Policies & FAQs | Circus Juventas

Below are the most frequently asked questions when registering with Circus Juventas. Sort through the categories below and click on the question to read the full answer. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to call us or email us: info@circusjuventas.org

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Can anyone take classes?

For the most part, yes. The majority of our programming is geared toward youth ages 2 to 22, but we do offer specialty programs for youth and adults with disabilities as well as a selection of adult classes. In terms of skill, anyone who is interested can sign up; no prior experience is necessary. We recommend visiting the FIND A CLASS page to learn more about the full scope of our programming.

Can CJ advise if parents want to buy or rig equipment at home?

Circus Juventas cannot be held liable for a project’s end result, therefore we cannot assist with personal rigging questions at this time.

Can parents e-mail coaches directly?

We do not give out personal information for our coaches. Parents or students who are interested in contacting a coach should first e-mail info@circusjuventas.org. We will then coordinate correspondence with the coach.

Does CJ offer private lessons?

Circus Juventas does offer private lessons, typically during the week before 3:30 p.m. or Saturdays after 2:30 p.m. Email info@circusjuventas.org for more information.

How do parents inform CJ of a student’s absence?

We like to know when and why students are absent from class, whether it be due to illness, family vacation, etc. Please call or email the school administration to report an absence: 651-699-8229 or absences@circusjuventas.org.

How do students know what class(es) to take?

Generally, new students should sign up for beginning level classes in which they fit the age, height, and weight requirements. Prerequisites are listed for all classes, so those need to be taken into consideration when selecting intermediate- or advanced-level classes. For many upper-level classes, coach recommendations are required. Visit the FIND A CLASS page to view complete class offerings.

How do students register for classes?

Registration is done online. Brand-new students should complete the pre-registration process before attempting to register for classes. Registrations submitted after the online deadline must be done via hard copy registration forms.

How long does it take to be able to register once pre-registration is complete?

The PRE-REGISTRATION process is not automated: there is quite a bit of manual processing that happens by CJ staff in order to activate the new account. Please allow 3 to 7 business days for processing. Parents/guardians are notified via email when the process is complete and the student is eligible to submit class requests.

How much are classes?

Pricing for our current year can be found on the Class Prices & Fees page.

How often do classes meet?

Most of our year-round classes meet once a week, but there are a select number of (mostly) advanced-level acts that meet more often.

If a student misses class due to illness, can the class be made up?

Unfortunately, we do not have the flexibility in our programming to allow students to make up missed classes. If they miss, they miss.

What are the performing options?

Our students perform in the spring and in the summer. Our spring show highlights our beginning and intermediate students while our summer show consists of a select cast of our most advanced performers. Classes are categorized as non-performing, spring show, or summer show on the FIND A CLASS page.

What are the training options?

We offer year-round classes broken into four sessions (fall, winter, spring, and summer). Classes are typically offered Monday through Friday between 4:00-9:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m. We also offer summer camps. Summer camps are a great way to experience the circus arts without committing to several weeks of training.

What can students do at home to get stronger, more flexible, etc.?

To increase flexibility, there is one answer: stretch, stretch, and stretch some more (make sure to do a proper warm up like the one students do at the beginning of class). Stretch in front of the TV or while doing homework: any time is a good time. Strength training is much the same: students should take exercises they learn in class and practice them at home during non-class days.

What class should students start with?

For students brand new to circus, an Experience class is a good way to start, as it serves as a sampler class for many circus genres and acts. Otherwise, new students can sign up for any beginning level course which sparks their interest and for which they meet the prerequisites. Visit the FIND A CLASS page for complete class offerings.

What do students with prior training (gymnastics, dance, etc.) sign up for?

Any student coming into our program with prior experience should set up a meeting with our Artistic Director to determine proper class placement: info@circusjuventas.org.

What is a session?

We divide our year into four sessions: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each session is between 7 to 9 weeks long, and we take new registrations every session (though for new students class selection is much more limited for winter and spring enrollment).

What is the difference between a general and fixed fee class?

General fee classes meet once a week for 55 minutes and are eligible for the multi-class discount. Fixed fee classes typically meet more than once a week and/or require special equipment or specific coaching needs. They are not eligible for a discounted rate; each fixed fee class is calculated individually. You can find more information about pricing on the Class Prices & Fees page.

What is the difference between pre-registration and registration?

Pre-registration is a one-time process that all individual students must complete before being eligible to register for classes. This is how we collect biographical and medical information for our students and create accounts in our registration software. Registration is the process of selecting class requests. This process requires a username and password (generated by Circus Juventas once the pre-registration is processed).

What is the difference between the genres?

A genre classifies the type of act. Much like circus is a genre of performing arts (as is theater, dance, etc.), circus acts are divided into groups to help identify the type or genre of act to which they belong.

What is the refund policy for year-round classes?

Students voluntarily withdrawing from a class after the registration deadline will not receive a refund. If CJ needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment and another class option cannot be found for the student, CJ will provide a refund. Students who sustain injuries outside of CJ programming that prevent them from participating in class for any portion of the session will not receive a refund.

What should students injured outside of CJ do?

Students who acquire injuries outside of Circus Juventas are not eligible for a tuition refund from CJ. Depending on the severity of the injury (CJ defers to medical professionals to determine this), students may continue to participate in class, watch class, or remove themselves from class altogether. We are certainly willing to negotiate saving spots for injured students so that they may, upon healing, pick up where they left off in their training. Contact the school administration to discuss options: 651-699-8229.

What should students take next?

There are many ways to progress through the program. Visit the Level Progression page for this information.

What should students wear to class?

We recommend students wear comfortable clothing in which they can move (e.g. tank tops and leggings; shorts and t-shirts; leotards, etc.), but nothing too baggy so as to hinder spotting. Long hair should be pulled back and large jewelry removed. Many acts practice barefoot, but some require shoes.

What types of skills are taught in class?

It depends on the class. Most of our classes focus training on one specific act, but we do have a number of introductory classes that allow students to sample many genres and acts. Under FIND A CLASS, select “Experience” to view these classes.

When can students sign up?

Registration opens four times a year for year-round classes in conjunction with our sessions. (Note: there is a separate registration period for SUMMER CAMPS). Students must REGISTER per session, not per year.

Where is the best place to buy shoes?

We partner with St Paul business GRAND JETE for all circus shoe needs.

Where should students go on the first day of class?

We ask that all students arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start of class. There are a limited number of cubbies for students to store personal items (these cubbies are NOT locked so please keep valuables at home). At class time, students should gather in the viewing area and wait for their lead coach to call them out into the arena where they will then take attendance. Students and parents do NOT need to check in at the front desk upon arrival.

Why do some students progress faster than others?

Contemporary circus is truly a blend of athletics and artistry, so a natural inclination to different skill sets often determines how a student progresses in the program. Additionally, a student who comes to circus having already trained intensely in gymnastics, for example, is going to have the necessary skills to train and perform at a higher level. Every student brings something different to the table, which is why progression happens differently for everyone.