The National Centre for Circus Arts, located in East London, is one of Europe’s leading institutions dedicated to the training and development of circus arts and is one of only two circus training providers at a higher education level in the UK. In the last 35 years, it has made significant contributions to the preservation and teaching of circus arts and has played a pivotal role in promoting this much-loved form of entertainment and artistic expression.

Founded in 1989 as Circus Space, the institution was established to nurture and develop talent within the circus arts. Over the years, it evolved into the National Centre for Circus Arts reflecting its growing influence and desire to be both a voice and home for circus artists around the UK. It has also played a part in some notable national celebrations, having trained the performers for the Millennium Dome Project in 2000 and the performers in the 2012 Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies. 

The National Centre’s mission is to advance the art of circus through training, education, creation, and performance and it’s aims are to:

  • Train, inspire and nurture the next generation of circus artists.
  • Improve access to the art form, demonstrating its many career opportunities and positive benefits for physical and mental health.
  • Advocate for circus and circus artists, allowing both to be recognised as a significant and respected form of cultural expression in the UK.

World-Class Training

The National Centre is renowned for its educational and training programs and has forged strong partnerships with international institutions, regularly hosts visiting artists and supporting students from around the world.

Although its core output is the full-time BA (Hons) degree, it offers many other programmes including short courses and workshops, catering to both aspiring professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. The degree course has around 75 students enrolled annually with around 600 people taking part in recreational courses.

The Centre's degree programme, accredited by the University of Kent, is designed to favour physical training but also includes contextual study, preparing students for diverse careers in the circus and performing arts sectors. This training is delivered by a teaching team, many of whom are current or former industry practitioners.

Improving access, community engagement and diversity 

The National Centre is deeply committed to engaging with the local community and ensuring that as wide an audience as possible can access the art form. It offers a variety of outreach programs, including workshops, open days, and community performances, making circus accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Neurodiverse and autistic participants are also drawn to circus practice with it supporting physical development, belonging and confidence through bespoke courses that cater to their educational needs. 

Not only is the centre a hub for training future circus artists but is also a cherished home for industry practitioners, with the facilities being available at heavily subsidised rates for practising artists to train and develop work. There are a limited number of spaces in London and the UK that can cater for the specialist equipment needed to deliver and create circus. This makes the National Centre a vital resource for the industry. It also means that students regularly meet with current performers, helping to build their networks before they graduate.

Impact of Graduates

The centre's rigorous training programmes have enabled National Centre graduates to make significant contributions to the global circus scene. Many have gone on to perform with renowned companies such as Giffords, Cirque du Soleil, Ockham’s Razor, Cirque Eloize, Seven Fingers, Circa and GOM, or set up their own circus production companies such as Barely Methodical Troupe, Brainfools and Revel Puck. Graduates excel in a variety of roles including performers, directors, choreographers, and educators. Their presence in international circus companies and festivals highlights the global reach and influence of the Centre, which brings traditional skills and innovative techniques to the global circus community. 

Some of the key impacts of National Centre graduates include:

  • Elevating the Art Form: National Centre graduates have helped to elevate the perception of circus as a legitimate art form. They continue to challenge traditional notions of circus performance and pushed the boundaries of what is possible.
  • Creating Employment Opportunities: The circus sector is much loved in the UK and many graduates have established their own companies, while others have joined established organisations or worked as freelance artists.
  • Inspiring Future Generations: National Centre graduates help to inspire the next generation of circus artists by sharing their knowledge and passion through teaching, mentoring, and performing, ensuring the continued growth and development of the circus arts. 

The Future 

The National Centre for Circus Arts stands as a beacon of excellence in the circus arts community. Its commitment to education, innovation, access and sector development has cemented its status as a leading institution in the field. As the Centre looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of advancing the art of circus and nurturing the next generation of circus artists. In the years ahead, it will actively tackle the challenging financial pressures and the impact of the erosion of creative education in schools. As a global leader in this art form, it is committed to finding ways to ensure its own sustainability and that of circus craft in England and beyond.