To keep their K-12 children busy after school and during the summer months, parents enroll their kids a myriad of activities. There are painting classes, ballet, soccer, baseball, trumpet lessons, religion classes, Girl Scouts, swimming, and so much more. Those just mentioned are conventional ideas that come to the "where should we stick our kids" table. But did you ever think
let's put them in the circus? Well a number of parents did just that with Circus Juventas.
Circus Juventas is located in Saint Paul's Highland neighborhood and has been around since 1994. For 20 years it stands as a performing arts school for adolescents, which can be attended after school and over the summer. There are almost 100 different classes available, all varying between beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill. So one could turn out as a juggler, a trapeze artist, acrobatics or contortionism. Those just listed off are the only ones I am familiar with, but the embellished list goes on and on.
Also available aside from lessons is summer camp. Camp is a week long commitment from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. There are multiple choices throughout June and July to pick from. For those who can't make the full commitment, there is another option where you can pick sampler days to attend. Those times also run 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Circus Juventas hosts a spring show for their beginner and intermediate students to perform. There are also summer shows where the more advanced students perform on stage.
Although focused mainly on youth, adult classes are offered too. Classes for adults are more of a general approach to the circus and flying trapeze. The adult classes are based on training to be stronger, more balanced, and more flexible. They do not perform (as it is required of students).
Although I am past the age to attend the camps, if I would have known about this as a child I sure would have talked my parents' ears off until they registered me. It is such a unique way to express energy and learn what teamwork and hard work can accomplish.
Photos via:
Circus Juventas
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