Centre des arts du cirque balthazar

Balthazar Circus Arts Centre

Balthazar was created in 1990 by artists  teachers (Cirque Bidon, Archaos) who promoted the emergence of a multiform contemporary circus whilst exploring what is specific and fundamental to the circus arts. Today Balthazar is a resource centre where people can meet to exchange and create.

It is one of the five professional schools recognised by the French public authorities. Its primary objective is to develop creativity using circus arts education as a path to the discoevry of presonal responsibility.

The Professional training course lasts two years. It aims to prepare students to pass the competitive exams /auditions held by the higher education institutes (both within and outside of France) or to develop diverse artistic projects or to undertake teaching qualifications.

Balthazar also provides continuous education for artists and teachers/instructors.

It also develops and disseminates research and practice with social and therapeutic institutions.

Centre des arts du cirque Balthazar
16 rue Toiras
34000 Montpellier
France

Phone: + 33 467 42 28 36
Fax: +33 467 42 18 69

Founded in 1990

Director: Martin Gerbier 

Artistic Director: Martine Leroy

Curriculum offered:

• Professional training level 1 and 2: "preparation and specialisation in the circus arts field" : 1190 hours per year.
  Requirements: excellent physical health, acrobatic skills, dance skills, acting skills, artistic motivation.
  School year from  late September to mid-June
  Admission: application form available online at the beginning of March, to be returned by the end of April. Auditions at the end of June.
  In 2012: application form to be returned by 25th April. Auditions on 25th&26th and 27th&28th June.
  Download the application form (in French).
• Professional training level 3 : studio residency. Duration variable according to project.
• Brevet d'initiateur aux arts du cirque (Circus Arts Instructor qualification) : 60 hours per year. See FFEC requirements.
• Continuing education (professional workshops): dance and aerial, dance and trampoline, dance and circus objects.