Cirk'Eole

Based in Montigny-lès-Metz, in the Grand Est region of France, Cirk'Eole is a circus school run by the non-profit association Loisirs et Culture, founded in 1989.

Its activities are organised around three main areas: circus education, support for artistic creation, and the promotion of circus arts.

The leisure programme offers circus classes for participants of all ages, as well as holiday courses and activities for different audiences, including adapted circus activities.

Cirk'Eole also supports professional circus companies by hosting them in residencies and providing opportunities for artistic development. It organises performances and events, including the biennial Les Nuits d’Eole festival and Soirs de Cirque.

Its preparatory class helps students develop the physical, technical and artistic skills required to pursue higher education in circus arts.

Cirk'Eole promotes contemporary circus creation, where physical performance meets dance, theatre and music. Creativity, artistic research and individual support are central to its educational approach.

Training offered

The preparatory programme lasts two academic years, from September to July, and comprises a total of 1,220 hours of training.

It prepares students for entrance examinations to higher education circus schools, including the CNAC, Académie Fratellini and ESAC.

The programme combines physical preparation, technical training, artistic research and theoretical classes. Students work on floor acrobatics, trampoline, handstands and their chosen circus specialities, alongside dance and theatre.

Particular attention is paid to health, safety, injury prevention and the development of autonomy. Students also benefit from professional immersion opportunities, meetings with artists and opportunities to perform in front of an audience.

Throughout the programme, students receive both individual and group support, with an emphasis on attentive guidance, encouragement and personal progress.

Admission

The school organises an entrance examination every two years. Applications are first assessed, and shortlisted candidates are invited to an audition day.

The audition includes physical preparation, technical assessments in acrobatics, trampoline, handstands and flexibility, a group dance session, a presentation of the candidate's speciality number and an interview.

The audition process is limited to 12 candidates.

Disciplines taught

• Floor acrobatics

• Trampoline

• Handstands

• Acrobatic lifts

• Juggling

• Fixed trapeze and trapeze dance

• Aerial hoop

• Aerial rope

• Aerial straps

• Korean teeterboard

• Tightwire

• Chinese pole

• Dance

• Theatre

Find out more about this member

General Director and Artistic Director: Vincent Ehl
Pedagogical Coordinator: Pauline Dorance
Year of foundation: 1989
Language of instruction: French
Location: Montigny-lès-Metz, Grand Est, France