Attending Circus School

The Flotant

Katharina Weiss tried to study air acrobatics at a private school in Berlin, but then she changed her mind. Following the dream she left her home country and went to the Netherlands, to the city of Rotterdam. "I like it here better, because there are many international trainers: from Russia, China and Bulgaria. Their great experience gives me more opportunities for development"


By CHRISTINA DEMENSHINA (christina.demenshina@wavemagazine.net)
from Yekaterinburg, RUSSIA


She is flying under the ceiling, turning around and coming back to the floor. It is surprising how she can move her tiny body in the air. She can go over again and again, she looks as light as a feather. Her name is Katharina Weiss, she is from Germany and dreams to be an air acrobat in the future.

Katharina started showing some interest to circus at the age of 12. Once a week she attended a circus circle at her school, practiced different elements of air acrobatics. But at that time she was not going to become a circus artist. After her graduation Katharina entered the university to study social pedagogy. But soon she understood that she could not live without her childish hobby.

Katharina Weiss tried to study air acrobatics at a private school in Berlin, but then she changed her mind. Following the dream she left her home country and went to the Netherlands, to the city of Rotterdam. "I like it here better, because there are many international trainers: from Russia, China and Bulgaria. Their great experience gives me more opportunities for development", explains the girl.

The circus school in Rotterdam exists only four years. It is not very popular in Europe now, but Katharina believes she is very lucky to be here. Everyone who desires to become a circus student must take an entrance exam. During two days young artists should do their best: not only demonstrate all talents they have already had, but surprise a strict jury. There are some ways to delight trainers: theatre improvisation, dance and circus tricks. It is also important to show power and flexibility.

- I can go on the rope, I can juggle a bit, but I would like to pay my attention to air acrobatics - says Katharina for WAVE magazine. Ideally, she wants to try everything: to work for a circus or a variety show. Besides she plans to combine the knowledge of social pedagogy and circus skills by creating a circus training for children and young people with any kind of problems, for example, if they do not want to go to school.

After the first year at the circus school students must choose their specialization, for example, juggling, air acrobatics, and clownery. And within three years they should progress in it. According to good techniques trainers ask young artists to be really artistic and emotional. Only considering these two conditions they will be able to perform on the European or world stage.

- It is weird for me to see when a person was dancing, suddenly stood and began to juggle. Everything should be at the same time; it should be moving. Performance and circus flow together for viewers' eyes - tells Gregor Kiock, one of the Katharina's trainers.

The study day is over. But the most hard-working students are still in the gym, including Katharina. They practice again and again. They need some additional time for different tricks in spite of getting any injuries and bruises.

- The straps are very tough on my arms, so I have these 'beautiful' signs - says Katharina. But even despite of all difficulties connected to her future profession she has always energy to smile and joke. She did not choose a profession, the profession chose her: to fly under the ceiling and to bring happiness to every child.


(Published: 18.12.2009.)