Circus Eruption

Circus Eruption exists to promote the social inclusion and integration of young people aged 11 to 19 through the medium of circus skills. Our main aims are integration, inclusion, participation, the learning of new skills in a safe environment, empowerment, creative expression, and the challenging of inequality, disadvantage and discrimination. We have noticed, with an astonishing degree of consistency, that our specific combination of different elements a non-competitive environment for learning, engagement in supported risk-management, experience of teamwork and co-operation, and opportunities for peer learning and teaching - leads to powerful and positive outcomes in terms of impact on young people and their lives.
They gain in confidence and self-esteem. They become able to label themselves according to ability rather than disability - they become practiced at saying "I can" rather than "I can't". The integrated nature of Circus Eruption means that young people experience a non-judgemental and accepting environment, where they're encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards others and respect for diversity. Our project is participative - young people have a say in how the project is run. They understand rights and responsibilities and put democracy into practice. This leads to empowered young people who flourish as active citizens and understand how they can make a difference in the world. Though there are other youth circuses out there, they tend to focus on providing high standard skills and polished performances. Our strength lies in the impact we have on young people's lives. "Social circus" is becoming increasingly recognised as an important tool for engaging marginalised or disadvantaged groups, and we are keeping up with the movement.