Though written 8 years apart, these two articles highlight a substantial change in the circus industry - its growing popularity. Ecole Nationale de Cirque, the most elite circus school in Canada that produces high level circus performers from all over the world, didn't exist until 1981. New England Centre for Circus Arts, a high level training facility in the Eastern USA, didn't exist until 2007. Vancouver Circus School, a recreational training facility in New Westminster, was founded in 2004. Many smaller studios, including the one where I work, are even younger than that, having been founded within the last decade.
Because this industry is so young, there is not much by way of standardization for curriculum or even teacher qualifications. A qualified teacher is someone who displays proficiency in their artistry and technique, understands why the techniques they use work, and can successfully transfer that knowledge to aspiring circus artists. Nowhere in that list are any certifications. Though certifications do exist, there is no standardization or even recognition of their validity. Just like anyone could call themselves a circus teacher, anyone could start their own teacher training. Many teachers fall into their roles simply because they are perceived have more skill in their discipline than their peers. Sometimes these artists turn out to be incredible teachers and sometimes they don't. As more and more circus schools/aerial studios/pop-up classes are started, beginner students will have no way of distinguishing between a safe and technical learning environment and a studio with lower standards.
For those of us who value safety and technique above "Instagrammable" tricks (though I do love a big drop), we need to be teaching students how to identify a good learning environment and holding each other accountable. I know of many other aerial/circus teachers around the world who not only teach their students, but also work to educate other instructors in best practices and how we should approach our coaching, both as educators and as artists.
This is a huge topic, but for now, we'll just leave it as acknowledging "a trend" in the circus industry.
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
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