Community Life
Circus Waldissima
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm is one of the few Waldorf schools in North America with a full circus arts program held under a European big-top circus tent! This fun and fantastic program is led by experienced Waldorf teachers and circus arts instructors. Students in Grades 3-12 learn circus skills including juggling, clowning, tumbling, trapeze, aerial, and more! They also prepare for and perform all the skills they learn in a Spring Circus Show.
Learn Circus Arts in our very own European big-top circus tent!
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm is one of the few Waldorf schools in North America with a full circus arts program. This fun and fantastic program is directed by Sieglinde and Don Basmajian, long time circus arts instructors here at Summerfield.
Circus Arts in the curriculum
Circus Skills • Mixed Aerial Arts • Unicycle • Juggling • Tumbling • Teen Silks • Trapeze • Stilts
Summerfield students in Grades 3–12 participate in circus arts classes as part of the physical education program during part of the school year. Students learn circus skills including juggling, clowning, tumbling, trapeze, aerial, and more. They also prepare for and perform all the skills they learn in a Circus Show in the Spring.
Circus Club: after-school program
For Grades 3 through 12. Open to the public.
Classes include: Circus Skills, Mixed Aerial Arts, Unicycle, Juggling, Tumbling, Teen Silks, and Trapeze. We also have an advanced performance group, Cabaret, who put together their own show along with professional circus arts guest performers.
Fall 2026 Classes: September 14-December 11, 2026 *Registration coming soon* Register Here for Circus Club classes
Circus Skills Class Thursdays 1:30-2:30 For Grades 3 thru 6 Learn circus arts with Coach Nick. This class for younger students will focus on a variety of circus arts including acrobatics, juggling, aerial silks, stilt walking, and more. Cost: $250 Max Enrollment: 12
Unicycle Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 For Grades 3 thru 12 Learn to balance on one wheel with Coach Nick. This class is for all skill levels, from total beginner to advanced rider. Unicycles are provided, though students are encouraged to bring their own unicycle if they have one. Helmets are required. Cost: $250 Max Enrollment: 10
Tumbling & Acrobatics Mondays 3:30-4:30 For Grades 3 thru 12 Learn to tumble, flip, and fly with Coach Nick. This class will focus on ground tumbling skills and mini trampoline. Students will work on tumbling skills, spatial awareness, and staying safe while turning themselves upside down! Cost: $250 Max Enrollment: 10
Cabaret Thursdays 3:30-5:00 Cabaret is Circus Waldissima’s advanced performing group. This class is by invitation only, for students who have displayed enthusiasm for and dedication to Summerfield’s circus program. Directed by Nick Harden. Interested students should email circus [at] summerfieldwaldorf [dot] org for enrollment information. Cost: $350
All classes start the week of September 14 and run for 12 weeks through December 11 (no classes during the Autumn Break - the week of November 23).
For more information, please email Circus Director, Nick Harden: circus [at] summerfieldwaldorf [dot] org
Summer Circus Camp
Run away and join the circus this summer. Two age groups (6–8 and 9–14), three weeks of acrobatic fun, led by a talented team of experienced circus arts instructors. Dust off your juggling balls and get ready!
See the Summer Camps page for dates, prices, and registration.