One somersault at a time

Last year, Dagens Nyheter published an opinion piece on the "somersault alarm" (kullerbyttalarmet). Gymnastikförbundet and other organisations have drawn attention to this concerning trend: Children are not moving enough, and their motor skills are deteriorating due to an increased lack of physical activity. This affects children's health and future, including their ability to participate in school, society, and working life.

However, amid these challenges, solutions exist – and one of them is circus training.

More than motor skills

A recently published dissertation by Matilda Lindberg at Malmö University shows that incorporating circus training into PE (Idrott och hälsa) offers students various ways to move while promoting their initiative-taking abilities, opportunities to exert influence, creativity, and language development. Lindberg's research demonstrates that circus training can break down normative assumptions about movement and contribute to an education that embraces exploration, curiosity, expression, and new experiences.

Circus offers something many other activities lack: an openness to exploring and learning in different ways without focusing on achievements and competition. Exercises such as somersaults, juggling, and balancing on a tightrope allow children from various backgrounds and with varying abilities to find their place and develop.

Social Circus

Over the years, Cirkus Cirkör has carried out numerous social circus projects (circus for positive societal change), offering free circus training, performances, and training trial sessions after school hours. 

Starting in March 2025, with support from Signatur – “Insamlingsstiftelse för musikfrämjande” and Gålöstiftelsen, we are launching a multi-year project in Botkyrka. Students from preschool to grade six will receive free circus training weekly, holiday courses, and open trial sessions. The goal is to make circus training a natural part of school and leisure activities.

A bridge between sport and culture

Circus training combines sports’ focus on physical development with a cultural emphasis on creativity and expression, making it a unique method for children to explore both worlds—or a fusion of the two. However, this dual position makes the circus vulnerable, as cuts to cultural funding risk reducing its reach. By integrating circus training into school PE classes, we can allow children to develop in an environment that encourages collaboration and personal growth rather than competition.

Circus training creates an inclusive and playful learning process in which everyone can participate on their own terms. It strengthens self-esteem and the joy of movement, which is essential for children's health and well-being.

Let’s work together to support children's development, one somersault at a time. Circus training can change the world by empowering individuals and building trust – an investment in our shared future.

With love,
Cirkus Cirkör