Who can evaluate and how do you apply?
Students ages 8-12 with intermediate circus skills who have a passion for performing are encouraged to attend.

Interested students should ask their coach and/or the front office. Families will be put in touch with the Youth Company Manager for the next steps.

When will the evaluations be held?
Evaluations for Nimbus are held in the Spring of each year. Depending on the rehearsal schedule and needs of the troupe, a second set of evaluations may be held in the Fall as well.

What do you need for the evaluation?
Evaluation week allows prospective students to get the chance to attend class to see if it is a good fit in skill and commitment level. Students should arrive for evaluations in circus-ready attire and a circus-ready attitude!

While not required to participate in evaluations, most students who successfully evaluate into Nimbus have a SANCA level 2 placement in at least 1 circus or other performance related discipline, with a general knowledge of at least 1 other discipline.

What should I expect during the evaluation?
Prospective students are invited to attend class with current members and coaches for a full week of rehearsals. This is 3 days a week for 2 hours each day for a total of 6 hours in the week.

During the evaluation period, students will be asked to perform a series of skills in tumbling, aerial fabric and trapeze, rolling globe, tightwire, juggling, strength and flexibility. They will also be able to show their performance aptitude through playing theatre games, learning and performing a dance combination, and displaying a small sequence on the apparatus of their choice.

What will the coaches look for during the evaluation?
– A willingness to try all circus skills presented throughout the week
– Ability to work with others to achieve a goal
– A willingness to receive and incorporate coach feedback
– Ability to maintain focus and discipline throughout the entire week
– A willingness to overcome challenges presented throughout the week
– Shows an aptitude for performance and theatre

Circus Skills**

Tumbling
– Forward roll position jump
– Backward roll
– Cartwheel on both sides
– Kick to handstand
– Handstand forward roll
– Round-off
– Dive roll
– Backbend kick-over (or back walkover)
– Backbend stand-up (or front walkover)

Aerial
– 2 uninterrupted climbs on the fabric
– 30 second straight-arm hang on rope or fabric
– 3 straddle-ups on fabric
– Knee hang to sitting to standing on trapeze
– Jump to pullover to front balance on trapeze

Rolling Globe
– Standing
– Walking in all directions

Tightwire
– Balancing on 1 foot
– Balancing on 2 feet
– Walking forward and backward
– Sitting

Juggling

Strength
– One-minute handstand against the wall
– Pull-ups
– Push-ups
– V-ups
– Plank hold

Flexibility
– Bridge
– Front splits on both sides
– Middle splits
– Straddle pancake
– Pike pancake

**Note: These skills will be performed throughout the week, but no student is required to have all of these skills perfected while participating in evaluation.