How to Become
an Artist?

Becoming an artist means mastering a physical art form at the highest level. It begins early — ideally in childhood — and demands years of discipline, training and passion. Ilian Simeonow explains the various paths.

When to Start?

The best time to begin acrobatic training is childhood. Flexibility, spatial awareness and the body's capacity to learn are greatest in the early years. Most professional artists began training between the ages of 6 and 12.

This does not mean an adult cannot develop artistic abilities — but for a professional career in the classical sense, early training is a decisive advantage.

State Circus Schools

In Germany there are a handful of recognised training institutions for professional artists. The most well-known and prestigious is:

• State Ballet School Berlin — formerly the State Artists' School, now integrated into the ballet school. Admission by aptitude test, generally from age 10. Training duration: 5–6 years.

Ilian completed his training at the State Ballet School Berlin — he recommends this training as the royal road for anyone who wants to pursue circus arts professionally.

Private Schools and Academies

Alongside the state institutions there are numerous private circus schools and acrobatic academies. These generally do not offer state-recognised qualifications, but can provide excellent foundational training in specific disciplines.

For disciplines such as trampoline, juggling, contortion or acrobatics, specialist gymnastics and sports clubs are often the best entry point.

Youth Circus as a Starting Point

In Germany there is a vibrant youth circus movement. More than 1,000 youth circuses offer children and young people the chance to develop first artistic skills in a supportive environment.

These youth circuses are not a path to professional circus arts — but they are an excellent first encounter with the world of circus, acrobatics and the stage. Many professional artists took their first steps here.

Which Discipline?

Circus arts are not a single subject but a family of disciplines. The most important:

• Trampoline and Floor Acrobatics — basis for many further artistic disciplines
• Trapeze — static trapeze, flying trapeze, Korean plank
• High Wire and Rope — equilibristics at height
• Juggling — balls, clubs, rings, diabolos and more
• Contortion — hyperextension and extreme flexibility
• Aerial Acrobatics — silks, lyra, rope
• Globe of Speed / Wheel of Death — specialised large apparatus

Career Paths after Training

After professional artist training various paths open up: classical circus, variety and cabaret, international shows (cruise ships, resorts, Las Vegas-style productions), theatre and opera, film and stunt work.

Ilian has taken virtually all of these paths — from international circus in Norway and Dubai through the Semperoper Dresden to Hollywood film. This versatility is increasingly an important hallmark of successful performing artists.