Go back Children’s program | Circus Education Conference 2026
“The History of Juggling”
The lecture will use stories and video examples offering an engaging insight into the development of the art of juggling across different historical periods: from classical circus traditions to contemporary circus expressions. Participants will become acquainted with various juggling props, techniques, and styles, and will also learn how this art form has changed over time, adapting to the aesthetics of each era and the tastes of audiences.
The lecture is led by circus artist Dmitrijs Pudovs, who has more than 20 years of experience in object manipulation. He is also deeply involved in martial arts, with 16 years of coaching experience and a C-level qualification as a jiu-jitsu coach. Since the founding of the Riga Circus School in 2017, Dmitrijs has been one of its core trainers, guiding students in the fundamentals of juggling and balance disciplines, including balance board, stilt walking, and unicycling.
“Circus, Life and Everything Else”
Do you know what circus is? Of course you do! And everyone has a different picture of circus in their heads. Let’s find every single thing that could be called circus! We’ll make a list, we’ll draw a picture, we’ll walk and talk and fall over like circus artists. Because circus has always been around since people could jump and laugh! And I’ll tell you a secret! Shhhh! Don’t tell your parents! CIRCUS IS EVERYWHERE!
Daniel Gulko is an author, teacher, director, choreographer, and clown, and the artistic director of the France-based radical circus company Cahin-Caha. Internationally recognised for his interdisciplinary approach, his work brings together circus, dance, theatre, visual arts, video, and literature. He has taught and led artistic research at numerous institutions across Europe, including Stockholm University of the Arts, CNAC, Codarts, and JAMU, and has directed a wide range of acclaimed productions internationally. Based in France since 1993, Gulko continues to create, tour, and mentor across the fields of experimental circus and contemporary performance.
