Circus Art / EQUESTRIAN ACROBAT BA
MISSION
Recognizing the potential of the Hungarian equestrian traditions and the traditional circus equestrian culture, and responding to the market demand for classical Hungarian circus disciplines, especially equestrian genres in circuses around the world, we have launched a EQUESTRIAN ACROBAT BA course at the Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College in September 2023. An equestrian acrobat with a Bachelor of Arts degree is a circus artist, a wanted professional in the circusses of the world, who is able to make a living from equestrian acrobatics, and able to elevate and develop the circus arts. Their vision of the world is based on ensuring sustainability, love and protection of nature and animals.
About the course
Equestrian Acrobatics course aims to develop a way of life that follows the traditions of the circus arts and is based on the highly disciplined, humble, community-based, unconditional devotion to each other and to life, with knowledge and practice of Hungarian equestrian culture at its core. The training is time-consuming, so we encourage the presence of those students who will dedicate the next stage of their lives to living and experiencing this way of life.
We believe that the technical development of each genre is as important as the development of an authentic performer’s attitude, and therefore, while preserving the precious traditions of the circus, we support the students’ individual quest and the development of their individual portfolios in the process of creating their own characters and acts. The training also provides space for collaboration between the different performing arts disciplines of the College. Students can meet in joint professional classes and explore the possibilities of collaboration between different genres and artistic disciplines through creative exercises.
We want to build a community of students who are accepted into the course: a group of students who will form a real community of mutual support over the three years of the course, whether they envision their future in solo or duo acts or in a troupe.
Working with animals is a special part of circus arts. Alongside the acrobat, the aerialist, the juggler and the clown, there is a centuries-old tradition of using animals in the manege, preceded by long training. To make this preparatory work and thus the production successful and enjoyable for both parties, the trainer who prepares and performs with the animals must have a great deal of professional knowledge about the physiological characteristics and communication of their companions, and about various training methods as well. This work involves working very closely with the animals, based on respect for the “students” and humility in the profession.
We believe that through responsible thinking – and the dignified actions that go with it – we can represent the possible harmony of coexistence between man and animal and develop exemplary forms of this harmony.
Subjects of the equestrian genre
- horsback juggling
- pas de deux
- equestrian vaulting
- dressage
- djigit
- horseback archery
- natural horsmanship
- acrobatics: the focus of the lessons is on practising movements related to equestrian acrobatics, on the ground or on a mechanical horse.
- Hippology: the physiology of the horse is taught in lectures at the University of Veterinary Medicine’s Hippology Department.
- Equestrian culture: horse care, horse and stable management, horse tack knowledge, basic feeding knowledge, horse health and the theoretical background of the technical depths of riding.
- responsible animal ownership: basic ethology, human-animal bonding and learning methodology technique
Training areas of the course
Guided and individual warm-ups are an essential part of performing art work. It is for preparing the body, the mind and the spirit for creation.
With basic acrobatics training, we start students on their way to performing simple yet spectacular tricks in the air and on the ground, such as juggling, stilt walking, bungee jumping, aerial hoop, sway pole, or tissue.
Dance and movement art classes focus on general movement learning, health promotion and the development of coordination and isolation, as well as the development of stage movement.
Individual work is about working through and practising the study material, and it also gives students the opportunity to take their own initiatives. The academic year consists of five periods. At the end of each period, the students have the opportunity to share their work with their peers and teachers.
In the discourse modules, students will learn about the historical and aesthetic context of the profession and the associated arts through practice-oriented methods.
The internship is carried out in cooperation with the Capital Circus of Budapest and other partner circuses and equestrian venues.
The teaching-learning process is realized by a constant dialogue. Regular forums and mentoring ensure a lively relationship between school and student.
Horseback juggling
Pas de deux
Equestrian vaulting
Dressage
Djigit
Horseback archery
Natural horsemanship
Training venues and partner institutions
- Training venues and partner institutions:
- Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College
- The Artist Colony and Equestrian Center of the Capital Circus of Budapest
- University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest – Department of Hippology
- Kassai-valley – Kassai Horseback Archery School – Kaposfő
- Equestrian and Adventure Park in Sóskút
Sample timetable
| MONDAY | |
| skills development /riding on a horse simulator/ | |
| equestrian genre | |
| skills development/floor acrobatics/ | |
| TUESDAY | |
| individual warm-up | |
| skills develpment /juggling/ | |
| equestrian genre | |
| forum | |
| WEDNESDAY | |
| equestrian studies | |
| circus studies module /safety management/ | |
| art studies module /fine arts/ | |
| skills development /floor arcobatics/ | |
| THURSDAY | |
| equestrian genre | |
| individual work | |
| yoga | |
| skills development /aerial acrobatics/ | |
| FRIDAY | |
| guided warm-up | |
| skills development /stage movement/ | |
| individual work /practice/ | |
| equestrian genre | |
| skills development /floor acrobatics/ |
Admission
The aim of the admission process is to ensure that the applicant and the school representatives have a clear commitment to the several years of cooperation ahead. We suggest that the applicant should get to know the College in the pre-admission period.
Details of the admission procedure and information on all our courses are available here.
You can apply by filling in an Internal Application Form in addition to the central application form (Felvi).
Blended Teaching Group
For those students of the Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College who participate in full-time education and who during their study period, as can be verified by contract, carry out artistic work or training activities in internationally recognized professional performing arts venues recognized by the College, with the rector’s permission, they have the option of an individual study schedule to continue in the form of “BLENDED TRAINING”.
Tuition fee / Scholarship
Tuition fee
Currenlty you can only apply for fee-based courses at a price of 900.000.- HUF / semester.
The advisory office of the Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College can help you explore the possibilities of getting part or full funding for tuition fees and living expenses during your studies.
NEWS / scholarship opportunities
Audition Circus Arts
If you take your studies seriously and do your best to achieve your goals, you will not only have the skills and experience to graduate, but also a fully comprehensive view, an approach that will help you do well in the cultural and social arenas of life, both nationally and internationally.
Tuition Scholarships
Our college offers students with active student status the opportunity to receive a scholarship specifically aimed at paying tuition fees.
