Classes at NECCA
Youth Session Classes
Calling all kids and teens—explore the magic of circus right here in Brattleboro! We offer exciting circus classes for all skill levels, ages, and abilities. From juggling to aerial arts, there’s something for everyone. Each class meets once a week for 5–11 weeks per session, so youth can learn amazing new skills and make friends along the way.
Check out the awesome activities below, and click “Register Here” to see what classes are open for sign-up.
Summer Session registration opens on May 12th!
Classes will run from June 9 – July 13, 2025.
Dive In
Classes We Offer
Below you will find descriptions for the youth classes we offer here at NECCA! Be sure to check our registration site for all current classes.
Ages 1.5 – 3
Ages 3 – 5
Ages 5 – 7
Ages 8 – 11
Ages 11 – 14
Ages 14 – 18
Ages 7 – 18
Ages 1.5 – 17
Our Class Age Levels
Tots (Age 1.5 - 3)
Roll, sing, and play with friends through obstacle courses and circus games. This class is for tots and their grown ups to explore the fun together, under the guidance of an instructor and master toddler wrangler. We’ll play on all kinds of circus equipment, sing songs and work on balance, coordination and following directions, all while letting our creative and silly selves celebrate the fun of moving!
DEVELPOMENTAL GOALS
- Cognitive: Simple directions, recognizing shapes and colors, counting, learning names for things, and moving through obstacle courses.
- Motor: Rolling, jumping, running, throwing, stacking, spinning, holding onto a bar, picking things up, rolling a ball, and balance.
- Social: Taking turns, using their words to communicate, and “helping” with things (i.e. cleaning up).
PREREQUISITES
None! The only prerequisite for this class is age.
Kids (Age 5 - 7)
This is the place to start for anyone 5-7 who wants try out the flipping, flexing, friend-building fun that is circus arts. This class does it all-giving students a chance to learn skills on a variety of circus equipment all while building strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence, not to mention making a few like-minded friends on the way.
DEVELPOMENTAL GOALS
- Cognitive: Follow 2-3 part directions, left vs. right, spatial awareness, awareness of others, problem solving, reading & writing, simple math.
- Motor: Running, jumping, throwing and catching, hop on one foot, balancing, skipping, galloping, climbing, working slowly with control.
- Social: Interacting with the group, communication skills, sharing, taking turns, respect for the space & others in the space.
PREREQUISITES
None! The only prerequisite for this class is age.
Teen (Age 11 - 14)
This is the place for anyone 11-14 who wants try out the fun that is circus arts. This age group has multiple classes, including aerial classes and stunts. These classes give students a chance to learn skills on a variety of circus equipment all while building strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence, not to mention making a few like-minded friends on the way.
DEVELPOMENTAL GOALS
- Cognitive: Follow complex directions, setting and working toward goals, problem solving, accepting others’ point of view.
- Motor: Improving basic motor skills, body control, and coordination. Increasing strength and reaction time. Working slowly with control.
- Social: Self-efficacy, develop deeper moral reasoning and leadership skills, respect for self, the space, and others in the space.
PREREQUISITES
Check in with each classes’ specific requirements on our registration page.
Preschool (Age 3 - 5)
This class is for preschoolers age 3-5 who are ready to see what they can try on their own! This is such a remarkable age, when children are known for testing their own limits and trying out their new-found confidence. A circus class is just the place to safely let them climb, run, jump and get upside down all while building their self-esteem and giving them a creative place to be silly and explore with friends. In addition to learning physical skills, this class will focus on age-appropriate social skills including following directions, sharing and working with others.
DEVELPOMENTAL GOALS
- Cognitive: Two-part directions, colors, shapes, counting, left vs. right, forward, backward, sideways, recognize patterns, recognize differences and changes, and cause and effect.
- Motor: Running, jumping with two feet together, balance, squatting, rolling, throwing and catching, skipping, balancing on one foot, climbing a ladder, and holding onto a bar.
- Social: Taking turns, working with group (i.e. cleaning up together), sharing, and using their words.
PREREQUISITES
Students in this class must be able to work independently without the help of an adult. Parents or guardians will remain on site and watch from the designated waiting area and may be asked to assist with restroom breaks for their child(ren). Parents and guardians must provide proof of vaccination and wear these approved masks inside NECCA based on best fit: a surgical paper mask, a surgical mask under a cloth mask, KN95, KF94, or N95.
Youth (Age 8 - 11)
This is the place to start for anyone 8-11 who wants try out the flipping, flexing, friend-building fun that is circus arts. This age group has multiple classes, including acrobatics, general circus, aerials, trampoline, and stunts. These classes give students a chance to learn skills on a variety of circus equipment all while building strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence, not to mention making a few like-minded friends on the way.
DEVELPOMENTAL GOALS
- Cognitive: Follow complex directions, setting and working toward goals, and problem solving.
- Motor: Refining and improving basic motor skills, body control, and coordination.
- Social: Relate to peers, identify and describe emotions, promote sense of independence & confidence, respect for self, the space, and others in the space.
PREREQUISITES
Check in with each classes’ specific requirements on our registration page.
Young Adult (Age 14 - 18)
This is the place for teens 14-18 who want try out the fun that is circus arts. This age group has multiple classes, including aerial classes and acrobatics.
DEVELPOMENTAL GOALS
- Cognitive: Follow complex directions, setting and working toward goals, problem solving, accepting others’ point of view.
- Motor: Improving basic motor skills, body control, and coordination. Increasing strength and reaction time. Working slowly with control.
- Social: Self-efficacy, develop deeper moral reasoning and leadership skills, respect for self, the space, and others in the space.
PREREQUISITES
Check in with each classes’ specific requirements on our registration page.
May 2024
COVID POLICIES
NECCA is mask optional.
NECCA reserves the right to change protocols if necessary.
We encourage a culture of care for the health of others.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms (fever, severe sore throat, fatigue, stomach related symptoms), we ask that you please stay home so as to not spread germs. (*If you test positive for COVID-19, see below)
You can go back to your normal activities after at least one day (24 hours) if:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (and are not using fever-reducing medicines)
- You must wear a mask for five days if you have been ill and are returning to NECCA.
Please wear a mask if…
- Someone you live with is experiencing the symptoms above.
- You are experiencing mild symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or sore throat.
- A coach asks for masks to be worn in class.
LET US HELP YOUR CIRCUS DREAMS
LET US HELP YOUR CIRCUS DREAMS
Many Thanks To
Our Sponsors
Please join us in thanking these companies for their support of NECCA.
Our Funders
Year Round Sponsors
SUPPORTING OUR MISSION
DONATE TO NECCA
NECCA is a nonprofit that’s committed to the people it serves and the community within which it thrives. We rely on our many generous donors to continue to be a place that’s accessible to everyone, where creativity and artistry soar, and where the seemingly impossible becomes possible—every single day. Please consider joining others in supporting our work.
SUPPORTING OUR MISSION
DONATE TO NECCA
NECCA is a nonprofit that’s committed to the people it serves and the community within which it thrives. We rely on our many generous donors to continue to be a place that’s accessible to everyone, where creativity and artistry soar, and where the seemingly impossible becomes possible—every single day. Please consider joining others in supporting our work.
Our Mission
Provide high-quality circus arts training for students and artists while facilitating greater access and programming to everyone.
EIN #: 26-0495118
