Pre-requisite: None

This class will focus on static trapeze and hanging fabric (silk). Building strength, coordination, and a basic aerialist vocabulary are its goals.

Instructor: Lizzy Gifford

Monday-Friday • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

June 18th-August 3rd 2012

Full Week: $260
Before & After Care are available.

Ages: 7 & up.

Levels: Beginner students who are trying circus for the first time; AND, Intermediate to Advanced students wanting to work on skills.

Refer-A-Friend Program: Sign up with a friend and you both get a CircEsteem t-shirt (limit 1 per person).

Registration Due: Early bird discount if registration and full payment is made by March 1st.

Download the Summer Circus Camp 2012 Registration Packet Now.

Description:Summer Circus Camp  is a fun, safe, supportive and challenging environment where children explore the many skills that create the Circus Arts. Circus Day Camp allows each child to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, physical awareness and an understanding of the potential they possess.

Skills taught may include: trapeze, acrobatics, clowning, juggling, stilt walking, gym wheel, rolling globe, tight wire, rolla bolla, aerial arts.

Students enrolled will get to share their excitement and skill with family and friends at the end of the week in a show!

Payment: CircEsteem’s 2012 Summer Camp costs $260 for the one-week session. A non refundable  50% deposit is required at the time of registration. The balance is due before the first day of camp. Children with outstanding payments will not be allowed to participate at camp. We accept cash and personal checks only. Please make checks payable to CircEsteem, Inc.

Before & After Care: Before care is offered at 8:30am, the cost is $10. After care is offered until 5:00pm, the cost is $20.

Lunch: Campers must bring their own lunches. A refrigerator and microwave are available. Children should also bring a beverage. Bringing a bottle of water is highly recommended, as the daily activities are physically demanding.

Attire and personal belongings: Campers should wear clothing that is easy to move in and appropriate for being upside down. Gym shoes and socks are necessary for some circus activities. Wear or bring both every day. Jewelry is not allowed because it can easily get lost, damaged, or cause injury when snagged and pulled off the body inadvertently. CircEsteem is not responsible for any lost or stolen belongings. It is recommended that valuables be left at home.

Location: Alternatives Inc. 4730 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640

Instructors: TBA

Unicycle Beginner – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. $160 per session – ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT IN THIS CLASS
Pre-requisite: None. Closed-toe shoes.
Learn to unicycle! The Free Mount, straight line, turns and idling are all possibilities for beginners.
Instructors: Colvin Creveling, Sam Sake

Unicycle – Beyond Beginner – SAT: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Ability to ride unassisted and Instructor Permission. Closed-toe shoes.
**NEW** While Beginner Unicycle focuses on the fundamentals, the Beyond Beginner class will focus on mounts, hops, and idling. Trick mounts, acrobatic riding, one pedal and no pedal tricks will be introduced to more advanced riders. If you can ride across the Youth Center without a spotter, this class is for you.
Instructor: Sam Sake

To register for classes download the Winter 2012 Registration Packet and return to CircEsteem before January 7.

Tight Wire – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Circus Level 1 or Circus Camp and Instructor Permission. Socks.
Learn wire walking fundamentals. The majority of the instruction will take place 2 feet off the ground. Focus will be on technique and form in order to build the confidence necessary to cross the wire unassisted.
Instructor(s): TBA

To register for classes download the Winter 2012 Registration Packet and return to CircEsteem before October 24th.

The next round of Saturday Circus Classes start September 8, 2012.  Stay tuned for registration information.

Tumbling & Mini-Trampoline – SAT: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Tumbling Level 1 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
This class will focus primarily on tumbling. Students will continue working on somersaults, bridges, cartwheels, headstands, and body positions necessary for Mini-Trampoline, Trampoline, Partner Acrobatics. Strength and flexibility will be emphasized. Part of each lesson will include Mini-Trampoline.
Instructor: Carlo Gentile

Unicycle – Beyond Beginner – SAT: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Ability to ride unassisted and Instructor Permission. Closed-toe shoes.
**NEW** While Beginner Unicycle focuses on the fundamentals, the Beyond Beginner class will focus on mounts, hops, and idling. Trick mounts, acrobatic riding, one pedal and no pedal tricks will be introduced to more advanced riders. If you can ride across the Youth Center without a spotter, this class is for you.
Instructor: Sam Sake

Aerial Arts Level 3 – SAT: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Aerial Arts Level 2 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
Building on the skills introduced in Aerial Arts Level 2, students in this class will focus on choreography and act creation specifically refining transitions between tricks and creating polished acts using trapeze & fabric.
Instructor: Tera McBlaine

Aerial Arts Level 2 – SAT: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Aerial Arts Level 1 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
Building on the skills introduced in Aerial Arts Level 1, students in this class will focus on more difficult trapeze and fabric tricks, flexibility and grace along with full body strength.
Instructor: Lizzy Gifford

Aerial Arts Level 1 – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: None
This class will focus on static trapeze and hanging fabric (silk). Building strength, coordination, and a basic aerialist vocabulary are its goals.
Instructors: Lizzy Gifford, Tera McBlaine

Chinese Pole – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. AND 11:45-1:00 p.m. $160 per session

Pre-requisite: Tumbling Level 1 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission. Thin-soled shoes.
**NEW** Unleash your inner monkey. Learn the basic climbs and static holds for Chinese pole. No rosin, no tape, no rubber, no padding. Just cold hard steel. For this introductory class, much of our focus will be on building strength and coordination. Did I forget to mention you’re going to be sore, buff, and cool?
Instructor: Carlo Gentile

Tight Wire – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Circus Level 1 or Circus Camp and Instructor Permission. Socks.
Learn wire walking fundamentals. The majority of the instruction will take place 2 feet off the ground. Focus will be on technique and form in order to build the confidence necessary to cross the wire unassisted.
Instructor(s): TBA

Unicycle Beginner – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Circus Level 1 or Circus Camp and Instructor Permission. Closed-toe shoes.
Learn to unicycle! The Free Mount, straight line, turns and idling are all possibilities for beginners. This class has an enforced maximum of 8 students. Register early!
Instructors: Colvin Creveling, Sam Sake

Circus Buffet – SAT: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: None
Formerly Circus 1 Circus 2 and Beginner/Intermediate Circus. The Circus Buffet focuses on the basic principles of circus: balance, coordination and clowning. Curriculum rotates. Session 2 curriculum may include juggling, spinning plates, diabolo, partner acrobatics, etc. However, tight wire will not be offered.
Instructors: Anthony Courser, Carlo Gentile, Brian P. Dailey, Sam Sake

Physical Comedy, Performance Technique & Clowning: – SAT: 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Generosity. Openness. Imagination. Instructor Permission.
**NEW** Through play we will discover what it is to be onstage and in performance! We will learn to embrace our inner silliness as we explore, and celebrate, our impulses: following, giving, receiving, and committing. We will begin to develop your own personal clown character and how he or she lives, and plays, in a world with other clowns!
Instructor: Anthony Courser

Juggling & Manipulation – SAT: 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Solid 3 ball cascade (at least 50 continuous throws-catches). Or Instructor Permission.
**NEW** This class will focus on individual skill development in the toss juggling universe. Content could include Balls, Rings, Clubs, Diabolos, Cigar Boxes—basically, whatever students can “throw at” their instructor. Brian will help students set and accomplish personal goals no matter what the prop. Using good technique and finding a personal aesthetic will be stressed. Though this class will emphasize solo work, group work is definitely possible.
Instructor: Brian P. Dailey

Pure Mini-Trampoline – SAT: 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Safely execute dive roll from mini-tramp. Instructor Permission. Socks.
**NEW** Title says it all. What more do you need to know? This is not a beginner level class. Expect to flip. Expect to fly. Expect to sweat.
Instructor: Sam Sake

Aerial Web & Hoop – WED: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Aerial Arts Level 1 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
Building on the foundational skills and aerialist vocabulary introduced in Aerial Arts Level 1, this class will introduce similar, but complimentary aerial equipment. As with all other Aerial Arts, flexibility, grace and full body strength will be emphasized.
Instructor: Lizzy Gifford

Advancement through Levels

Moving up a level (e.g., from Aerial Arts Level 1 to Level 2) is possible when a student is competent in all of the skills of that level. We realize kids will progress at different rates. It may take a student one Session to move up to the next Level. It may take multiple sessions. Precisely what skills are required to advance within the levels will be addressed in each class and will vary by discipline.

HomeWork & CircusWork is a free  after-school tutoring program, which addresses the need CircEsteem participants have to keep up on their schoolwork while still being able to spend time learning circus skills. HomeWork & CircusWork meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.. The students spend an hour developing their circus skills with our highly- trained circus instructors and an hour working on their homework or other academic enrichment activities with our volunteer tutors. Interested in becoming a CircEsteem volunteer? Contact us for more information. Between the two hours the students enjoy a healthy snack, generously provided by  Whole Foods.

Classes start Monday September 12th.  Transportation can be provided for students attending schools in Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park.  Contact us for more information.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m at Alternatives

To register for classes download the Fall 2011 Registration Packet and return to CircEsteem before September 6th.

Adult Wheel – WED: 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. $180 per session or $30 Drop-in
Pre-requisite: None
Hailed as one of the best workouts in Chicago, CircEsteem’s Adult Gym Wheel Class is an opportunity for grown-ups to get in on the fun. Adult Gym Wheel is a fun and energizing core workout for people of all levels of fitness.

This Beginner Level class focuses on straight-line moves and developing confidence, even when upside-down. Students will be given individualized attention and given the opportunity to move at their own pace.

Adults are encouraged to drop in for a class to try it out. You’ll be so busy having fun, you won’t notice that you’re getting an excellent work out.
Instructor: Sam Sake

One of the most beautiful parts of the circus, students can experience the static trapeze, silks, web and lyra. Students will develop flexibility and full body strength as well as confidence and grace. The class is open to students ages 7 and up and all skill levels.  All students will have an opportunity to perform in CircEsteem’s annual Spring and Winter Circuses.

To register for classes download the Winter 2012 CircEsteem Registration Form and return to CircEsteem before January 7th.

Aerial Arts Level 3 – SAT: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Aerial Arts Level 2 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
Building on the skills introduced in Aerial Arts Level 2, students in this class will focus on choreography and act creation specifically refining transitions between tricks and creating polished acts using trapeze & fabric.
Instructor: Tera McBlaine

Aerial Arts Level 2 – SAT: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $160 per session – THIS CLASS IS FULL for WINTER 2012 TERM
Pre-requisite: Aerial Arts Level 1 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
Building on the skills introduced in Aerial Arts Level 1, students in this class will focus on more difficult trapeze and fabric tricks, flexibility and grace along with full body strength.
Instructor: Lizzy Gifford

Aerial Arts Level 1 – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: None
This class will focus on static trapeze and hanging fabric (silk). Building strength, coordination, and a basic aerialist vocabulary are its goals.
Instructors: Lizzy Gifford, Tera McBlaine

Aerial Arts Level 1 & 2 – SAT: 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. OR WED: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: None
This class is appropriate for students in Aerial Arts level 1 & 2
Instructors: Lizzy Gifford,

Aerial Web & Hoop – MON: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Aerial Arts Level 1 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
Building on the foundational skills and aerialist vocabulary introduced in Aerial Arts Level 1, this class will introduce similar, but complimentary aerial equipment. As with all other Aerial Arts, flexibility, grace and full body strength will be emphasized.
Instructor: Lizzy Gifford

Tumbling & Mini-Trampoline – SAT: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Tumbling Level 1 Skill Competency and Instructor Permission
**NEW** This class will focus primarily on tumbling. Students will continue working on somersaults, bridges, cartwheels, headstands, and body positions necessary for Mini-Trampoline, Trampoline, Partner Acrobatics. Strength and flexibility will be emphasized. Part of each lesson will include Mini-Trampoline.
Instructor: Carlo Gentile

Pure Mini-Trampoline – SAT: 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: Safely execute dive roll from mini-tramp. Instructor Permission. Socks.
**NEW** Title says it all. What more do you need to know? This is not a beginner level class. Expect to flip. Expect to fly. Expect to sweat.
Instructor: Sam Sake

Tumbling Level 1 – SAT: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. $160 per session
Pre-requisite: None
**CLOSED** THE foundation for nearly all other circus skills. Students will learn somersaults, bridges, cartwheels, headstands, and body positions necessary for Mini-Trampoline, Trampoline, Partner Acrobatics. In addition, strength and flexibility will be emphasized.
Instructor: Carlo Gentile

Tumbling & Trampoline Level 2 – SAT: 8:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. $225 per session
Pre-requisite: Tumbling& Tramp Level 1 Competency and Instructor Permission
**CLOSED** In addition to higher level tumbling skills, this class will include mini-trampoline, vault tumbling and big trampoline. Expect to work on combinations such as roundoff into back handspring, as well as back and front tucks on the ground and on the trampolines.
Instructor(s): TBA

To register for classes download the Winter 2012 Registration Packet and return to CircEsteem before January 13th.

CircusTots – WED: 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. $150 per session
Pre-requisite: None; Appropriate Age: 3-5 years old
**NEW** An exciting way for children to increase motor skills while having fun and reinforcing good classroom behavior. Classes include fun games to encourage focus and strength as well as basic circus skills to work on coordination and balance.
Instructor: TBA

To register for classes download the Fall 2011 Registration Packet and return to CircEsteem before October 24th.