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 18 months – 3 year olds
& 3 – 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.

AERIAL SKILLS

Aerial conditioning
Prerequisites: Aerial Conditioning – none
Advanced Aerial Conditioning – instructor’s permission
This class is for beginning students, or for students who want to excel in static trapeze, flying trapeze, rope or Spanish web. Students will build the strength, control and flexibility essential for achievement on aerial apparatus. Classes will include warm-up, floor stretching, strength training, time in the air on rope and static trapeze, and homework assignments.

Aerial Conditioning / Aesthetics
In this class we will do exercises to strengthen the muscles used in circus aerial work. We will focus on efficiency of movement – connecting muscle groups that work together and relaxing muscles that do not need to be “tense” in the movement exercise, therefore preventing injury and unnecessary pain. We will also work on moving through the air with grace and clean lines using flexibility and tools from dance technique. The teacher will also give individualized “homework” exercises based on the needs of the students on their apparatuses. Most importantly, we will have fun!

Intro to aerial skills & static trapeze
Prerequisites: Intro to Aerial Skills: none
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

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.

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 which will lead to building a trapeze act (in private classes).

Int/adv static trapeze & choreography
Prerequisites: Static Trapeze Level II
For intermediate and advanced students who wish to work on choreography, expression, music and act development.

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.

Beginning / Intermediate aerial silk
Prerequisite: Intermediate level aerial student
This is a beginning to intermediate level class on the aerial silk for students with recent experience on static trapeze, rope or Spanish web. Students will learn how to climb as well as execute basic moves.

Aerial Straps
Prerequisite: Intermediate/advanced level aerial student
This is a beginning to intermediate class in aerial straps.

Rope
Prerequisites: Beginning: Some prior aerial experience. Aerial Conditioning is highly recommended.
This class is for students interested in learning basic skills on the rope. Students will work on building strength, control and flexibility as well as learning basic moves on the rope.

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.

STRETCHING & CONDITIONING

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

Geoff Hoyle - Intermediate Physical Performance.
Mondays 6:30 - 9pm. April 7 - June 2 (no class May 26)

Eight sessions for more experienced actors exploring
physically-based live performance. Solo and group work
on comic acting techniques, commedia dell'arte
archetypes, lazzi, character masks, and clown
scenarios. A continuation of series started last fall.
Previous participation not a pre-requisite. Each
session will start, as before, with 30-40 minutes of
technical drill based on Etienne Decroux's mime
corporel.
Class fee: $380 (includes $30 insurance fee for non-Circus Center students)

Sideshow 101 - Josh Routh
Saturday, May 3, 1 - 4 pm

Eat lightbulbs! Walk on broken beer bottles! Break cinderblocks on your head! Not much of a freak, geek or oddity? We can fix that. In this one day workshop Josh Routh will teach the secret behind the tricks listed above as well as the secrets of the Human Blockhead, fire eating, sword swallowing, escapes, hypnosis, popping beans from your eye and much more. Join us as we cover the history and mystery in this exciting workshop. Josh Routh is a former performer with the Pickle Circus, he has performed his sideshow feats at colleges, casinos, nightclubs, concert venues and even the occasional Bar Mitzvah. His book, "Superhuman Feats" will be available for purchase the day of the workshop for $25.
Class fee: $50

Clown Therapy Workshop - Weekend Intensive with Paoli Lacy
May 24, 25, & 26
Saturday 2-6, Sunday 10-6, and Monday 10-1

Taught by Paoli Lacy, Godmother of Clown Therapy, this workshop will be an experiential, hands-on 2 1/2 day intensive. It will include practical kinesthetic learning of clown therapy techniques along with discussion of the theory and rationales for their use. A holistic approach to meeting psychological and physical challenges, Clown Therapy has been successful with health issues where mind, body, and a sense of humor need to converge. Clown Therapy is noted for serving special needs children at the crossroads of physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and creative arts, with Lucille Ball directing traffic.
All participants will receive a copy of the Clown Therapy Handbook for future reference.

Cost: $170.00
Discounts for AYCO members, Clown Conservatory and Dell ‘Arte graduates

How to Train and Not Get Hurt - Jim Donak
Sunday, April 13, 10am - 5pm
Cost: $120.00

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 3, with a 16-week trial period.

Applications for 2007-2008 Professional Aerial Program are due by May 30. Click the link below to download the full program description and application information:
Aerial_Pro_Program.pdf