An integrative methodology for circus training based on creativity and education on physical expression

The recent massive expansion of circus training spaces required a renewal of pedagogical approaches for serving a varied audience, with little or no previous experience with circus practice. This research describes an integrative methodology of introduction to circus training based on creativity and education on physical expression. One objective was to create an alternative to skills acquisition-based learning. Research's theoretical grounding understands circus as an artistic language, integrating socio-cultural values and aesthetic-expressive fundamentals. The reflection on 'what is to circus?' served as an epistemological guide for a research-action design with five years of experiments in the extension/research project Cirthesis, of the Department of Physical Education at the Federal University of Parana (Curitiba, Brazil). The learning methodology a) uses Physical Education game theories as an educational resource for creation; b) identifies common aesthetic qualities of circus performances as a basis for expression (risk, sublime, grotesque, and comic); c) creates circus exercises inspired by educational dance, physical theatre, rhythmic, and physical conditioning. This article describes the general planning for an introduction to circus training and explains the process of lesson creation. The methodology was effective in providing resources for the learner to give dramatic expression alongside the learning of circus skills.