Play or perform?
Regular Classes vs Performance Programme: which path suits your child?
We offer two exciting pathways for young performers: the regular Youth Circus classes and the Performance Programme. Both are designed to foster confidence, creativity, and physical skill, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
Both offer amazing circus skills, and while that results in some cool and exciting tricks, it also builds confidence, coordination and even concentration – when you’re dangling upside down, you have to pay attention to stay safe.
Regular classes focus on variety and play, while Performance Programme takes things to the next level with choreography, storytelling, and live shows.
If your child loves movement, creativity, or the thrill of performing, this guide will help you choose the perfect fit.
Understanding the developmental benefits of each can help you make the best choice for your child.
Regular Youth Circus classes: playful exploration
Our regular classes for ages 7-18 are structured to provide a balanced mix of activities in each session:
Warm-up
Manipulation (eg juggling, diabolo, hula hoop)
Acrobalance, acrobatics, handstands or tightwire
Technical training in aerial equipment including silks, trapeze, hoop, rope
Trampoline
These classes emphasise fun, variety, and self-expression in a relaxed environment.
Research supports the value of such unstructured, child-led play. For instance, studies have shown that free play encourages initiative, independence, and problem-solving skills, and has been linked to benefits in social and emotional development NAEYC.
Regular classes are ideal for young people who enjoy the freedom of exploring different movement without the pressure of needing to do it a particular way, or for a particular reason.
They provide a safe space for kids to build physical competence, develop social skills, and gain confidence at their own pace.
Performance Programme: structured skill development
The Performance Programme is designed for students ages 10–18 who are interested in taking their circus skills to the next level. This pathway includes:
Specialisation in your favourite aerial apparatus, while still training others
Acrobalance, acrobatics, handstands
Choreography and development of characters for roles in shows
Storytelling through movement
Two ensemble shows per year (December and June)
While we support and nurture shy or hesitant performers, it's essential that students are open to stepping into the spotlight.
As students demonstrated, creating aerial acts and performing them in their ensemble show enabled them to jump at the chance to perform them at Zippos Circus in Glasgow at short notice – a testament to the programme's effectiveness in preparing students for real-world performances.
Structured learning environments, like the Performance Programme, offer benefits such as improved focus, discipline, and mastery of complex skills.
Research indicates that structured programs are effective in improving and maintaining motor skills, and can provide a sense of accomplishment and confidence Covenant Schools.
Developmental considerations: finding the right fit
Understanding your child's temperament and interests is key to choosing the right programme.
Regular Classes: Suitable for children who thrive in a playful, exploratory setting without the pressure of performance. These classes foster creativity, social interaction, and self-confidence.
Performance Programme: Ideal for children who are not only interested in circus arts but are also open to performing in front of an audience. This path offers structured learning and the opportunity to develop discipline, teamwork, and stage presence.
It's important to note that while some children may naturally gravitate towards performance, others may need time and encouragement to build confidence in this area.
Our instructors are committed to supporting all students, whether they're performing for the first time or returning to the stage.
Making the best choice – for now
Both the regular Youth Circus classes and the Performance Programme offer unique benefits that contribute to a young person’s development.
The key is to consider your child's personality, interests, and comfort level with performance. There's no wrong choice – just the right one for your child at this stage in their journey.
If you're unsure which path to take, we encourage you to speak with our instructors, who can provide personalised guidance based on your child's needs and aspirations.
You can email [email protected] or drop in and chat to us.
