Circus & Academic Program Q&A
How many students are accepted to the program?
The program will be separated into 2 groups based on a combination of age and experience.
Groups are
- is designated for students aged 9-18 approximately.
- will recieve 3 hours a day of training in the studio.
- will recieve 3 hours a day with the academic tutor
All groups will have a
maximum of 8 students to maintain both a high one-on-one experience for students and to maintain our Covid-19 safety protocols.
Each student will be assessed as an individual and placed accordingly. Every student will recieve a customized training plan suited to them to ensure maximize growth.
Are students required to audition for this program?
No!
Students are accepted into the program based on the desire to learn academically, within their circus disciplines, as well as a commitment to participate fully in our leadership and community initiatives.
At Spectacle Blue we do not believe we are training 'elite' circus technicians. We believe we are building stellar human beings through self-discipline, creative performance and community awareness. If we happen to create great Circus Artists at the same time, that's a terrific 'extra'!
What kinds of Circus disciplines will they learn?
Students will have the priveledge of training in a diverse set of Circus disciplines. for exampe:
Technical foundational skills
- aerial acrobatic foundations (trapeze, hoop, silks)
- ground acrobatic foundations (limbering, balancing, tumbling)
- movement foundations
- juggling foundations
- balance foundations (tight wire, rola bola)
- flexibility training
Special Guest Training
- balance (unicycle, rola bola, tight wire)
- manipulation (juggling, prop manipulation)
- theatricals (clown, mask)
- acrobatic apparatus (cyr wheel, german gym wheel, chinese pole)
- aerial apparatus (straps, specialty trapeze, rope)
- how to create and audition tape
Act Creation and Production
- act creation fundamentals
- performance styles and skills
- make-up & costume design and application
- lighting, set and prop design
- sound & lighting operation
Our goal is to provide a diverse set of fundamental skills and then facilitate teh selection and continuation of leanring in specialized disciplines.
What is my student wants to specialize in a skill taught by a quest instructor and not a regular Spectacle Blue instructor?
Or goal is to provide a safe and diverse program of circus training.
If you student chooses to specialize in a skill learned by a professional guest instructor, we will facilitate that training to continue virtually during their specialty training time. This will ensure not only that they are training safely in a safe and moderated space, but they have the continued access to their specialty instructor.
Is this program for Aerial Acrobatics students only?
Absolutely not!
This program is a diverse training program for all circus disciplines. Aerial is a part of this program but not necessarily the primary focus. Students will learn foundational skills in many circus disciplines, but will also be given the time, coaching, and tools to begin to specialize in disciplines in which they excel.
How does the academic schooling work?
We believe that academic success is super important, as such we have a full time academic educator on staff.
Parents will choose the online learning format that works for their families. Our educator will work with each student to ensure they are completing the work, understanding the work, and submitting it on time as well as prepared for any upcoming exams.
We value the importance of the teacher/student relationship and will work to build that bond. The educator will be the teacher in all aspects except the curriculum policies. That will be directed by the online education format you choose.
Our goal is to have this year be the best academic year your student has had yet!
How much does the Circus and Academic Training Program cost?
$800/month (+GST)
Fees are due and will be automatically processed on the first of each month from September to June.
Due to the limited number of spaces in the program, we require a full school year commitment to the program.
Aerial Classes
Aerial Kids 1
Ages 9-12
This is where art and fitness collide! This one hour class focuses its lessons on Aerial Trapeze, Aerial Trapeze and Aerial Silks giving students a chance to experience Aerial Arts in a safe and encouraging environment. Students learn basic aerial skills and how to apply those skills to express their creativity. Building confidence as well as strength!
Aerial Kids 2
Ages 9-12 - Pre-requisite: Aerial Kids 1
This class is a continuation of Aerial Kids 1.
YOUTH
Aerial Youth 1
Ages 13+
Not just about fitness and creativity, this one hour class also teaches dedication, discipline and focus. Students learn skills on multiple aerial apparatus such as the Trapeze, Hoop and Silks and then sequence those skills together to create something all their own. With a focus on safety as well as fun, youth are encouraged to push their personal envelopes and experience the thrill of success.
Aerial Youth 2
Ages 13+ - Pre-Requisite: Aerial Youth 1
This class is a continuation of Aerial Youth 1.
Circus Classes
Circus Kids 1
Ages 6-8
Kids learn aerial skills, tight rope, circus tumbling and clown. They learn not only the importance of safety, but also how to create a character and bring it to life with circus tricks and clown antics.
Circus Kids 2
Ages 6-8 - Pre-requisite: Circus Kids 1
This one hour class is a continuation of Circus Kids 1. We begin to close our focus in more clearly on Trapeze and Aerial Hammock.
Hoop Classes
Kids Hoop
Ages 9-12 Pre-requisite: Aerial Kids 2This class focuses on the specific skills of Aerial Hoop. We build strength and flexibility and work specifically on the Hoop. This class is a more intense learning environment than Aerial Kids 2 and is designed to push students to excel on the Hoop.
Youth Hoop
Pre-requisite: Aerial Youth 2 (13+)
This class focuses on the specific skills of Aerial Hoop. We build strength and flexibility and work specifically on the Hoop. This class is a more intense learning environment than Aerial Youth 2 and is designed to push students to excel on the Hoop.
Youth Hoop - Advanced Skills
Pre-Requisite = Youth Hoop
This 75-minute class is a continuation of Youth Hoop.
*Acceptance into this class has technical requirements and is by invitation
Winter: 12 Week Classes
Circus Skills
This class runs in a 12-week session.
This 60-minute class teaches some of the traditional skills of Circus!
Juggling | Tight Rope | Jump Rope
Want to learn circus skills that are not acrobatic? This is the class for you!
Adaptive Circus - Contact us to register
For participants with physical and/or cognitive disabilities - all ages. Runs in 12-week sessions.
This 45-minute class is specifically designed to encourage participants of all abilities to have the Circus and Aerial Dance experience. With a one to one coaching ratio, each student will have the circus activities designed for their specific needs. Working on musicality, balance, and proprioception in a group setting, our goal is to provide a safe and encouraging environment to grow, learn and experience the love of the Circus.
Mini Circus
Ages 3-5
This 60-minute class teaches 3-5-year-olds rhythm, develops coordination, encourages structured play in a safe encouraging environment. We encourage our Mini Circus Kids to leave their caregivers side and reach out to make new friends and develop independence and self-confidence.
Aerial Partnering
Pre-Requisite = Aerial Kids 2 or Aerial Youth 2
This exciting class is designed to help students understand and develop their skills in aerial partnering. We delve into the challenges and rewards of having 2 bodies sharing one apparatus. Students will be working on:
Aerial hoop | Aerial trapeze | Aerial silks
ROPE
Students must be able to climb to register for this class.
This class is an introductory class to the foundational skills of Rope. Students will learn how to apply skills learned previously on Silks as well as new elements specific to the apparatus of Rope.
This is a 12 week technique session only. There will be no performance for this class.
Hammock
Ages 9+
This dynamic class using fabric apparatus is a technique development class. With technical elements borrowed from trapeze and silks blended and recreated into its own art form, Hammock is a wonderful class full of wraps and drops and supports.
Acro 6-8
6-8 years
This is a circus tumbling and balancing class. Students will learn proper technique and form for balancing, limbering and tumbling. Cartwheels, handstands, headstands walkovers are included along with many other circus tumbling tricks. Proper safety and control in partner balancing is learned.
Movement
6-8 years
Circus is about more than just acrobatics, it's also about movement! This 60 minute fun filled class focuses on dance training. They learn styles from ballet to jazz to tap. There is a focus not just on technique but also on creative expression and FreeStyle Movement. This class has a focus on musicality, technique and artistry and fun.
Trapeze Classes
Kids Trapeze
Ages 9-12 - Pre-requisite: Aerial Kids 2
This class focuses on the specific skills of Trapeze. We build strength and flexibility and work specifically on the Trapeze. This class is a more intense learning environment than Aerial Kids 2 and is designed to push students to excel on the Trapeze.
Youth Trapeze
Pre-Requisite: Aerial Youth 2 (13+)
This class focuses on the specific skills of Trapeze. We build strength and flexibility and work specifically on the Trapeze. This class is a more intense learning environment than Aerial Youth 2 and is designed to push students to excel on the Trapeze.
Youth Trapeze - Advanced Skills
Pre-Requisite = Youth Trapeze
This 75 minute class is a continuation of Youth Trapeze.
*Acceptance into this class has technical requirements and is by invitation
Silks Classes
Kids Silks
Ages 9-12 - Pre-requisite: Aerial Kids 2
This class focuses on the specific skills of Silks. We build strength and flexibility and work specifically on the Silks. This class is a more intense learning environment than Aerial Kids 2 and is designed to push students to excel on the Silk.
Youth Silks
Pre-requisite: Aerial Youth 2 (13+)
This class focuses on the specific skills of Silks. We build strength and flexibility and work specifically on the Silks. This class is a more intense learning environment than Aerial Youth 2 and is designed to push students to excel on the Silks.
Youth Silks - Advanced Skills
Pre-requisite: Youth Silks plus an invitation
This 75-minute class is a continuation of Youth Silks.
*Acceptance into this class has technical requirements and is by invitation
Acro Classes
Acro 9-12
This is a circus tumbling and balancing class. Students will learn proper technique and form for balancing, limbering and tumbling. Cartwheels, handstands, walkovers, handsprings, and aerial cartwheels are included along with many other circus tumbling tricks. Proper safety and control in partner balancing are learned.
Acro 13-17
This is a circus tumbling and balancing class. Students will learn proper technique and form for balancing, limbering and tumbling. Cartwheels, handstands, walkovers, handsprings, and aerial cartwheels are included along with many other circus tumbling tricks. Proper safety and control in partner balancing are learned.
Alternative Apparatus
Alternative Apparatus
Ages 12+ - Pre-requisite: Aerial Kids 2 or Aerial Youth 2
This 60 minute class is more about creativity and exploration than about technical prowess. Students will be encouraged to explore movement to create their own style and discover the boundless opportunities created inside aerial circus and dance. We will delve into work on Aerial Straps, Aerial Ladder, Hammock and other "Alternate Apparatus".
Movement
Movement 9-17
Being a well rounded aerial artist means having the same grace on the floor as in the air! This 60 minutes class focuses on dance training. They learn styles from ballet to jazz to contemporary and hip-hop. This class has a focus on musicality, technique, and artistry.
