Performance Program
Nurturing physical performance skills in our students has always been integral to the AcroSports mission. Students have been a part of every performance ever produced by AcroSports, from the early days of the City Circus productions until today. The year 2000 saw a major shift in those productions, when students graduated from bit players to full headliners in their own right, and the AcroSports City Circus performance troupe was born. Today the troupe is composed of a group of highly skilled, fiercely dedicated students that perform all around the Bay Area. City Circus alumni have graduated to become performers with such prestigious companies as Cirque Ingenieux, Tokyo Disney, and Cirque du Soleil!
The performance program is broken down into three areas: beginning to intermediate circus and aerial arts classes where students begin their training, Recital Classes which help intermediate to advanced level students further develop their skills while gaining performance experience, and the City Circus Troupe and training program which is designed to prepare our advanced performers for professional careers and help them build a portfolio through performance experience in the community.
|
PERFORMANCE CLASSES
Circus Arts Classes
Aerial Arts
Aerial Rope
Circus Arts
Contortion
Recital Classes
Ensemble Recital
Aerial Arts Recital
Tumbling & Acrobatics Recital
Clowning/Object Recital
Contortion Recital
City Circus Troupe |
Circus Arts Classes
Circus arts incorporates the many performing art forms used in circus. These classes focus on developing the physical skills, strength, and flexibility as well as the creative expression needed to excel as circus performers. |
Aerial Arts
This class introduces beginning students to a variety of aerial apparatus including static trapeze and aerial rope. Students will focus on developing strength, control and awareness as well as flexibility, grace and basic trick vocabulary. *New students should expect moderate discomfort on the hands and ankles as well as on the backs of the knees as they become accustomed to the apparatus. |
Aerial Rope
Aerial rope, or corde lisse, consists solely of a canvas-covered rope, about an inch and a half in diameter, suspended from a height of about thirty feet. The artist may climb the rope with various methods; and, after making any number of wrapping and knotting combinations, execute dramatic falls.
Beginning aerial rope classes focus on building the upper-body strength and endurance necessary to execute the aerial maneuvers peculiar to the apparatus. Some beginning maneuvers are introduced.
Intermediate students continue their physical conditioning to maintain extended "air time," as well as work toward finessing their physical form. More difficult wraps and falls are introduced, and students are encouraged to combine these maneuvers into simple routines.
Advanced students are encouraged to join Recital classes and begin to workshop their skills into routines which incorporate their own personal style and expression.
Classes are currently offered for beginning and intermediate students ages 8 and up, and adults. New students may schedule an evaluation with an aerial instructor in the office.
*New students should invest in at least one full-body unitard that covers the waist and midriff area and is close-fitting down the ankle. An ankle brace is also recommended to help ease abrasion caused from climbing. Students should expect moderate to severe muscle soreness following class, as well as frequent rope burns and bruises. |
Circus Arts
This class offers students training in a broad range of circus skills including: tumbling and acrobatics, hand balancing, partner acrobatics, clowning, juggling and equilibristics (balancing apparatus). Classes offered for beginning and intermediate students. Advanced students are encouraged to join the Recital classes and specialize in a focus discipline. |
Contortion
The art of acrobatic contortion combines the use of flexibility, muscle control and fluid movement to create acrobatic manuveurs and balances. Beginners focus on stretching and breathing techniques, conditioning exercises and basic tricks. Coach evaluation required.
Intermediate to advanced students are encouraged to join the Recital classes. |
AcroSports Recital Classes
Recital classes give intermediate to advanced level students an
opportunity to continue working on their physical skills while
beginning their performance training. Recital students follow a
progressive curriculum that combines skill and choreography to help
them prepare for performing or entrance into the City Circus Troupe.
All recital students are required to take 4 hours of recital classes
per week: 2 hours of ensemble theatrical and acrobatic training, and 2
hours of specialized training in a chosen focus discipline. Each
session culminates in a public recital performance.
|
Ensemble Recital
The core training class for all recital students, it is designed
to help the performers improve their flexibility, strength
and acrobatic skills; and provide a basic foundation in theater,
including stage basics, terminology, improvisation, character
development and choreography. It also serves as rehearsal
for the recital performance.
|
Aerial Arts Recital
This unique class offers advanced students of rope, trapeze, hoop,
tissue or other aerial apparatus an opportunity to expand their skills
and performance technique through developing choreography and
performing in front of an audience.
|
Tumbling & Acrobatics Recital
This class is designed for high-level tumblers and students interested in pursuing partner or ensemble acrobatics to strengthen their skill and technique as well as develop choreography and presentation skills. |
Clowning/Object Recital
Some kids just love to make people laugh! This recital class
teaches young clowns the fundamentals of being funny: character
development, timing, mime and physical comedy and puts a strong
emphasis on presenting and communicating with an audience.
|
Contortion Recital
Intermediate contortion students continue their flexibility
and skill training while learning to develop choreography
and use their art to create innovative performances.
|
City Circus is a high-level circus training and performance program designed to enrich the lives of the performers involved as well as prepare them for professional performance careers. The goal of City Circus is to see each performer reach his/her highest potential and develop not only the skills, but also the confidence necessary to be great performers. The training program focuses on three core areas:
•Acrobatics - tumbling and partner/ensemble acrobatics, flexibility, strength and conditioning;
•Specialty skills - aerial arts, contortion, hand balancing, object manipulation or other specialized circus disciplines;
•Theatrical and creative performance - improvisation, dance and movement, character development and choreography;
Performers enhance their experience through ensemble training and performance opportunities. Entrance into City Circus is by audition only. For more information contact Artistic Director Tim Barsky at tim@acrosports.org |
