Courses
Training, mentoring and supporting the artists of tomorrow
The National Higher Diploma in Circus Arts combines artistic and technical rigour with critical thinking.
Students develop their own unique practice across a range of disciplines, combined with theoretical teaching that fosters mastery of the circus arts and an understanding of today’s professional environment. They are also fully involved in the life of the CNAC, contributing to the collective dynamic and the richness of the institution.
The CNAC offers a wide range of circus disciplines, taught by professionals, to support students in developing their skills and creativity:
◦ Aerial disciplines
✓ Fixed trapeze, dance trapeze, Washington trapeze, hoop, double trapeze, tightrope, aerial silks, straps, swinging trapeze, flying rope…
✓ Aerial frame, Korean frame, Russian frame
◦ Acrobatic disciplines
✓ Hungarian or Korean teeterboard, Russian swing, trampoline
✓ Partner acrobatics, Icarian games, banquine
✓ Acrobatics, acro-dance
✓ Chinese pole, pendulum pole, swinging pole
✓ Cyr wheel, German wheel
✓ Acrobatic cycling, unicycle
◦ Balancing acts
✓ Handstands, balancing on poles
✓ Tightrope, slackline
◦ Juggling
✓ Any object
✓ Antipodism
➜ All these disciplines are utilised in numerous research and creative workshops, as well as public performances.
◦ Artistic support
◦ Physical training / ergonomics / care
To complement artistic practice, the CNAC offers theoretical and practical courses that provide students with the tools to understand and analyse the circus and its professional environment in all its dimensions:
✓ Art history
✓ Philosophy
✓ Dramaturgy and circus writing
✓ Critical analysis of works
✓ Law and economics of the performing arts
✓ Technique and safety
✓ Dance
✓ Music
✓ Theatre
✓ Immersion in research processes
✓ Introduction to the world of work
✓ Seminar on the critical analysis of works and meetings with professionals
✓ Research methodology
✓ Modern languages
✓ IT and digital technology
The course is not limited to artistic practice and theoretical classes. Students play an active role in school life, whether by welcoming visitors, getting involved in the Students’ Union, or contributing to numerous group projects that foster professionalism, responsibility and a collaborative spirit.