CircEsteem - Our Kids are Center Ring! Building Self-Esteem Through Circus Arts

SPECIAL ALERT: CircEsteem Announces Search for New Executive Director! [MORE]

Building Self-Esteem
Through Circus Arts

CircEsteem programs give kids a chance to shine as center-ring stars in their very own circus, enhancing self-esteem as kids overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and proudly exclaim, "I CAN!"

Fostering confidence and cooperation, our professional circus staff teaches a variety of skills such as clowning, juggling, stilt-walking, ball-walking, uni-cycling, and acrobatics. Students progress at their own pace while working hands-on with instructors in a safe and supportive environment.

This close mentoring is fundamental to circus arts where techniques traditionally were passed down from generation to generation. As students advance, they are encouraged to continue practicing their skills, expanding on what they have already learned and developing work unique to their talents. Whether it be balance, strength, flexibility, or creative expression, CircEsteem believes everyone is great at something!

CircEsteem MD

CircEsteem clowns deliver care through comedy at Rush Memorial, UIC and Loyola hospitals. We not only lift the spirits of kids, families, and hospital staff but also give them the opportunity to spin a plate or balance a feather. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

Please look at our patner's site.Ryno Kid Care

HomeWork & CircusWork

This program combines tutoring and homework time with circus classes. The program motivates students to finish their homework and improve their grades. For more info, see our HomeWork & CircusWork page.

Chicago Youth Circus

Sign-up now: Beginner and Advanced classes meet Saturdays. Classes provide specialized attention with an average 5:1 student/teacher ratio, as well as fulfill our mission of uniting kids from different races, creeds, and economic standing. Now students who ordinarily would never meet are able to share their talents performing at special events. CYC's public appearances have included shows at the Millennium Park Grand Opening Festival, Chicago Cultural Center, Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier, South Shore Cultual Center, Uptown Unity Festival, and American Youth Cirucus Organization's Festival 2003 in St. Paul, Minnesota. For additional info, see our AYCO page.

CircusTeens

Our youth employment initiative started in the summer of 2004 with funding from the Illinios Art Council. We began paying the most experienced and committed teens to act as teaching interns and mentors. Through a partnership with Scholorship Chicago, we have created a CircEsteem Scholarship fund for these teens. We have accrued over $10,000 for their continuing academic careers.For more info, see our CircusTeens page.

Summer Camp

Adding circus arts to summer camps, students learn skills both inside and out in nature, where they freely throw pies and juggle eggs under sunshine and blue skies (program lengths vary from camp to camp). For more info, see our Summer Camp page.

Afterschool Programs

Meeting 1-2 hours weekly, these continuing programs run in 6-12 week sessions. Each session varies in format and introduces new skills, allowing returning students to advance and beginners to model their peers. This cooperative interaction enables students to progress at their own pace while still working together as a team.

One-Day Workshops

These workshops introduce CircEsteem to schools and community centers, entertaining everyone with a high energy day of circus fun.

In-School Residencies

Residencies focus on the same circus fundamentals of clowning, juggling, balance and acrobatics found in our other programs, but they follow a more intensive format that runs daily for 1-4 weeks. Students, faculty, and parents collaborate with our staff to combine circus skills with academic subjects such as history, math, and science. When residencies last 2 weeks or longer, students then showcase their wealth of learning in a grand "Circ-Spectacle."

FOR THE LATEST INFO
CALL 312-731-HAHA
(That's 312-731-4242)

See a current list of CirceEsteem locations.

Alternatives, Inc. is a not-for-profit youth and family agency serving Northeast Chicago.

CircEsteem is committed to equal opportunity for all youth and is a member of AYCO, American Youth Circus Organization.

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