PPCM

Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde (PPCM) is simultaneously a circus arts school, a space for artistic residencies and performance presentations, a place for socializing and meetings, and above all, a laboratory where civic, artistic, and educational initiatives coexist for the happiness and personal development of everyone.

Founded in 1992 by residents of Bagneux in the Paris region, the Smallest Circus in the World (PPCM) has become a dynamic local actor, thriving in the community where it began and now recognized internationally for its commitment to the educational, artistic, civic, economic, and urban development of peripheral areas through art and culture.

Since 2015, PPCM has strengthened its local roots with the construction of a permanent physical space—a 28-meter-high circus tent. In 2023, PPCM received the Cultural Center for Encounters label from the French Ministry of Culture, becoming the first such center located on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area.

The training component of PPCM embodies the same values and standards as the overall project. Since 2016, PPCM’s training organization has been offering preparatory courses for a career as a circus artist. The program lasts one year and serves as a springboard, preparing young people to audition for further training in other circus schools.

Training offered

• Certification Program: “Designing and Leading a Socially-Oriented Artistic Project Using Circus Arts.”

Since 2023, PPCM has developed a professional qualification certificate, recognized by France Compétences and listed in the Répertoire Spécifique, focusing on pedagogical skills in social circus. Since 2024, PPCM offers a dual curriculum—artistic and pedagogical with a social purpose—combining the Preparatory Training in Urban Acrobatic Arts with this certification.

• AFCMD & Circus Arts Modules

Introduction to AFCMD (Functional Analysis of the Body in Danced Movement) and circus techniques. AFCMD is based on theoretical knowledge of the human body to provide a practical approach centered on movement analysis. It illuminates the mechanisms of gestures through a sensory and conscious exploration of the moving body. In the demanding context of circus arts, it serves as injury prevention and promotes better body organization. Finally, it offers educational and creative tools to develop body awareness, mobility, and expressiveness.

Admission

Prerequisites

Certification Program: Candidates must meet the following admission requirements:

• Be between 18 and 22 years old
• Hold a Baccalauréat (high school diploma)
• Have at least 3 years of proven experience in circus arts or dance
• Have advanced practice in acrobatics and/or dance, with a specialization in circus arts or urban arts
• Possess basic knowledge in circus arts facilitation/animation
• Have a French social security number and be registered with France Travail
• Hold the PSC1 first aid certification at the start of the program

AFCMD & Circus Arts Modules: No prerequisites.

Required Application Materials

• A completed application file (including evaluation forms and a description of facilitation experience – downloadable from the PPCM website)
• A detailed CV
• A motivation letter
• A video demonstrating the candidate’s specialization

Candidates selected based on their application will be invited to an individual interview and may be asked to provide additional documentation.
 

Disciplines taught

Content:

• Acrobatic Techniques (acrobatics / parkour-style movement)
• Functional Analysis of the Body in Danced Movement (AFCMD)
• Specialization in a Circus Discipline
• Dance (hip-hop, breakdance, classical, acro-dance, contemporary)
• Stage Acting / Performance Skills
• Preparation and Monitoring of a Professional Project
• Knowledge of Professional Environments
• Meetings with Artists in Residence
• Exchange with Students in Other Artistic Disciplines** (theater, dance, music)
• Creative Space and Show Preparation
• Study of Audiences and Their Specific Needs
• Observation of Social Circus Sessions
• Group Management
• Knowledge of Children’s Psychomotor Development Stages
• Study of Professional Ethical Codes
• Assessments and Evaluations

Teaching Methods:

The program uses an active pedagogy, placing participants at the center of learning. A constant connection is made between theory and practice.

• Daily technical training
• Theoretical lessons and practical workshops
• Games and pedagogical simulations
• Debates and presentations
• Case studies
• Viewing and critical analysis of audiovisual materials
• Research and creation workshops
• Observation and facilitation with a real audience
• Observation and analysis of practice through images and texts
• Physical practice using AFCMD tools
• Exercises in circus techniques
• Guided improvisations and creative exploration

Learn more about this number

Founded in 1998

Management

• Director : Eleftérios Kechagioglou
• Program Director – AFCMD Instructor : Katérina Flora

School year

From October to June

Teaching languages

French and English

Location

Impasse de la renardière
92220 Bagneux
France

Contact

+33 (0)1 46 64 93 62
www.lepluspetitcirquedumonde.fr
info@ppcm.fr