Classes

Chicago Youth Circus (CYC) classes take place on Saturday’s at Alternatives Inc. and are open to youth ages 7-18. Students from the outreach programs and HomeWork & CircusWork classes are invited to participate in the Chicago Youth Circus. Classes provide specialized attention and fulfill our mission of uniting kids from diverse backgrounds.

Beginner Circus – 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. $150 for 8 week session

All children ages 7 and up are welcome to join Beginner Circus. Beginner Circus focuses on the basic principles of circus: balance, coordination and clowning. Students will learn juggling scarves, balancing feathers, spinning plates, walking on the rolling globe and clowning. They will also be introduced to the tight wire, trampoline, stilts, and aerials, all while building self-esteem and developing a sense teamwork. All beginner students will have an opportunity to perform in the Winter and Spring Circuses.

Advanced Circus – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $300 for an 8 week session

Students are invited to join Advanced Circus after demonstrating a strong grasp on the basic principles introduced in Beginner Circus. Students will have the opportunity to focus on more specialized disciplines while continuing to develop their juggling, clowning and balance skills. Students will begin to create their own performance pieces and will work with the beginner students on clowning and other partner skills. All advanced students will have the opportunity to perform in the Winter and Spring Circuses as well as potentially performing at other times during the year.