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Our History in Brief
In 1981, there were no contemporary circus companies in Canada.
In 1981, not one professional circus school could be found in the western world.
In 1981, a circus school was born in Montreal.
At the Centre Immaculée-Conception, a circus school begins to attract young artists interested in theatrical acrobatics. A real passion for all circus arts develops, training expands. Programming evolves as students of various backgrounds come together, united by a firm intention to become true circus artists. Very soon the Centre Immaculée-Conception can no longer contain the rapid growth of the National Circus School (NCS). In 1989 the School will move to Dalhousie Station facilities in Old Montreal. The only institution to offer professional circus teaching in North America, the NCS has become one of the world's major circus schools.
Meanwhile, contemporary circus arts experience exponential growth throughout the world. The need to train a greater number of versatile and highly skilled artists, by now the hallmark of the Quebec circus, is apparent. The NCS launches into a new phase of growth that sees it relocating to the Cité des Arts du Cirque as a founding member, along with Cirque du Soleil and En Piste, the national network for circus arts. In 2003 the NCS completes the move to a new building custom built to its specifications in the heart of Tohu, as this new complex is known.
A Higher Education in the Arts
A school for higher education in arts, after the great schools of music, dance and theatre, the NCS also offers academic subjects at the secondary and college levels. Moreover, it is the only circus school in the western world to offer the complete spectrum of professional education, from preparatory programs for young people ages 9 and older to professional placement for graduate artists, as well as training circus instructors and trainers.
Through its efforts to insure that circus arts training leads to a diploma recognized by the Quebec ministry for Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, the School has contributed towards enhancing the social standing of circus artists.
After 25 years, the circus world of today includes hundreds of artists who have undertaken professional training at NCS. The placement rate for graduates averages 95 percent. On the strength of their great versatility and mastery of their chosen discipline, these artists continue to develop their crafts as they perform in the most prestigious venues on all continents.
In every country where the contemporary circus has taken root, the NCS has come to be considered a resource in matters pertaining to the training of highest-caliber circus artists. Its international standing also translates into an ability to attract students from around the globe.
Where the Future Takes Centre Ring!
Throughout its history, the NCS has remained independent of circus companies yet sensitive to their evolution and to the need for setting professional standards for circus artists. The School has contributed directly to the circus' development in Quebec and Canada. It is proud of its role in the flowering of the majority of Quebec circus companies, such as the Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize and The 7 fingers.
Creativity forms the heart of its teaching program. The NCS strives to be a true laboratory of experimentation where interpreters-creators and directors can both practice and innovate. After 25 years, the National Circus School intends to continue this mission by actively supporting and training human resources involved in the circus arts sector, as well as the diverse esthetic forms that will shape the circus of tomorrow.
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