Camp leaders train with Cirkus ZappZarap ahead of this summer’s camp
For simplicity’s sake, let’s just call them both Christian. Christian Rundt and Christian Meier from Cirkus ZappZarap travelled all the way from Leverkusen to introduce our seven camp leaders to the fascinating world of the circus. During an intensive day of training, the two circus professionals prepared the team – three men and four women – to lead the children attending the DSG’s German Circus Language Camp from 10 to 14 August.
The ice was broken almost instantly. “Unload!” came the very first instruction of the day. Silver equipment cases, blue ladders, hoops and a large circus mat quickly found their way into the South Campus sports hall. As soon as the mat was rolled out, the training began. Shoes and socks came off to give everyone a better sense of balance and movement during the acrobatics exercises.
After only a few minutes, any initial hesitation had disappeared. The group relaxed, laughed together and quickly learned to trust one another. In the circus, trust is everything. Every movement depends on teamwork, especially when creating human acrobatic figures with imaginative names such as the Small Scale, the Large Scale, the Fantasy Figure and the Net. The seven participants – including three members of the DSG staff – were amazed by how quickly simple movements could be transformed into impressive circus formations.
Soon another familiar command echoed through the hall: “Hopp!” — the signal to move. “Hopp and ab are two of the most important words in the circus world,” explained one of the two Christians. His colleague added, “They help everyone move together as one.” Because in the circus, success never belongs to one individual – it is always the result of teamwork. “We’re all one big family,” Christian Meier said with a smile that stayed with him throughout the morning.
The programme continued at an energetic pace: acrobatics, juggling, scarves, balls, ropes, poi spinning, clowning and even fire performance. In the latter discipline, perfect synchronisation is essential, as it is what creates the real magic on stage.
Once an exercise had been mastered, it was time to perform – but not to bow. “Circus artists are proud,” explained Christian Meier, who himself spent many years performing in the ring. “We don’t bow because we don’t make ourselves small.” There is a story behind this tradition… but that secret will have to wait for another day.
The instructions kept coming: “When setting up, you say hepp; when packing away, ab; and in the worst-case scenario… ouch!” Meier joked with a grin. Before long, hepp and ab had become second nature, as had presenting confidently to an audience. In just a few hours, the seven camp leaders had become part of the big circus family – and they wore that title with pride.
This inspiring workshop offered just a glimpse of what awaits the children at the DSG’s German Circus Language Camp.
Would you like to experience the magic of the circus too? There are still a few places available!
📅 10–14 August, daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
🎪 On Saturday, 15 August at 10:00 a.m., the children will step into the ring for a spectacular performance under the big top in front of the DSG, showcasing everything they have learned throughout the week.
Step right up – the show is about to begin!
