G.E.M.S circus arts is a leading youth circus school located on the beautiful Dorset coast. We offer excellent training in various circus disciplines such as; aerial arts,acro,equilibristics (balancing) performance and specialty arts. Our classes are taught in a safe, fun, inclusive and well structured environment by friendly teachers whom have all come from circus or gymnastics backgrounds. All students learn to Grip Elevate Move and Shine when becoming part of our circus school.
Every child is individual - Our students progress at different paces. They work steadily at certain skills until they are achieved. Our beginner aerial students learn at a low height. Soaring high comes after proper progression and body awareness growth only. More advanced students are continued to be challenged through enhancements such as competitions and peer interventions.
There are performance opportunities in all our classes, progression certification and our students favourites: 'Star of the Lesson' award and 'victory wall' to celebrate accomplishment and boost confidence. There are lots of other National Youth Circus events students can have the chance to get involved in .
Mixed Aerial: 8 yrs + (Limited spaces)
This class involves a variety of suspended apparatus which students hang from and perform tricks and movement on. Classes cover basic aerial techniques in hoop , sling , corde lisse and trapeze. Students will learn good technique, gain flexibility and build strength leading to creating shapes/poses and executing sequences of tricks in a safe, supportive and controlled environment.
Aerial Silks: 8 yrs + (limited spaces)
Silks are a suspended weight tested fabric that students climb, bind , drop and swing on. Students are taught moves and routines suitable to their ability.
Teen Aerial Arts :11yrs +
A class focused on aerial skills specifically aimed at secondary school aged students. Students train in all aerial disciplines , learn transitioning, flow and choreography.
Acro Troupers : 4 yrs +
This is a mix of some of the essential circus disciplines such as; equilibristic, juggling, stilt walking and Acro
Classes are divided into 5 areas of training; balancing,limbering,strength,
tumbling, flexibility and each term has a circus discipline focus. Our acrotroupers class builds fundamental skills which are transferable to Aerial.
(In some special cases our age recommendations for classes can be reconsidered, based on individual talent and ability)
Circus Champs ( In Schools only class)
Aspiring children will learn a variety of Circus fundamental skills such as; juggling,hooping,tight-wire walking, spinning plates, diabolo, clowning, partner balancing and more.
Ring Master Troupe: Performance group. Invitation only class.
Tuesday
Beginners Silk: 3.45pm-4.45pm
Mixed Aerial 1: 5pm-6pm
Inter. Silks: 6.15pm-7.45pm
Wednesday
Mixed Aerial 2: 3.45pm-4.45pm
Teens Aerial: 5pm-6.30pm
Mixed Aerial 4: 6.30pm- 8.00pm
Thursday
Acrotroupers 1: 3.45pm-4.45pm
Acrotroupers 2: 5pm-6pm
Mixed Aerial 3: 6.15pm-7.15pm
P7.30pm-8.30pm
School Holiday Camps
Circus Camps are where your children create wonderful memories, make new friends, and experience a wide variety of circus skills. Participants at any skill levels are welcome!
Keep an eye out on our social media for up and coming dates.
We offer Circus for schools,youth organizations and events from festivals, fetes and fun days.
School's & Youth Organizations:
We provide quality, safe and enjoyable Extra-curricular circus arts workshops for Primary schools,Secondary schools and youth organisations. Our workshops help children to develop patience, dexterity, stamina, self discipline and creativity. The well planned workshop structure means that children of all capabilities achieve something.
Community Project
GRIP project provides a circus arts experience to motivate social change. We provide the opportunity for participants to discover their wings. While students learn to fly, flip and bounce, they also learn teamwork, self confidence and what it feels like to succeed. Our Project mission is to transform lives by providing a performing arts and fitness education to motivate individual growth and social change
Festivals,Fetes & Community Events
Circus skills workshops are a great attraction for fetes,festivals and community events. We provide a safe, engaging and fun environment where families can come and learn new skills such as; slackline, tightwire and aerial arts.
Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and get a quote.
Fees are charged termly and invoiced at either the beginning of the term for students whom are new to G*E*MS or at the end of each proceeding term if your child is already a student.
Payments can be made via; BACS or cash only.
TERM DATES 2022:
Summer dates:
Tuesday 26.04.22- 21.07.22
No classes during school holiday
Safety is our number one priority at G*E*M*S Circus Arts School, so please keep our rules and regulations in mind at all times:
G*E*M*S is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all students,staff and volunteers and will continue to monitor and follow the advise of the UK Government,NHS,National Circus Centre,Aerial Edge and Public Health England.
All staff, parents,and students are responsible for ensuring G*E*M*S policies and procedures are followed.
It is the role of G*E*M*S staff,student and parents to help minimize the risk of spreading Covid -19.
Risk assessments, new class policies and procedures will be emailed out and are also available on request.
'Thank you for continuing to support our school and the Arts industry during this crisis. The Arts are fundamental to humanity. They ennoble and inspire-fostering creativity,goodness and beauty. The Arts bring us joy, helps us express our values and build bridges between cultures. The Arts are also a fundamental component of a healthy community-strengthening them socially , educationally and economically'.
What to wear:
What to expect in class:
What to bring to class:
Should my child attend class if they are feeling unwell?:
Regular attendance helps skill progression and encourages good team work and support. However, it is not advisable to bring your child to class if they are unwell or have an injury.
Parking and leaving your children:
St James Institute-Please be mindful that parking is limited outside the building , so please allow enough time to park on neighbouring roads or at the closest carpark (Woodside Road Car Park ) and walk.
Director & Coach Gemma
Gemma first started her circus journey by participating in youth aerial classes when she was 17 yrs old in Bristol, she then went on to successfully gain a place at the National Centre for Circus Arts in association with The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. There she gained a BA Hons Degree in Contemporary Circus and went on to work professionally and performed for numerous years.
She holds Qualified Teacher Status and is a AQA Moderator for Btec Performing Arts. She was a chearleading coach for the AFC Bournemouth and is Anti- gravity aerial yoga qualified.
G*E*M*S Circus Arts School was born from her life long dream of blending circus with her passion for teaching, whilst gaining a good life/work balance to help raise her own two children.
Coach Irina (acro coach) was a member of the national Lithuanian acrobatics team. Her professional field is partner acrobatics, trampolining and hand balance equilibrium. After the successful performance in European Championships 2007 and World Championships 2008, Irina has been awarded the National category: world-class athlete, the judge of the national category. In Bournemouth, first studied Performing Arts in college, then in Arts University Bournemouth Irina gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Dance. She also a Pilates instructor. Choreography, acrobatics, dance, and people’s smiles are her main passion
Coach Rebecca - (aerial coach) was introduced to circus at age 16, Growing up she took a love for gymnastics and dancing. She found a passion for circus as she could combine all skills together in a new art form. In 2017 Rebecca was accepted onto the foundation degree at The National Centre for Circus Arts, specializing in dance trapeze. She Graduated in 2019 and looks forward to inspiring and teaching children and young people.
Mission Statement
To empower and inspire children and young people from all cultures,religions and social economic status through the medium of Circus Arts. To facilitate quality Circus Education to the Dorset community.
G*E*M*S has £5m of Public liability insurance , all staff hold an DBS certificate and there is always a first aid trained member of staff in the building.
Privacy & Data Protection Statement
GEMS ensures that all your personal and business information is kept secure and confidential.
How I obtain your information: We may collect and process the following data about you: 1-Information and personal details including contact details that you provide on the sign up forms, on this website or through interaction with our social media pages, including Facebook and moblie. 2-When you contact us we may keep a record of that correspondence together with your name, address, email address and phone number.
What we do with your information: Your information may be used to help provide information or services that you have requested from us or which we feel are relevant to you. To notify you with regards to services you receive from us.
Please order by choosing your item and emailing us
Club leotard for teen and inters classes.
Size guide
ClA chest size 30"Approx Age 9-10
AXS chest size 32"Approx Age11-12
ASM chest size 34"Approx age 13-14
AME chest size 36"Approx age 14-15
ALA chest size 38"Approx age 15+
AXL chest size 40"Medium adult
AXXL chest size 42"Large adult
Uniform leggings
Size guide
00 Hip 23-25 Approx age 4-5yrs
0 Hip 25-27 Approx age 6-7yrs
1 Hip 27-29 Approx age 8-9yrs
2 Hip 29-31 Approx age 10-11yrs
3a Hip 22-34 Approx age 12-13yrs
3 Hip 34-36 Approx age small adult
4 Hip 36-38 Approx age medium adult
Uniform Leotards
Size guide
00 chest size 22-24" Approx age 4-5yrs
0 chest size 24-26" Approx age 6-7yrs
1 chest size 26-28" Approx age 8-9yrs
2 chest size 28-30" Approx age 10-11yrs
3a chest size 30-32 Approx age 12-13yrs
3 chest size 32-34 Approx age small adult
4 chest size 34-36 Approx age medium adult
Add a footnote if this applies to your business
All GEMS students are invited to watch our older aerialists perform their Xmas routines.
All aboard the 'Circus Xmas Express' for a festive immersive performance.