves and rola-bola.

The project's success gradually attracts children from other classes and allows for a considerable expansion of the subjects offered.

The trapeze thus joins the activities of the circus, just like the tightrope, aerial silks and various balancing techniques.

The unicycle also occupies an important place in training, alongside large wheels and artistic bicycles.

Object manipulation has also diversified, notably with balls, rings, diabolos, clubs and peas.

This diversity allows young artists to explore several major families of circus arts before gradually developing their favorite disciplines.

Training organization

Monday is primarily dedicated to students in the lower and upper levels of the school, while Wednesday is mainly for the intermediate levels and first grade.

An additional session organized on Saturday is intended for advanced practitioners as well as external participants.

This opening allows Zirkus Krümel to go beyond the operation of a simple activity internal to the school establishment.

An educational project centered on the individual

The educational project places particular importance on the personal development of children and adolescents.

Circus practice helps to develop courage , concentration and perseverance .

It also encourages imagination and creativity .

Trust between participants is essential, especially in disciplines requiring cooperation, parades, or teamwork.

In this way, young people gradually learn to take responsibility for themselves but also for other members of the group.

An intergenerational and voluntary dimension

Intergenerational functioning is another important characteristic of the project.

Children and teenagers of different ages train together and the more experienced practitioners gradually take part in passing on their knowledge to the younger ones.

Parents also play an important role in the life of the association and participate voluntarily in many aspects of its operation.

External coaches are brought in to supplement the team when certain disciplines require specific skills.

Circus as a collective art

Zirkus Krümel considers the circus to be a true collective art .

Preparing for a show is therefore not limited to learning the tricks.

• Young people participate in musical research and the development of themes.
• They contribute to the creation of the costumes and makeup.
• They take part in the manufacturing and preparation of the accessories .
• Lighting , staging , and technical organization are also part of the creative process.

This approach allows participants to understand that a circus performance results from the collective work of many people, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Performances and productions

Performances occupy a particularly important place in the life of Zirkus Krümel.

A new gala is traditionally created each year.

Throughout its history, the circus has performed in many venues and events, far beyond its school setting.

The young artists have notably had the opportunity to perform at the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf , at the NRW-Tag and at various cultural events in Wuppertal and the surrounding region.

The group also participates in circus festivals and meetings with other circus organizations for children and teenagers.

Circus weeks during the holidays, camps, training trips, workshops and various projects complement the regular classes.

A solidarity and international dimension

Zirkus Krümel also develops a solidarity and international dimension. The association notably supports circus projects for children and young people in Peru and maintains exchanges with other initiatives.

The project thus seeks to use the circus as a tool enabling young people to develop skills that go far beyond the mere technical mastery of an apparatus.

Concentration , perseverance , creativity , confidence , autonomy , responsibility and cooperation are all elements worked on throughout the training and creations.

A unique structure in the Circassian landscape

Zirkus Krümel is today a school circus , an association , a regular learning space and a troupe of young artists performing publicly.

Its weekly operation, the diversity of disciplines offered, its numerous performances and its openness to external participants make it a particularly interesting structure in the landscape of children's and teenagers' circus in Wuppertal.