Québec's Circus School & More

When I learned that the École de cirque de Québec (ÉCQ) was in the Limoilou neighborhood, I wrote them asking if we could visit. Today was our day to return to this delightful quartier and tour this amazing school.

Just walking up to the school made us giddy. This is another example of an en mutation church. Saint-Esprit (1930) has been repurposed in a very incredible way. Wow.

According to the architecture firm who transformed this magnificent building, "The huge technical areas, including those under the roof, provided ample space for the structural and electromechanical components. The interior work, limited to certain areas and carried out in harmony with the exceptional existing interior architecture, has a powerful impact, expressing the high-energy, fantastical, magical spirit of the circus."

"More than 20,000 people pass through the school doors every year. From neophyte to accomplished professional, each individual contributes to making the school a constantly evolving and opened institution."

Founded in 1995, the ÉCQ professional training program is recognized internationally and is very competitive. Our guide, Simon, said that only 20 students are accepted each year. Graduates go on to join "the biggest companies and make the institution shine in every corner of the globe".

Here one can learn "Aerials (lyra/hoop, straps, tissu/silks, dance trapeze, fixed trapeze), Chinese hoops, Handstands, Tight wire, Juggling, Hand to hand*, Chinese pole, German wheel, Cyr wheel, Trampwall, Trampoline, and Acrobatics."

ÉCQ is the only public professional circus school in Canada, yet it also offers a recreational component. This is not a place just for people who want to be working in the field. Want to try something different or improve your circus practice in a recreational way? They offer extensive courses for all levels and ages. If we were only here longer.

This is a place for children, too. The introductory workshop Let’s go to the Circus was created to offer everyone the opportunity to learn about the circus, in a fun and safe environment. This activity is recognized by the “Field trips to cultural venues” program. My boys would have loved that. By the way, financial support is provided to school boards and private educational institutions to allow all young people, from preschool through secondary school, to take part in two free school field trips to cultural venues per year.