Body Program

Every Saturday young people from different marginalized communities flock to Circus Zambia for free circus training. Many come from Chibolya and Garden in busses provided by Circus Zambia, while others walk from neighbouring communities.

The Body Program is at the Core of Circus Zambia’s activities and is self-funded. In this program young people have access to free circus training, from the first try at juggling to intensive professional training. The Body program is the gateway to access the other Circus Zambia programs, such as the Mind Program and Soul program.

The trainers, all former CZ youth, work with approximately 80 youth and teach all kinds of circus skills, from acrobatics to aerial to juggling, unicycle, dance and clowning. We are glad we have equal participation from boys and girls.  

Through the training boys and girls get a chance to develop their talents, have fun and get away from their -often- difficult home environments. Because soft skills, such as discipline, trust and communication are an integral part to any circus act, they improve these in a playful manner. Moreover, the day often includes a guest speaker or workshop on all topics relevant to young people in Zambia, ranging from children’s rights to SRHR and alcohol and drug prevention.

Every six months we have auditions, where the youth get a chance to showcase their skills and advance through the Circus Zambia training levels. Beginners, who are called Toes, can progress to Knees and from there to Shoulders and Heads. Once you have reached the Shoulder stage Circus Zambia invites you to regular circus training multiple days a week, where you can train with local and international professionals. At this stage the Circus Zambia Youth can also form part of the performance company and can earn a living by teaching workshops or performing in Zambia and abroad.

The Body program is funded through income generated by Circus Zambia’s commercial activities, including workshops, performances, space rental and tours. So keep on booking us! Check out our business services here. You can also directly donate to our programs here.