Picture the vibrant red and green striped tent. This is the Juxirkus in Berlin-Schöneberg. It’s more than just a circus. It’s a beloved institution. A place where dreams are honed and skills are sharpened.
Founded in 1988 the Juxirkus is Berlin’s oldest children’s and youth circus. It began as a haven for children needing a safe space. Early training sessions took place in the open air on Winterfeldtplatz. Imagine the laughter echoing through the square. Soon though the Juxirkus found a home. A tent in Kleistpark then its current location on Hohenstaufenstrasse. A fire tragically destroyed the tent in 1991. But the community rallied. A new tent rose from the ashes. The Juxirkus remained.
The Juxirkus is unique. It’s not just about creating star performers. It’s about fostering personal growth. The circus uses circus pedagogy. It focuses on developing children’s potential. Children build pyramids. They learn to support each other. They develop trust teamwork and self-esteem. The Juxirkus embraces the Social Circus movement. It sees circus arts as a powerful tool for self-discovery and empowerment. There are no auditions. Anyone with a passion for circus is welcome.
The Juxirkus offers diverse programs. Children and teenagers aged 10 to 18 can train in various disciplines. These include unicycling juggling trapeze work and acrobatics. There’s even a group for children with Down syndrome called the Eiderdownen. They actively participate in every show. Younger children aren’t left out either. The Minizirkus is for 4 to 6-year-olds. The Midizirkus caters to 7 to 9-year-olds. The Juxirkus also runs school projects and workshops. It provides expert advice to educators interested in integrating circus into their curriculum.
The Juxirkus has received numerous accolades. It won the prize for the best children’s and youth project at the Carnival of Cultures. Twice. It even achieved second place in the PSD Future Award. The Juxirkus has performed at prestigious venues like the Federal Chancellery. It frequently participates in social and charitable events. Its impact extends far beyond the circus tent. It’s a vibrant part of the Berlin community.
So here you are standing before this amazing place. The Juxirkus. A beacon of creativity and community spirit in Berlin. You’ve heard its story. Its commitment to children. Its resilience. Remember this place. This is more than a circus. It’s a testament to the power of dreams. The importance of teamwork. The joy of sharing.