⭐ “One of the best teachers I’ve seen in 50 years of education.”
Master Teacher, SF Circus Center
Classes where students feel capable, connected, and fully engaged.
A hands-on circus experience that improves focus, strengthens community, and lifts group morale—from TK through Middle School. Serving Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and East Bay communities.
✔ Bilingual: English/Spanish
✔ Inclusive for all students, including those with special education needs
✔ Available during school hours, after-school, PE enrichment, residencies, and assemblies
Structured, Hands-On Circus Learning
We offer a flexible curriculum that schools can tailor to their specific grade levels, goals, and student abilities. Our instruction develops physical and creative skills through structured, developmentally appropriate activities.
Schools may choose the skill areas that best serve their students. All activities are adapted for each grade and ability level, including inclusive options for students with special education needs.
Confidence
Teamwork
Creativity
Joy
Circus Arts as a Tool for Holistic Learning
Integrated physical education, performing arts, and SEL support whole-child development. Students engage in purposeful movement that strengthens coordination, confidence, creativity, and emotional well-being.
Skill Areas Offered
🤹♀ Coordination & motor planning: juggling progressions, scarf manipulation, controlled object handling
🤸 Balance & spatial awareness: balance boards, guided unicycle practice, introductory stilt walking
💪 Strength & body control: foundational acrobatics and supported weight-bearing exercises
🤝 Teamwork & communication: partner tasks, ensemble challenges, collaborative problem-solving
✨ Creative expression: clowning, character exploration, structured performance activities
Programs Designed for Every School and Community
Inclusive & Accessible
Activities are adapted for all learners, including students who use wheelchairs and students with ASD, ADHD, sensory differences, or limited mobility. Instruction is trauma-informed, connection-focused, and culturally responsive.
Social Circus Pedagogy
Our methodology strengthens autonomy, cooperation, executive function, and self-advocacy. Students learn to set goals, practice responsibly, and celebrate progress within a supportive learning environment.
Bilingual Learning Environment
Programs offered in English, Spanish, or both — designed to support dual-language communities and culturally affirming instruction in the Bay Area.
Residency Programs
Transform your school day through structured, hands-on circus education.
Weekly sessions integrate movement, coordination, balance, and creative expression, culminating in a final sharing or performance.
More information
● Duration: 6–12 weeks, 1–2 sessions per week (60–75 min)
● Available for: TK–Middle School
● During school hours or after-school
● Skills taught: coordination (juggling), balance and motor planning (stilts, unicycle), spatial awareness (acrobatics), expressive communication (clowning)
● Learning outcomes: focus, cooperation, problem-solving, movement literacy
● Spaces needed: gym, multipurpose room, blacktop, or spacious classroom
● Includes: all circus equipment and a culminating performance
● Longer residencies provide:
- Deeper skill progression
- More advanced balance and acrobatic work
- Refined routines for final performances
- SEL development through sustained practice
School Programs
Short-term visits or after-school sessions that introduce core circus skills.
Designed to support physical literacy, teamwork, and creative engagement.
More information
● Duration: 1–5 sessions (45–60 min each)
● Available for: TK–Middle School
● During school day or after school
● Skills taught: basic juggling, balance exploration, partner games, introductory clowning
● Learning outcomes: coordination, teamwork, turn-taking, confidence in physical tasks
● Includes: all equipment; adaptable to classrooms, gyms, or outdoor areas
● Short-term format emphasizes:
- Introductory skill exposure
- Immediate engagement
- Quick community-building activities
Workshops & Camps
Playful, skill-building sessions where kids explore circus games, teamwork challenges, and creative movement in a safe and supportive space.
Ideal for schools, recreation centers, and community events.
More information
● 1–5 days of movement, creativity, and teamwork (60–90 min per session)
● Great for schools, recreation centers, or community events
● Adapted for ages 5–15 — all levels welcome!
● Includes circus games, group challenges, and expressive movement
● Ends with a joyful mini showcase or group celebration
● We bring all the equipment — just bring your sense of fun!
Circus Play Area
A colorful, hands-on play zone for festivals and events where families try juggling, balancing, and creative movement together in a safe, welcoming space.
More information
● Duration: 1 hour to full-day setups
● A playful space for festivals, fairs, or family days
● Multiple stations for juggling, balance, and creative movement
● Open to all ages — safe, inclusive, and led by caring instructors
● Families explore, play, and learn together through joyful movement
● A bright, hands-on experience that brings everyone together
Interactive Shows
Live educational performances where students become part of the fun — joining onstage for circus demos that connect learning, laughter, and movement.
More information
● 45–75 minutes of laughter, learning, and live circus fun!
● Designed for school assemblies and community events (25–250 students)
● Students join onstage for juggling, clowning, and balance demos
● Interactive games reinforce teamwork and social-emotional learning
● Every show turns the audience into part of the circus!
● Optional Q&A or mini-workshop included
Flexible scheduling to make program planning simple.
Discounts available for small groups and customized program designs.
The Heart and Mind Behind Duncan Playful Circus
Carolina Duncan — also known as Coach Coicoi — is an artist, educator, and founder of Duncan Playful Circus. A trained social circus specialist with over a decade of teaching experience in Oakland and internationally. She is the first Colombian clown to perform with Ringling Bros., a Cirque du Monde–certified trainer of trainers, and a seasoned teaching artist for schools and community programs. Carolina combines circus technique, pedagogy, and social-emotional learning to design inclusive, intentional, and engaging experiences that foster creativity, confidence, and joy in children. Her approach has earned the trust of schools, organizations, and communities worldwide.
Join a free 30-minute video call with Carolina
Educators and Students Share Their Experience
Common Questions About Our Programs
Are the programs safe for all ages?
Yes! All activities are age-appropriate, fully supervised, and include safety guidelines and warm-ups.
Do we need special equipment or space?
No! We bring all the equipment. Programs can run in classrooms, gyms, multipurpose rooms, or outdoor spaces.
Can students with special needs participate?
Absolutely! Activities are inclusive and adaptable to meet every student’s needs.
What age groups do you serve?
Preschool through middle school (ages 3–14), with adaptations available for younger or older participants.
Do students need prior circus experience?
Not at all! Programs are designed for beginners while still offering challenges for experienced students.
How long are your programs?
● Residencies: 6–12 weeks, weekly sessions
● School Programs: 1–5 sessions
● Workshops & Camps: 1–5 days, 60–90 min/session
● Interactive Shows: 45–75 min
● Circus Play Area: 1 hour to full-day events
Do you offer family or community performances?
Yes! Many programs culminate in showcases where families and classmates can celebrate student achievements.
How do we book a program?
Just click “Schedule an online appointment” on our page. We’ll meet with you to tailor the program to your school or event.
What are the benefits for students?
Confidence, teamwork, creativity, coordination, and social-emotional growth — all while having fun and learning circus arts.
Bring Circus Education to Your School
Let’s schedule a demo class or a short consultation to explore how circus can support your students and your program goals.
We respect your privacy — contact details used only to arrange the demonstration.
Classes where students feel capable, connected, and fully engaged.
email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (510) 989-2463
Location: Oakland California, USA
© 2025 Schools Duncan Playful Circus