CLASSES FOR CHILDREN...

Children’s Chinese Acrobatics program
Ages 7 and up or by instructor’s permission
Prerequisites: Beginning - none
Intermediate/Advanced - Instructor's permission

Drawing on the 3000 year tradition of acrobatic training in China, this program is designed to give students the discipline, strength and flexibility necessary to develop their acrobatic potential. After acquiring a thorough foundation in the basics of tumbling and handstands, students may graduate to more specialized skills, such as hoop diving, contortion, Chinese pole and teeterboard. This class requires considerable focus and commitment. Students are encouraged to attend twice a week. Additional classes are offered at a discounted rate. All students will be evaluated the first week of the session to determine placement in the proper level.

Circus Arts
Ages 5 - 7 year olds and Ages 8 and up
This class offers children the opportunity to learn a wide range of circus skills with an emphasis on acrobatics, juggling, handstands and aerial awareness, as well as training on circus apparatus, such as rolling globe, tight wire, unicycle, rola bola, and mini-trampoline. Students will also be introduced to theatrical expression, clowning and creative movement. This is a great introductory circus skills experience for young people new to circus as well as for those who have participated in our summer camp or have had prior acrobatic or circus training.

Circus Arts
Ages 8 and up
This class if designed for students wishing to discover, enjoy and practice a wide array of skills, such as trampoline, Chinese pole, hoop diving, tumbling, juggling, clowning, trapeze, rope, magic balancing, tight wire and more.

Children’s static trapeze
Ages 7 and up
Prerequisites:
Beginning (age 7 & up) – none
Intermediate (age 10 and up) – instructor’s permission
Advanced (age 10 and up) – instructor’s permission

This class in beginning to advanced aerial skills on the Static Trapeze emphasizes strength, control, grace and flexibility. Beginning classes will focus on basic skills. Intermediate classes will continue to develop strength, flexibility and a vocabulary of moves on the static trapeze, focusing on correct form and technique. Advanced classes will continue emphasizing correct form and technique but, in addition, will focus on transitioning moves and using choreography.

Preschool Acrobatics
Ages 2 – 4 year olds
We are offering a series of specialized classes to suit your child’s developmental needs and improve his or her motor skills, coordination, balance and flexibility in a playful atmosphere with experienced, skilled instructors. Classes will focus on exploration, balance, gross motor skills and social development. Class will include circle time, free play, obstacle courses and creative movement.

CLASSES FOR ADULTS ...

ACROBATICS

Chinese Acrobatics
Prerequisites:
Beginning Chinese Acrobatics - none
Intermediate / Advanced Chinese Acrobatics - Completion of at least 3 semesters of Beginning Chinese Acrobatics classes and/or instructor’s permission
Learn the foundations of the ancient Chinese Acrobatic tradition. These techniques are the building blocks for all circus arts. Focus is on integration, flexibility, alignment, strength and control, with intensive work on handstands and tumbling.

Chinese Contortion
Prerequisite: Completion of at least three semesters of Beginning Chinese Acrobatics, and/or the permission of the instructor
Beginning contortion emphasizes flexibility, alignment, muscle control and stretching with intensive work on handstands. Students progress at their own pace.

Mongolian Contortion
Mongolian legend says that this form of contortion began when people tried to learn the movements of animals, such as the swan and snake. Mongolian contortionist Serchmaa Byamba will teach students basic circus stretching as a foundation for contortion and any other circus apparatus or skill. Students will work on stretching and flexibility from a basic to professional level, emphasizing bridge, splits and shoulder stretching. Students will also work on balance and body control.

Int/adv doubles & handbalancing
Prerequisite: Completion of at least three semesters of Beginning Chinese Acrobatics, and/or the permission of the instructor
Intermediate/advanced class in partner acrobatics, with an emphasis on refining balance, handbalancing, partner work and safety. The basic skills covered are hand to hand, foot to hand and two person pyramids.

Acrobatic Conditioning
Prerequisite: none
Get in shape for acrobatics. In this class we will work on:
- Core strength and how to connect it to the limbs for acrobatics
- Flexibility and alignment
- Strengthening head/handstands, backbends, jumping
- Developing power and confidence to prepare for tumbling (we will not learn tumbling tricks)
- Injury prevention (stabilzing joints, optimizing range of motion)

AERIAL SKILLS

Beginning level Prerequisites: none
Advanced Aerial Conditioning: instructor’s permission
This class is designed to build physical strength and flexibility essential for achievement on any aerial apparatus. Classes include warm-up, stretching and strength training both on the floor and on apparatuses. There are also homework assignments to improve efficiency.

Intro to aerial skills
Prerequisites: Aerial Conditioning recommended but not required.
Intro to Aerial Skills is designed to build strength, flexibility and introduce students to basic aerial apparatus, such as the static trapeze and vertical rope. Students may also try other aerial apparatus such as aerial hoop, aerial silk (tissus), single point trapeze and vertical rope. Students will continue to build strength, and flexibility through their work on apparatus.

Static trapeze
Prerequisites:
Static Trapeze Level I: 1 semester of Intro to Aerial Skills
Static Trapeze Level II: Instructor’s or Aerial Director’s permission
Static Trapeze Level III: Instructor’s or Aerial Director’s permission

Static Trapeze Level I focuses on basic trapeze skills, while continuing with building strength and flexibility.

Static Trapeze Level II focuses on more advanced skills.

Static Trapeze Level III continues focus on advanced skills that will lead to building a trapeze act (in private classes). .

Single Point Trapeze
Prerequisite: Some prior aerial experience
Students will learn how to use their static trapeze skills on a spinning trapeze. This class is adapted to beginning and intermediate level.

Swinging trapeze
Prerequisites: Static Trapeze Level II
Classes include proper stretching and conditioning necessary for learning swinging trapeze.

Aerial silk
Beginning level
Prerequisites:
- Climb easily to top of the rope (25 feet)
- 1 straddle up with straight legs from stnading on the mat
- Holding body weight: bent arms for 10 seconds, straight arms for 30 seconds
Students will learn different ways to climb the silk and will train the basic moves.

Intermediate level
Prerequisites:
- Successful finish of Beginning Aerial Tissu or equivaent (permission from instructor)
- 2 straddle ups in a row
- 5 tricks including at least one drop
Student will continue to explore the possibilities of the Aerial Silk through more advanced moves.

Intermediate Aerial Silk Sequencing
Prerequisites:
- Sucessful finish of Intermediate Aerial Silk Skills or equivalent (permission from instructor)
- Confidentaly execute 3 tricks in a row without resting
- Be prepared to practice between classes (homework)
- Openness to creativity
We will not learn new "tricks" in this class. Be prepared to do research;
Find the tricks you want to perfect and work on them a lot, Find music that moves you and bring it to class, Work outside class time on your tricks and transitions.
In class we will work on transitions, flow, improvisation and musicality. Here is your chance to make the tricks look good on YOUR body and get creative!

Aerial Straps
Prerequisite: Intermediate/advanced level aerial student
This class is for students interested in learning basic skills on aerial straps.

Rope
Beginning level
Prerequisites: 1 semester of Intro to Aerial Skills
This class is for students interested in learning basic skills on the rope. Students will work on building strength, control and flexibility through learning basic moves on the rope.
Advance-Intermediate level
Prerequisites: Instructor’s permission.
Student will continue to explore the possibilities on rope through more advanced moves.

Aerial Hoop
Beginning level Prerequisite: 1 semester of Intro to Aerial Skills
This class is for students interested in learning basic skills on the hoop.

Double Trapeze
Beginning level
Prerequisite: 1 semester of static trapeze level 2
This class introduces the technique of working on static trapeze with a partner. Students will learn the different ways to hold a partner and be held by a partner. Students are welcome to register with or without a pre-established partner.
Intermediate level
Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission
Students will learn more advanced skills on double trapeze.

Flying Trapeze
Prerequisites: Beginning drop-in class - none. Visiting students of all levels also welcome. Please call 415.759.8123 for reservations.
Beginning session class – none.
Intermediate/Advanced: Instructor's permission
Intensive: Instructor’s permission
Beginner classes will introduce students to all aspects of flying: familiarization with the rigging, terminology of the trapeze, and performance of basic tricks to a catcher. Intermediate/Advanced classes place an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform in a flying trapeze act, including advanced tricks and flying without safety lines. The Intensive class is an accelerated course for motivated students who are physically prepared for rigorous intensive training.

Cardio Conditioning
This class is a high energy cardio and conditioning workout set to music that will aid in your acrobatic and aerial training. Aerobic exercise also helps with muscle recovery for efficient training. Supportive shoes and a change of clothes are highly recommended.

Extreme stretching I & II
This class is designed for those who want to develop flexibility as quickly as possible. With this challenging class you will not only increase range of motion, but will also strengthen the structures that will give control and stability in maximum ranges. This class is an excellent stand-alone class, and an essential addition for those who want to excel in their acrobatic training. Emphasis will be on injury free stretching that delivers the most effective results.

Extreme Stretching I is designed for people who are new to the class. It is also open to returning students.

Extreme Stretching II is designed for students who have taken at least one semester of Extreme Stretching I.

WORKSHOPS

How to Train and Not get Hurt with Jim Donak
Jan. 11, 10am - 5pm
It is common for people to train without really understanding how to differentiate between pain and injury or how to adapt exercises to their specific needs. This three part workshop addresses these concerns. The first part is a lecture and discussion of neuromuscular anatomy, basic biomechanics, mechanisms for injury, and injury management. The second part presents how to train the foundation skills of flexibility, stability, and strength.  The third part includes performing proper warm-up techniques and practicing the various approaches used in the Extreme Stretching class(please refer to the Extreme Stretching class description). Be prepared to take notes, and work hard.

INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMS
(see also: Professional Programs)

CLOWN CONSERVATORY
The Clown Conservatory, which was started in the fall of 2000 with a grant from the NEA, is the only year-long circus clown training program in the United States. To date, 56 people have graduated from the program, many of whom are working professionally in circuses, theaters and other performing companies around the world. The program has two major threads – skilled circus clowning and clowning in community. Skilled circus clowning involves developing circus, musical and theatrical skills to a level that can be used as part of a “clown language”, which is unique to each individual. The structures that clowns use are old – the uniqueness is in how the gag is performed. Clowning in community is an ongoing study of how clowns can make deep contributions to their communities, including the study of clowns in cultures from around the world as well as how clowns can enrich our local community. The students will participate in monthly in-house performances, community performances and the annual Circus Center Student Showcase. At the end of a year of study, most students have the skills and knowledge to begin building a professional performing career. We are now accepting applications for our 2006/2007 school year. For more information about the Clown Conservatory go to www.clownconservatory.org.

PROFESSIONAL AERIAL PROGRAM
The Professional Aerial Training Program at Circus Center has been designed by Head Aerial Coach ELENA PANOVA for aerial students who wish to perform professionally in the circus at an international level. It is a highly intensive program open only to students who show the necessary artistic and physical skills, and have the will to dedicate their time completely to their training. Classes include aerial specialty, acrobatics, ballet, acting and more. The program is two to three year-long, according to the difficulty of the chosen specialty and the time needed to built an act able to compete on the international market.

Applicants must pass a selection process. Program starts September 2, with a 16-week trial period.

Applications for 2008 -2009 Professional Aerial Program are due by June 30. Click the link below to download the full program description and application information:
Aerial_Pro_Program.pdf