A Spectacular Youth Circus Exchange in Italy
In August 2024, our youth members participated in a youth exchange in Italy with our partners Pirilampo Scuola di Circo and Badabam Scuola di Circo. Read about the experience!
About the Youth Exchange
In August 2024, youth members from Galway Community Circus took part in an unforgettable circus youth exchange with our partners Pirilampo Scuola di Circo and Badabam Scuola di Circo, who hosted. Held at the beautiful La Casella Agricultural Company near Siena, Italy, the exchange brought together young circus artists in a breathtaking setting surrounded by nature. With a permanent outdoor wooden structure equipped for aerial work, sprawling lawns, and even a Big Top tent, La Casella was the perfect venue for a week of creativity, connection, and circus magic.
Participants delved into a diverse range of workshops led by skilled tutors, including Chinese pole, dance, staff manipulation, trapeze, performance skills, and even circus makeup. The exchange also offered free time for participants to share skills with each other and explore the variety of props available, from stilts to LED juggling gear. Highlights of the week included aerial sessions over a river, outdoor circus activities under the sun, and an excursion to the historic city of Siena for some well-deserved relaxation and inspiration.
The exchange culminated in a collaborative show, where participants had the chance to create and perform together, showcasing their newfound skills and creativity. Throughout the week, participants formed lasting friendships, learned new skills, and embraced the joy of circus in an inspiring environment.
This exchange was more than just a week of circus; it was an opportunity for young people to step outside comfort zones, celebrate diversity, and immerse themselves in the beauty of Italy.
Greg's Experience
Our Youth Circus member Greg, who attended the youth exchange, shared a bit about his experience with us:
This exchange provided me with an opportunity to not only deepen my understanding of circus, but of the connections we have with ourselves and with others. It taught me how to engage with people through a new language, how to gather the confidence to pick up new skills, and gave me an insight into a foreign culture on a more personal level than what you’d experience travelling as a tourist.
This experience was important for me as it allowed me to put myself out there and discover more about myself and engage with the trip as a chance to immerse myself in the Italian community.
Some highlights of my experience include:
- Performing in Siena before a public audience
- Training in the heat with the other students
- Workshops that presented highly transferable skills
- Swimming in the river with everyone attending
Feedback
We surveyed the young people who took part in the youth exchange. Below are a few key results and some of their feedback:
"I genuinely couldn’t imagine a better experience than what I had in Siena, Italy. I cried a lot, and at times really missed my home, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing because I laughed and enjoyed myself so much it still makes me smile to this day to think about. I thank all those involved with the exchange as a whole for this wonderful opportunity."
"I made so many friends that I cherish a lot and was inspired even more to try new things from being in a different environment."
"IT WAS AMAZING! It is an experience that I will never forget and I would reeeeaally love to do again."
"I will have fond memories of this week for the rest of my life. I need to do this exchange again to see the people I met again."
100% of participants said they enjoyed taking part in the youth exchange.
"I enjoyed the opportunity to connect and train with like minded people that I otherwise would never have come into contact with."
"I really enjoyed taking part in the youth exchange because I gained a lot of confidence and made really strong friendships. I got the chance to learn specific props from people who specialize in them, like the Chinese pole and trapeze."
"I loved how everyone had developed an increased application and skill in each circus apparatus, which was heavily influenced by the techniques each circus school shared. I found it really helpful to see how different schools teach because I finally got to nail tricks I've been trying and variations of it that I didn't know before."
100% of participants said they learned things about people from different cultures.
"I learned to speak better English and new circus skills."
"I learnt so much about the teenagers that live in Italy, the history and culture of Siena and Pisa, I even learnt a few words in Italian."
"I learnt many things about the Irish language."
