The Job Shadowing project focused on the professional development of circus teachers in the Nordic-Baltic region, aiming to enhance teaching practices and foster a positive, creative, and safe learning environment for youth. Through job shadowing activities across seven countries—Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland—participants gained valuable insights into diverse teaching methods and pedagogical approaches.

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Fostering creativity. Tailored approaches. Addressing diverse needs.

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The main outcomes centered on fostering creativity in circus classes while maintaining a focus on creating safe and supportive spaces for youth. Teachers explored innovative ways to balance physical skill-building with artistic expression, ensuring students feel encouraged to take creative risks and develop their unique voices. Key recommendations included promoting reflection, playfulness, and positivity in the classroom, helping to nurture a vibrant learning environment. Participants shared ideas and developed new methods tailored to different age groups and circus disciplines. Teachers exchanged knowledge on structuring classes, addressing the varying needs of hobbyists and aspiring professionals, and ensuring deeper understanding and appreciation of circus arts.

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The project also underscored the importance of building a framework that prioritizes communication, creativity, and inclusivity, benefiting not just the participants but also the future generations of circus artists they teach. The collaboration strengthened the network of circus teachers in the region and highlighted job shadowing as an effective tool for professional development. This project has laid the foundation for future initiatives in circus education, ensuring that creativity and safe, positive learning spaces remain at the heart of circus teaching practices.

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Circus Teacher Visits and Job Shadowing Activities

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As part of the Nordplus-supported project, 16 circus teachers participated in job-shadowing activities across the Nordic-Baltic region between September 2023 and May 2024. These visits facilitated professional development, knowledge exchange, and strengthened collaboration between circus teachers and organisations. Partners include Foreningen Ørkenfortet (Denmark), The Finnish Youth Circus Association (Finland), Hringleikur (Iceland), Circus Studio Folie (Estonia), Riga Circus and its school (Latvia), Cirkus Syd (Sweden), Cirkus Cirkör (Sweden), Delarija (Lithuania) and Teatronas (Lithuania). Together, these organisations create a vibrant network that fosters creativity, skill-sharing, and innovation in their teaching practices.

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Job Shadowing  project is supported by Nordplus.

This activity is a part of ARTiculate Pedagogy Network supported by Nordisk kulturkontakt.