Circus bodies deserve circus specific knowledge
We know circus bodies can be incredible instruments of performance and strength. But, when we look to other sports, art forms, and science to guide our training and practice we can see how different the demands of circus are. This course will help you pick apart the knowledge that helps our artists train well and get stronger, and the data that just doesn't apply (and WHY).
We'll touch on everything from how artists approach their training and their body, what training should look like, what flexibility is "normal", how (and when) artists present with injuries, what the most common injuries are, and what to assess in circus skills on the ground and in the air to keep artists safe.
Oh and did I mention WHY! We will discuss WHY each of these things are important for circus bodies to train safely.
Your Circus Smart Instructor Boost is Coming September 5!
The course will be a mix of pre-recorded lectures and plenty of time to ask all of your questions during live "office hours".
How does it work?
- We will spend 8 weeks together talking about circus science!
- You can watch the 12 hours of lecture at your own pace whether that is a big binge of circus science nerdiness or small knowledge "snacks".
- We will meet up for live group office hours where I will stay online as long as there are questions! I am here for you and want to make sure you get the answers you need.
- Office hours will be every other Thursday morning at 9 am PT and will be recorded.
- Questions can be submitted live or in advance.
- Take advantage of my over 30 years of circus experience, clinical training and specialization in circus medicine, and knowledge as a leading educator and researcher in the field!
- You will have access to an exercise library with cues and focuses to help you understand the how, why, where, and when of each of them.
Oh, and did I mention, you will keep access to the course even after it is over so that you can review and rewatch anything you missed!
Join us and be a part of the circus science revolution.
Hi and Welcome!
I am Emily Scherb (aka The Circus Doc) a Doctor of Physical Therapy with an insatiable curiosity for learning combined with over 30 years of circus experience as a student, instructor, and performer.
I'm the author of the bestselling book Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts, an international lecturer and presenter on circus medicine, a circus science researcher, educator, practicing circus medicine physical therapist, and a retired professional circus performer and instructor.
Train Circus Smart
When I started doing circus over 30 years ago there were only a few schools and very little in the way of resources for instructors or students. What was there was passed down from instructors to students and to each other.
Now, we have seen circus explode in popularity and knowledge is being shared and gained from around the world and across the internet, BUT how do we decipher what information is best for students who are learning, and what has been changed through years of playing telephone or wasn't solid advice in the first place?
Skill Breakdown
Recognize efficient patterns, faulty mechanics, and learn which components matter and WHY.
This will help you communicate more effectively with your students and increase your ability to make modifications when appropriate.
Exercises
Exercises for circus bodies to improve warm-ups and for pre-hab to help prevent some common circus injuries.
You will have access to a large video library with exercises and the cuing you need to understand the purpose of the exercise and how to achieve the outcomes you are looking for.
Training
What is the best way to train? How can we help artists achieve their goals. We will discuss the science of training taken from the sports world and applied to the performing arts and circus.
Here is how we learn how to structure training and act creation to improve our results AND reduce the risk of injury.
Who is this course for?
- Instructors who want to know the WHY behind what they are teaching
- Instructors who wonder what they could be doing to help students continue to progress without getting "stuck"
- Instructors who are open to learning and collaborating with their peers to push us all to the next level
- Instructors who want to be a the forefront of the industry with biomechanically sound teaching practices
- Instructors who are ready to boost their knowledge and career to the next level
Prerequisites:
- Basic anatomy knowledge. We will review some concepts, but this is not an anatomy course.
FAQ
Is this course for me?
If you are an instructor who works with circus artists, this course is for you!
It is especially designed for folks who have had a bit of teaching experience and are looking to take it to the next level.
Is a certificate of completion available for this course?
Yes! Once the course is completed and you have watched the videos, you will be able to receive a certificate of completion.
What if I can't make the office hours?
All office hours will be recorded, and questions will be able to be submitted in advance. Please plan on being able to attend the majority of them if at all possible to foster great discussion and community.
I am a pole artist. Is this course for me?
Yes! Pole is one of the circus disciplines we talk about for sure! This course covers all disciplines in circus and because of similarities in mechanical demands of pole sport across some ground and aerial acrobatics, much of the content is relatable.
Do I need to be an instructor to take this course?
While this course is designed as a continuing education course for instructors, it may be accessible to a larger audience depending on your background and experience. To make the most out of the course, you will need:
- An anatomy and biomechanics background
- Experience as a movement professional or a high level recreational artist with years of committed training
Unsure what the best fit might be for you? Shoot me an email at [email protected]
What if I am hearing impaired or English isn't my first language?
The videos will have captions! Let me know what language you need and I will make it happen. For the live meetings there will be English captions automatically. If you need them translated for the replay that is possible. Just let me know! [email protected]
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
I offer a 2 installment payment plan. If you need a different arrangement please let us know. I am happy to work with you to make the course possible.
While I generally do not offer scholarships or financial aid I am open to hearing your situation. Please reach out.
If you are an international student and the currency exchange is a barrier to your attendance let me know as I am interested in ensuring global knowledge of working with circus artists. [email protected]