Zirkus Zambaioni – Kinder- und Jugendzirkus Tübingen

Zirkus Zambaioni is a non-profit circus school for children and teenagers located in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Founded in 1994 , the association has gradually developed around a project combining circus arts teaching, artistic creation, collective life and transmission between generations.

Today, it offers a structured educational program allowing children to discover the circus from the age of 6 , and then to gradually deepen their skills until adolescence.

Zambambini Groups (6-8 years old)

The youngest children start in the Zambambini groups, intended for children aged 6 to 8. These courses emphasize a playful and multidisciplinary discovery of circus techniques.

• juggling
• acrobatics
• the diabolo
• the trapeze
• balance exercises on a ball

Zambarino Groups (ages 8 and up)

From the age of 8 , the Zambarino groups allow this discovery to be broadened and deepened.

• the trapeze
• aerial fabric
• acrobatics
• juggling
• rope skipping
• the trampoline
• the diabolo
• the balances
• clowning

Supervision and transmission

The teaching is provided by experienced instructors , accompanied by young facilitators from the association's advanced groups .

This organization promotes the transmission of skills between generations and allows the most committed teenagers to gradually discover educational supervision.

Calendar and annual presentation

Classes follow the school calendar , from September to July. Each year ends with an internal presentation during which the children collectively perform a show for their families and loved ones.

Intensive course: the Zamba-Intensiv-Projekt (ZIP)

For students wishing to deepen their practice, Zambaioni also offers an intensive course accessible from age 11 .

The Zamba-Intensiv-Projekt (ZIP) is aimed at young people aged 11 to 18 who wish to devote more time to the circus and participate in a genuine collective creation .

Participants work on different techniques throughout the year before presenting an artistic program in the spring , in the association's big top.

The Zirkus Ensemble

A second course, the Zirkus-Ensemble , allows experienced teenagers to develop an even more sustained practice.

• The group usually brings together between 50 and 60 young artists .
• Two training sessions per week .
• A show presented in the spring over two weekends under a big top .

Joining this group generally requires at least two years of prior practice in Zambarino courses or equivalent circus experience.

Stage production at the heart of the project

Stage production plays an essential role in Zambaioni's educational project.

Beyond technical mastery of the apparatus, young people learn to work collectively, to develop their stage presence and to participate in the different stages of creating a show.

The association also supports teenagers nearing the end of their studies in carrying out an independent artistic project .

This project allows them to take responsibility in the organization and production of a show, using the skills acquired during their years of practice.

Monday Open Space (MOPS)

Zambaioni also offers a free training space called Monday Open Space (MOPS) , accessible from age 15 .

This space allows young people and adults to train individually or collectively, to exchange knowledge and to continue their practice outside the framework of traditional classes .

Internships and stays during the summer holidays

During the summer holidays, the association also organizes circus camps and courses , particularly for children aged 8 to 12 .

Inclusion and accessibility

Inclusion is an integral part of its mission. Zambaioni develops programs to facilitate access to activities and provides financial support for families facing difficulties.

Children benefiting from certain social programs may, in particular, have access to reductions on contributions .

The association also participates in circus projects in Tübingen and Rottenburg , helping to introduce circus arts beyond its regular classes.

Towards a circus house: the Zirkushaus

Zambaioni is currently working on the development of a Zirkushaus project, a circus house intended to sustainably support its activities and development.