School Programs, continued...

About the program

Our hands - on introduction to the magical world of the circus is something your children will never forget.  Using age and grade level, our curriculum is designed to allow students to achieve a high level of success.

Our Mission Statement

Cirque du Jour and our staff of professional circus coaches want to offer students the chance to experience the exciting world of the circus, not by watching, but by doing.  We want students to feel a great sense of achievement as they are challenged with age-old skills.  We want students to use their imaginations and be creative on their circus journey, as well as learning a few unique skills along the way.  Most of all we want students to have fun - in a safe and non competitive environment.

American Tradition

Near the turn of the century, entertainment options were limited.  With no GameBoys, televisions or computers, a circus coming to town was front page news and towns across America would literally shut-down to celebrate “Circus Day”.  The year was 1793.  John Bill Ricketts set up an outdoor riding ring in Philadelphia, PA and called it a “circus”.   A new form of live entertainment was born.  Men, women and children came in droves to see the daredevils, the acrobats, the clowns and the animals.  It took hundreds of man hours to set up the “Big Top”.  Full orchestras accompanied these spectacles. “Many children's lifelong dreams are born at the circus . . . I know mine was” . . . Chris Allison Co-founder, Cirque du Jour

Cirque du Jour takes this excitement to a whole new level by creating the ultimate in interactive, full-participation circus experiences!  Your students will learn a variety of skills that have been entertaining American circus audiences for hundreds of years-and they’ll learn them from the pros! This program is designed for students of all ages and all levels of physical development with an emphasis on fun and safety.  Students are encouraged to add their own creative flair and use their imaginations as they learn real circus skills.

THE ONE RING SHOW
This is a one-day workshop taught by one coach.  Our circus coach will perform a 30 minute action-packed show to get the program started.  Following the performance, the coach will lead a series of workshops throughout the day, teaching circus skills that may include: scarf juggling, ball juggling, plate spinning, the diabolo and balancing.
The One Ring show is appropriate for groups of up to 25 students.

THE TWO RING PRODUCTION
Two coaches oversee this program, which begins with a fast-paced 30 to 40 minute show.  The two ring production may be a one-day workshop or a full week-long, in-house residency program. We will introduce the same circus skills as the one ring show, with the addition of stilt walking, clowning and basic circus pyramids and acrobatics.  The culminating circus performance (student performance) will conclude the residency program.
The Two Ring Production is appropriate for groups of up to 50 students.

THE THREE RING EXTRAVAGANZA
Three coaches will assist the students in the three ring extravaganza.  This program begins with a 30 to 50 minute thrill-packed show.  This program is designed to be a one to two week in-house residency program.  We will introduce the same circus skills as the two ring production with the addition of the single trapeze (static, non-swinging trapeze) and Spanish Web.  The culminating circus performance (student performance) will conclude the residency.
The Three Ring Production will include an aerial coach.

Culminating Circus Performance
The “CCP” is a grand performance that allows all of the participants in the program to show off their newfound skills.  Whether spinning plates, juggling three balls, or climbing to the top of a pyramid, the students will all work toward a specific goal, while learning to work together as a cohesive unit to create the best show possible.  Our job is to make sure these goals are achieved, while keeping the circus fun, safe and noncompetitive.  We want the students to be aware of the goals and also enjoy the journey along the way.

We Provide...
CIRCUS EQUIPMENT

Cirque du Jour will provide all of the necessary equipment to teach the predetermined circus skills.  All equipment is safety-checked prior to each circus program, and monitored on a daily basis.

CIRCUS SET
The culminating circus performance will be performed in a real circus setting.  We bring a 40-foot red-and-yellow backdrop, the circus back door, the circus ring and a circus ring mat.  We also bring our own fully-equipped sound system with wireless microphones. 

A GREAT CIRCUS EXPERIENCE
We have the experience, the equipment and exceptional coaches at Cirque du Jour. The only thing missing is you!  Contact us today to reserve your program with Cirque du Jour's Extreme Interactive Hands-on Circus Skills School.

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