Circus Glory Trapeze School
Fancy whizzing about on the high wire? The clue’s in the name with this one. Acclaimed instructor Genevieve Monastesse leads these classes and is quite literally a safe pair of hands, with more than 30 years experience.
Primrose Hill Community Centre, NW1, circusglory.com
The Rebel Circus
One for those who get their kicks way up high, the Rebel Circus focuses heavily on aerial techniques: learn how to tackle silk and hoops, the static trapeze, aerial rope (corde lisse) and straps. But elsewhere among the daily classes are acrobatics and gymnastics, right down to conquering the handstand and working the rings. You might not make it to the circus, but you’ll definitely end up fit.
High Cross Centre, N15, therebelcircus.co.uk
National Centre for Circus Arts
Circus in all its forms, though only a little clowning about. Open to all, the school juggles a number of classes — including juggling. Other courses include aerial conditioning and flexibility, flying trapeze and how to master the Cyr wheel. Parkour is also offered, bizarrely. These can all be booked for adults, but a summer school is offered for both eight to 11-year-olds and 12 to 15-year-olds.
Coronet Street, N1, nationalcircus.org.uk
Jacksons Lane Youth Circus
JL Circus is a free youth programme designed to help kids build confidence and learn fun circus skills, from entry level tricks such as ball drops and forward rolls to more challenging acts such as the human pyramid and juggling. Leaders aim to laugh through harder times and encourage support between youngsters, using skipping ropes, diablos and more to foster the next generation of circus artists. Free, ages 4-18.
269a Archway Road, N6, jacksonslane.org.uk
Aircraft Circus Academy
Running for more than 20 years, the Aircraft Circus Academy runs classes for children and adults in a “safe, welcoming and supportive space” for people of all ages and abilities. For those who want to look into pursuing circus art as a career, there’s an intense four-month professional course, as well as workshops to hone particular skills.
Harrington Way, SE18, aircraftcircus.com/
