Your Circus Guide
Your Circus Journey begins here
Discover the disciplines, apparatus and skills that make up the exciting world of circus!
General Circus
What is General Circus?
General Circus is the perfect introduction to the exciting world of circus. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, students explore a wide variety of circus skills while developing strength, coordination, confidence and creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
General Circus provides the foundation for all other circus disciplines, allowing students to discover what they enjoy while building the skills needed to progress safely.
What will you learn?
Students experience a broad range of circus disciplines, including:
Aerial apparatus
Circus acrobatics
Juggling and object manipulation
Balance and coordination skills
Ground-based circus disciplines
Performance and teamwork
As students grow in confidence and ability, they have the opportunity to experience a variety of circus disciplines while developing strong foundations in technique and safe movement.
You might enjoy General Circus if…
You’d like to try a bit of everything.
You’re new to circus and don’t know where to start.
You enjoy learning a variety of new skills.
You love being active, creative and having fun.
Benefits of General Circus
Develops strength, coordination and flexibility
Builds confidence and resilience
Encourages creativity and problem-solving
Improves teamwork and communication
Creates strong foundations for future circus training
Did you know?
Traditional circus performers were often highly skilled across multiple disciplines rather than specialising in just one. Learning a broad range of circus skills continues to be one of the best ways to build confidence, versatility and strong technique.
Ready to Experience General Circus?
General Circus is where many students begin their circus journey at South Coast Circus. With opportunities to explore a variety of disciplines in a supportive environment, it’s the perfect way to discover new interests while developing lifelong skills.
Whether you’re looking to build confidence, stay active, make new friends or simply try something different, General Circus offers something for everyone.
Lyra (Aerial Hoop)
What is Lyra?
Lyra, also known as aerial hoop, is a circular steel apparatus suspended in the air. Performers climb into, around and beneath the hoop to create elegant poses, smooth transitions and dynamic spinning sequences that combine strength, flexibility and artistry.
Suitable for beginners through to advanced performers, Lyra is one of the most recognisable and rewarding disciplines in modern circus.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Safe mounts and dismounts
Strength and conditioning
Balances and poses
Spins and dynamic movement
Flexibility and body awareness
Performance skills and artistic expression
Every class focuses on building strong technique and confidence, allowing students to progress safely at their own pace.
You might enjoy Lyra if…
You love being off the ground.
You enjoy spinning and flowing movement.
You like combining athleticism with creativity.
You want to build strength while learning impressive aerial skills.
Benefits of Lyra
Develops upper body and core strength
Improves flexibility and mobility
Builds balance and body awareness
Encourages creativity and artistic expression
Develops confidence through progressive achievement
Did you know? The aerial hoop, or Lyra, became widely popular through contemporary circus productions such as Cirque du Soleil and is now performed by aerial artists around the world.
Ready to Experience Lyra?
Lyra is one of the many exciting disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Depending on your age and experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Lyra through our General Circus and Aerial classes as you develop your skills.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps into circus or building towards advanced aerial performance, Lyra offers a rewarding journey of strength, creativity and confidence.
Trapeze (Dance Trapeze)
What is Trapeze?
Trapeze, also known as dance trapeze, is a horizontal bar suspended from two ropes, allowing performers to balance, spin and move gracefully through the air. Unlike flying trapeze, dance trapeze remains suspended in one position, making it ideal for developing aerial technique, strength and artistic expression.
Suitable for beginners through to advanced performers, trapeze combines athletic movement with creativity to produce elegant and dynamic aerial performances.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Safe mounts and dismounts
Strength and conditioning
Balances and poses
Spins and dynamic movement
Flexibility and body awareness
Performance skills and artistic expression
Every class focuses on building strong technique and confidence, allowing students to progress safely at their own pace.
You might enjoy Trapeze if…
You enjoy swinging and being off the ground.
You love graceful movement and creative expression.
You like spinning, balancing and exploring new skills.
You want to build strength while developing confidence in the air.
Benefits of Trapeze
Develops upper body and core strength
Improves flexibility and mobility
Builds balance, coordination and body awareness
Encourages creativity and artistic expression
Develops confidence through progressive achievement
Did you know?
The trapeze has been a circus favourite since the mid-1800s. While flying trapeze focuses on catches and release skills, dance trapeze allows performers to explore graceful movement, balances and artistry on a stationary apparatus.
Ready to Experience Trapeze?
Trapeze is one of the many exciting disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Depending on your age and experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore trapeze through our General Circus and Aerial classes as you develop your skills.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps into aerial arts or building towards advanced performance, trapeze offers a rewarding journey of strength, creativity and confidence.
Aerial Silks
What are Silks?
Silks, also known as aerial silks, are two long lengths of specialised fabric suspended from the ceiling. Performers climb, wrap, twist and pose within the fabric to create elegant shapes, dynamic movements and impressive aerial sequences that combine strength, flexibility and artistry.
Suitable for beginners through to advanced performers, silks are one of the most iconic and visually striking disciplines in modern circus.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Safe climbs and descents
Strength and conditioning
Foot locks and fabric wraps
Poses and transitions
Aerial drops
Flexibility and body awareness
Performance skills and artistic expression
Every class focuses on building strong technique and confidence, allowing students to progress safely at their own pace.
You might enjoy Silks if…
You enjoy climbing and challenging yourself.
You love graceful movement and creative expression.
You want to build strength while learning impressive aerial skills.
You enjoy working towards rewarding goals and achievements.
Benefits of Silks
Develops upper body, grip and core strength
Improves flexibility and mobility
Builds coordination and body awareness
Encourages creativity and artistic expression
Develops confidence through progressive achievement
Did you know?
Aerial silks are one of the newest circus disciplines, becoming widely popular through the rise of contemporary circus in the late 20th century. Today, they are performed by aerial artists around the world and are a feature of many modern circus productions.
Ready to Experience Silks?
Silks are one of the many exciting disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Depending on your age and experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore silks through our General Circus and Aerial classes as you develop your skills.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps into aerial arts or building towards advanced performance, silks offer a rewarding journey of strength, creativity and confidence.
Aerial Hammock
What is Hammock?
Hammock, also known as aerial hammock, is a single loop of specialised fabric suspended from the ceiling. Combining elements of aerial silks and lyra, the fabric creates a supportive apparatus that allows performers to climb, wrap, spin and create beautiful aerial poses and sequences.
Suitable for beginners through to advanced performers, hammock offers a fun and versatile introduction to aerial arts while providing exciting opportunities for continued progression.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Safe mounts and dismounts
Strength and conditioning
Wraps and transitions
Balances and poses
Spins and dynamic movement
Aerial drops
Performance skills and artistic expression
Every class focuses on building strong technique and confidence, allowing students to progress safely at their own pace. As students develop the required skills and understanding, hammock can provide an excellent introduction to aerial drops in a safe and progressive environment.
You might enjoy Hammock if…
You love being off the ground.
You enjoy spinning, flowing movement and creative expression.
You like learning exciting new skills while progressing safely.
You want an aerial apparatus that is both supportive and versatile.
Benefits of Hammock
Develops upper body and core strength
Improves flexibility and mobility
Builds coordination and body awareness
Encourages creativity and artistic expression
Develops confidence through progressive achievement
Did you know?
The continuous loop of fabric used in aerial hammock creates unique opportunities for wraps, balances and movement that aren’t possible on aerial silks. Its supportive design also makes it a popular introduction to aerial arts while still offering plenty of challenges for experienced performers.
Ready to Experience Hammock?
Hammock is one of the many exciting disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Depending on your age and experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore hammock through our General Circus and Aerial classes as you develop your skills.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps into aerial arts or building towards advanced performance, hammock offers a rewarding journey of strength, creativity and confidence.
Circus Acrobatics
What is Circus Acrobatics?
Circus Acrobatics is the foundation of many circus disciplines, combining tumbling, balancing and creative movement to develop strength, coordination and body awareness. Whether performing on the floor or working alongside others, students learn how to move safely, confidently and with control.
Suitable for beginners through to advanced performers, circus acrobatics provides essential skills that support progression across the wider world of circus.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Rolls and safe movement techniques
Handstands and inversions
Cartwheels and walkovers
Balancing
Tumbling progressions
Performance skills and artistic expression
Every class focuses on building strong technique and confidence, allowing students to progress safely at their own pace.
You might enjoy Circus Acrobatics if…
You love tumbling and moving creatively across the floor.
You enjoy learning new physical challenges.
You want to develop strength, flexibility and coordination.
You enjoy working individually and alongside others.
You enjoy dancing and want to extend yourself.
You prefer graceful, controlled, technical floor movement.
Benefits of Circus Acrobatics
Develops strength, flexibility and mobility
Builds coordination and body awareness
Improves balance and spatial awareness
Creates strong foundations for many circus disciplines
Did you know?
Acrobatics has been part of circus for centuries and remains one of its most important foundation disciplines. Many aerial artists, jugglers and performers develop their movement skills through acrobatics before specialising.
Ready to Experience Circus Acrobatics?
Circus Acrobatics is one of the many exciting disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Depending on your age and experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore acrobatics through our General Circus and specialist classes as you develop your skills.
Whether you’re learning your first forward roll or refining advanced tumbling techniques, circus acrobatics offers a rewarding journey of strength, confidence and movement.
Youth Tricking
What is Youth Tricking?
Youth Tricking is a fast-paced movement discipline that combines elements of gymnastics, acrobatics and partner acrobatics. Students develop powerful flips, twists and dynamic combinations while building strength, coordination and confidence in a supportive environment.
Suitable for beginners through to advanced students, Youth Tricking encourages creativity, teamwork and athletic movement while safely progressing towards increasingly exciting skills.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Flips, cartwheels, round-offs and twisting techniques
Aerial movements and tricking combinations
Partner acrobatics and lifts
Safe landings and body control
Strength and conditioning
Every class focuses on building strong technique and confidence, allowing students to progress safely at their own pace.
You might enjoy Youth Tricking if…
You love jumping, flipping and spinning.
You enjoy challenging yourself with exciting new skills.
You like working individually and with others.
You want to build strength, power and confidence through movement.
You prefer explosive movement, flips and partner acrobatics.
Benefits of Youth Tricking
Develops strength, power and agility
Builds coordination and body awareness
Improves confidence and resilience
Encourages teamwork and communication
Develops safe technique for advanced skills
Did you know?
Modern tricking blends techniques from martial arts, gymnastics and acrobatics, making it one of the fastest-growing movement disciplines in the world. At South Coast Circus, students also explore partner acrobatics, adding teamwork, trust and collaboration to their training.
Ready to Experience Youth Tricking?
Youth Tricking is one of the exciting movement disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Students develop their skills progressively in a supportive environment, building the strength, confidence and technique needed to safely master increasingly advanced movements.
Whether you’re learning your first cartwheel, your first flip or your first partner acrobatic trick, Youth Tricking offers an exciting journey of movement, teamwork and achievement.
Parkour
What is Parkour?
Parkour is a movement discipline that teaches students how to move efficiently, confidently and creatively through their environment. Using a combination of jumps, vaults, climbs, rolls and balance skills, students learn to overcome obstacles while developing strength, coordination and body awareness.
Suitable for beginners through to advanced students, Parkour focuses on safe progression, problem-solving and personal achievement in a supportive environment.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Safe landings and rolling techniques
Jumps and precision landings
Vaults and obstacle navigation
Climbing and balance skills
Agility, coordination and body awareness
Strength and conditioning
Every class focuses on building strong technique and confidence, allowing students to progress safely at their own pace.
You might enjoy Parkour if…
You love running, jumping and climbing.
You enjoy solving movement challenges.
You like being active and constantly learning new skills.
You want to build confidence through movement.
Benefits of Parkour
Develops strength, agility and coordination
Improves balance and spatial awareness
Builds confidence and resilience
Encourages problem-solving and creativity
Develops safe movement skills for everyday life
Did you know?
Parkour originated in France and is built around the idea of moving as efficiently as possible through your environment. While it is often associated with spectacular jumps, the true focus of Parkour is safe, controlled and purposeful movement.
Ready to Experience Parkour?
Parkour is one of the many exciting disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Students develop their skills progressively through structured coaching, building the strength, confidence and technique needed to move safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re learning your first vault or tackling more advanced obstacle combinations, Parkour offers an exciting journey of movement, confidence and personal achievement.
Fire & Flow Arts
What are Fire & Flow Arts?
Fire & Flow Arts combine movement, rhythm and object manipulation to create captivating performances. Using a variety of props, students learn to spin, toss and control equipment through flowing patterns that develop coordination, creativity and confidence.
Training begins with practice props in a safe and supportive environment. As students demonstrate strong technique, responsibility and safe handling skills, they may have opportunities to progress towards fire performance under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Many students describe Flow Arts as a form of moving meditation. The combination of rhythm, repetition and concentration can help create a “flow state”; a deeply focused and calming experience where movement and mindfulness come together. For many people, this provides an opportunity to switch off from the demands of everyday life and simply enjoy the present moment.
Suitable for beginners through to experienced performers, Fire & Flow Arts encourage creativity while building the discipline and focus required for safe performance.
What will you learn?
Students progressively develop a wide range of skills, including:
Poi spinning
Staff spinning
Dragon staff
Rope dart
Object manipulation and flow
Fire safety
Every class focuses on building strong technique, confidence and a culture of safety, allowing students to progress at their own pace.
You might enjoy Fire & Flow Arts if…
You enjoy creative movement and performance.
You like learning flowing patterns and new challenges.
You want to develop coordination and rhythm.
You enjoy expressing yourself through movement.
You’re looking for a new way to connect with people.
Benefits of Fire & Flow Arts
Develops coordination and body awareness
Improves rhythm and timing
Encourages creativity and artistic expression
Builds confidence through performance
Develops focus, discipline and safe equipment handling
Supports mental wellbeing by encouraging a “flow state”; a calm, deeply focused experience where movement, rhythm and concentration come together, helping many people unwind and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.
Did you know?
Flow Arts have been practised in cultures around the world for centuries. Today, modern Flow Arts combine traditional movement with contemporary performance, making them a popular feature of festivals, circus productions and community events.
Ready to Experience Fire & Flow Arts?
Fire & Flow Arts are one of the many exciting disciplines taught at South Coast Circus. Students begin by learning with practice equipment, building the technique, confidence and safety awareness needed to progress responsibly.
Whether you’re discovering Flow Arts for the first time or working towards performance opportunities, Fire & Flow Arts offer a rewarding journey of creativity, discipline and self-expression.
Where could your circus journey take you?
The disciplines featured on this page represent just some of the exciting pathways available at South Coast Circus.
As students develop strong technique, confidence and safe movement patterns, they may have opportunities to explore a wider range of specialised circus disciplines and apparatus, including:
Aerial Rope
Aerial Straps
Moon
Infinity Hoop
Partner Aerials (Doubles)
Performance choreography
Advanced aerial sequencing
Special workshops with visiting artists
At South Coast Circus, we believe circus is a journey of lifelong learning. As your skills grow, so do the opportunities to discover new apparatus, refine your technique and challenge yourself in exciting new ways.
No two circus journeys are the same and that’s part of what makes circus so special.