STARTING OCTOBRE 2023
Registration opening to the professional Flying Trapeze training
” Technic and interpretation of Flying Trapeze Art”


The training
The flying trapeze art is one of the most demanding circus art forms, combining high technical requirements, fine execution and significative creatives aptitudes.
Le CIAM (International Center of Moving Arts, located in Aix-en-Provence, south east of France) is offering a new professional Flying Trapeze training : “Technic and interpretation of Flying Trapeze Art”.
This training, directed by Jan Van Zyl, a 40 years expert of the discipline, gives access to an official certification recognized by the CNAC (National Center of Circus Arts located in Châlon-en-Champagne).
The 6 months training is divided in 500 hours and open to flyers or catchers profile.
Targeted skills
This professional training aims to prepare and form future flying trapeze artists, as well as on the theoretical, technical and artistic aspects.
The training, realized in a very small group, will be splitted in 5 different modules :
C1 – Perform various aerial acrobatics techniques in accordance with the safety instructions.
C2 – Develop artistic interpretations skills on Flying Trapeze.
C3 – Learn how to set up / tear down the net / bridge / gantry of the flying trapeze structure.
C4 – Maintain its equipment in good working order.
C5 – Prevent risks linked to Flying Trapeze practice.
Educational objectives
- Acquire strong skills in the Flying Trapeze art and aerial acrobatics disciplines,
- Develop interpretations skill for a role in a Flying Trapeze show as a professional,
- Be aware of the work conditions and safety requirements linked to Flying Trapeze shows (warming-up, durability, artistic and show conditions).
Professional training team
The professional Flying Trapeze training “Technic and interpretation of Flying Trapeze Art” is directed by the South African flying trapeze artist Jan Van Zyl, master of the discipline for 30 years.

Jan Van Zyl is one of the biggest flyer of his generation, able to perform the triple during shows. Jan has worked during his all career in all famous international circus and gain a lot of various distinctions.
Passionate about transmission and knowledge sharing, Jan has trained during his career several well-known catchers and flyers, and continues now to train future Flying trapeze artists at the CIAM.
External instructors (artists expert of the disciplines, sound or light experts, nutritionists, …) of the CIAM network or in partnership with other cultural institutions will be invited to animate specialized workshops during the professional training.


Training equipment dedicated to flying trapeze
The CIAM is a place open to all, installed on a pine forest of 5 hectares 10 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence.
Artists in residence, students from local schools or companies on tour are meeting at the CIAM site, which is nourished and grown by the diversity of the audiences welcomed throughout the year.
The theoretical lessons and training sessions will take place on the CIAM site, which has all the necessary equipment :
- An indoor flying trapeze structure with an American (traditional) and an Italian style catch chair,
- An outdoor flying trapeze structure with an American (traditional) and an Italian style catch chair,
- All the pedagogical material needed (including a large trampoline, fix trapezes…),
- Various training places and a fitness center,
- Recording equipment to film training and performances for training purposes.
The prerequisite to apply
Highly demanding, the flying trapeze discipline requests a very good physical condition.
Knowing flying trapeze prior to the training is not mandatory, but a significant experience in acrobatics arts is highly recommended.
This training is open to following profiles, without this list being exhaustive :
- Catchers / flyers,
- Acrobats,
- Trampolinists,
- Gymnasts,
- Dansers…
The application forms and interviews prior to the training will allow us to assess individually the specificities of each profile and adjust the program accordingly.
How to apply?
To apply to one of the three interview sessions planned at the CIAM, candidates will have to return the application form duly completed with all the requested appendixes, before the deadline.
Any incomplete application form won’t be accepted.
First interview session : February the 11th – Application deadline: January the 27th
Second interview session : April the 3rd
Last interview session : July the 7th
To get the application form, please contact: formation.pro@ciam-aix.com
Funding of the professional training
The CIAM is registered at the AFDAS. This professional training can be funded with the help of this department.
This training can also be funded by Pôle Emploi or by your Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF).
Please contact the CIAM team to get more information or get in touch directly with your dedicated training organization.

Practical information
The professional Flying Trapeze training” Technic and interpretation of the Flying Trapeze Art” proposed by the CIAM includes 500 hours of theoretical and practical training.
The training is organized in two periods: from October to November and then from January to April, from Monday to Saturday, exclusively at the CIAM site: 4181, route de Galice – 13090 Aix-en-Provence, France.
Price of the training : 18 000 €.
For any information about the training, interviews dates or training planning, please contact: formation.pro@ciam-aix.com.
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