The most important dates of the year
- Circus classes start in the week of 21 September 2026.
- From 8 to 11 April 2027, MAD Festival brings the most exciting circus around today to Antwerp. So save the date. MAD Convention is becoming a biennial event. The next edition takes place in 2028. In 2027 we’re planning MAD intensives for professional and semi-professional artists instead. More info on that to follow.
- During the Whitsun weekend on Sunday 16 and Whit Monday 17 May 2027, Ell Spectaculo returns once again to De Roma.
- Saturday 29 May 2027 is the last class day of the year.
When ARE there no classES?
There are NO circus classes at the times listed below:
- Autumn break: 2 to 8 November 2026
- Armistice Day: Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Christmas break: 21 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Carnival break: 8 to 14 February 2027
- Easter break: 29 March to 11 April 2027
- Labour Day: Saturday 1 May 2027
- Ascension Day: Thursday 6 May 2027
- Whit Monday: Monday 17 May 2027 (Ell Spectaculo will still take place in De Roma!)
School holidays generally always start on a Monday. So there is always a circus class on the weekend before a school holiday!
Some quick tips from our Safe team
At the end of each school year, our circus physiotherapist Inne reviews the accidents and injuries that occurred. She then looks together with the SAFE TEAM at what we can do to avoid similar accidents. At the start of the circus year, she already has the following tips ready for you:
1. Take it easy at the start. Most accidents happen in the first two weeks after a holiday. Always give your body time to get going again
2. Take good care of your knees. We saw a lot of knee injuries this past year. Trainers are getting extra tips and exercises to help you as an acrobat keep your knees healthy. If something still feels off, be sure to talk to your trainer.
3. Not everyone feels their best every day, and accidents are sometimes more likely on off days. If something is bothering you, just give your trainer a heads-up that you are having a tough day so that this can be taken into account.
Also know that you can always turn to our APIs (Integrity Contact Persons) with questions, comments, complaints, or other messages regarding inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying or discrimination, and physical and sexual integrity. Our APIs are:
- Circus trainer Line – line@ecdf.be
- Circus mum An – an.api@ecdf.be
- Circus dad Niels – niels.api@ecdf.be
You can reach them via the email addresses above or via our API number: +32 486 83 19 99.
The ultimate ECDF Q&A
1. What should I bring to circus class?
Sports clothing! Think of tracksuit trousers or shorts and a T-shirt. Gym slippers are allowed but not required. Training barefoot works at least as well. Jeans or clothing with zips and jewellery are not allowed for safety reasons. You might work up a sweat during class, so be sure to bring a water bottle to top up.
2. When and where is my class again?
Check everything on your profile in in our online registration tool. In the menu under ‘calendar’ you’ll get an overview of the classes you’ve registered for. You can find the address details of our various training venues in turn on our locations page.
3. Is there open training again this year?
Yes! From Wednesday 23 September everyone aged 18 and up – who can and wants to train independently – is welcome every Wednesday at 20:00 in our training hall in SPRK. ECDF trainer Ben will be there too. For friendly expertise and expert friendliness alike. No registration required, just come…and go!
4. Where can I find forms for support from my health insurance fund?
Most health insurance funds offer a partial reimbursement of membership and/or class fees. The amount depends on your health fund. You can download the documents via your profile in our online registration tool. In the menu under ‘certificates’.
5. Those ECDF t-shirts and sweaters look great! Can I buy one?
Sometime in autumn we’re planning another chance to buy them. Be sure to keep an eye on our newsletter and/or our socials.
AND THEN A BIT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SHIZZLE
- If you haven’t paid (the full class and registration fee) yet, we’d like to ask you to do so as soon as possible. 🙏
- ECDF wants to be accessible to everyone. People entitled to increased allowance can – depending on the situation – significantly reduce their class fees this way. We’re happy to help you with this! An overview of all allowances and discounts can be found on our website. 🔥
- At the end of the school year, all students under 14 automatically receive a tax certificate for childcare that you can include in your tax return. We send these tax certificates by email. 📩
- Students with a disability between the ages of 12 and 18 are also entitled to a tax certificate. Via info@ecdf.be you can let us know whether your child qualifies for this. ❗
Do you still have a question?
About the content of our classes and courses?
Let Kiki & Ben know via pedagogie@ecdf.be
About registrations and payments?
Let Tobias, Merel & Wenke know via info@ecdf.be