Cirkusgymnasiet
Love exercising? Dancing? Theater? Parkour? Then Cirkusgymnasiet is for you!
Three years at what I would call the most amazing place in the world. For three years, I've always wanted to go to school, never wanted the holidays to come, and felt incredible.
- Kalle Wiberg, former student at CirkusgymnasietWhat is Cirkusgymnasiet?
A beloved child has many names - Cirkusgymnasiet, the Upper Secondary School program in Contemporary Circus, and the Contemporary Circus Program are some of the names that may come up when you read about our education. We simply call it Cirkusgymnasiet.
Cirkusgymnasiet is operated in collaboration with S:t Botvid's Gymnasium. You study theoretical subjects with them for approximately half the day and spend the other half in our circus hall in Alby. The education is preparatory for university, and we admit students from all Nordic countries.
First year
During your first year, we focus on the basics of circus and ease into what it is like to train physically on a daily basis. We go through the basics of floor acrobatics, trampoline and the most common circus disciplines, but we also work a lot with strength and stretch, rigging and safety. You also get an introduction to dance, improvisation, theatre, clowning and artistic creation.
You slowly but surely find your way into the training routines and explore the different possibilities that the range of contemporary circus means.
Second year
In the autumn of the second year, we continue much of what was started in the first year. In the spring, education enters the next phase, and you will choose a main discipline in which to specialise.
During the second year, we also usually go on a study trip, and you learn more about the circus's international arenas. During the spring, we carry out a larger ensemble project where you work on a small performance together with an external director at Riksteatern and perform for a real audience.
Third year
During your third year, you get more space to focus on what you do best. You have lessons and are supported in your primary discipline by teachers and artists who specialise in your discipline. At the end of the third year, you execute an exam project where you have a lot of freedom of movement. The last thing you do is to create your own circus act – solo or together with someone else.
When it's time to graduate, you'll be equipped with everything you need to start your career as a professional circus artist or continue your studies at university to become something completely different.
Courses & Plans
At St. Botvid's Gymnasium, you study theoretical subjects, such as English, history and mathematics. With us at Cirkör, you study the subjects Circus (courses Akrobatik and Cirkus 1 and 2) and Dance (courses Dansgestaltning 1 and Dansimprovisation).
Initially, we focus on the fundamentals of all circus disciplines, such as acrobatics, trampoline, tightrope walking, handstands, juggling, and aerial acrobatics. We also work on strength and stretching, rigging and safety, dance, improvisation, theatre, clowning, and artistic creation. When you are ready for it, you choose a discipline to specialise in.
Where can I live?
The municipality has access to several apartments where you can rent a room. These rooms are arranged through S:t Botvid's Gymnasium. You can join the waiting list for these rooms as an applicant from outside Stockholm County.
It's important to know that if you rent a room, you'll be responsible for managing your daily life independently – but you won't be alone. You'll be living with other students, and both Circus Cirkör and Botkyrka Municipality are here to support you. We'd love to tell you and your parents more about it – feel free to contact us!
Full of questions?
Can I come by and try?
Of course! Come and experience the atmosphere, try the training, and meet your future classmates. You are always welcome to visit us at the circus hall in Alby, whether you already know you want to apply to the high school or you're just curious. The easiest way is to email Lena, our school coordinator.
I have a thousand more questions!
Don't worry—we sat down with Cirkusgymnasiets' former artistic director, Daniel Gulko and asked about everything from where you can stay during your studies to life as a circus artist and what you gain from training in circus arts. Watch the whole thing in our YouTube playlist that starts here:
Contact Us
Coordinator, Cirkusgymnasiet
lena.ferrero@cirkor.se
Cirkusgymnasiet on TikTok and Instagram
The students film themselves and post clips from their training.
6 reasons to choose Cirkusgymnasiet!
- It is the only circus upper secondary school in Scandinavia.
- The teachers include some of the best circus artists in the world.
- The largest and best circus training facility in Northern Europe.
- A safe learning environment with fellow circus enthusiasts.
- 90% of graduates continue to university studies.
- Assistance with accommodation for those relocating to Stockholm.
Former students
Juggler and physical actor, performed in 25 countries with e.g. Rapid Eye, Cirk la Putyka, Claire Parsons Co, Kompani giraff and Trupp Trunk.
Aerial acrobat living in Portugal, has performed with Cirkus Cirkör, Cirque La Putyka, Riksteatern and others.
Aerial acrobat who has performed with Cirkus Cirkör, Cirque La Putyka, Riksteatern and others.
Partner acrobat based in Stockholm, part of the company Below Zero and often performs with Cirkus Cirkör and Kompani Giraff.
Acrobat based in Sweden. Performs with Cirkus Cirkör, Scandinavian Boards and around Europe.
Wire walker and acrobat, has toured with companies such as NoFit State Circus, Circo Aereo and Cirkus Cirkör.
Acrobat based in Sweden. Performs with Cirkus Cirkör, Scandinavian Boards and Below Zero.
Wire walker/partner acrobat who is part of Below Zero and has done several school shows with Cirkus Cirkör.
Acrobat, director and poet who has toured the world with, among others, Cirkus Cirkör, Cirk La Putyka and Kristjan Ingimarsson Company. Is one of the founders of Sputnik & Wild Wonders and is now based in Copenhagen.
Acrobat based in Canada. Has performed with 7 Fingers, Cirque du Soleil and now tours with Throw2Catch.
Stockholm-based circus performer, dancer and filmmaker who often works as a teacher at Cirkusgymnasiet.
