Johannesburg Circus Turns Township Talent into Careers
A Johannesburg circus program is turning the lives of young performers from the impoverished Alexandra township around, providing training, employment and a chance to showcase South African talent on stage. The initiative, run by The Cirk and Jozi Circus School, trains participants in acrobatics an…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the heart of Johannesburg, a circus stage becomes a launchpad for young talent from the township of Alexandra. 29‑year‑old Brian Ngobese, who grew up amid the poverty and high unemployment of the area, now performs aerial hoops and silks for a professional company called The Cirk, earning a living and inspiring others in his community.
From Township to Spotlight
Alexandra sits just a few kilometres from Sandton, Africa’s richest square mile, yet its residents face a 45% unemployment rate among 18‑to‑34‑year‑olds. Many young people remain on the fringes of the labour market, lacking access to formal training. The circus program, a partnership between Jozi Circus School and The Cirk, offers a different path: a structured, year‑long training that blends dance, acrobatics and performance skills.
Ngobese’s journey began in 2019 when he auditioned as a dancer for a Johannesburg Theatre production. A short stint turned into a career when The Cirk invited him to stay and train. With support from the school’s youth development arm, he received coaching and transportation, eventually earning a place as a paid performer and, for some, a future instructor.
The Training and the Talent
The program’s curriculum is rigorous. Participants spend months building strength, flexibility and discipline, learning to perform on silks, hoops and other apparatus. The training is designed to be self‑sustaining: revenue from performances and other circus work helps cover costs, reducing reliance on external funding.
Michelle Fok, one of the organizers, explains that South African performers bring a unique rhythm and flow to circus, shaped by the country’s diverse cultures. “There’s so much talent and so much skill in this country. We just need a platform to launch,” she says.
Stories of Courage and Creativity
Ngobese’s act as a “little star” is a metaphor for his own journey. He navigates oceans, fantastical lands and fiery fortresses on stage, mirroring his path from a township dancer to a professional acrobat. The role also reflects his partnership with fellow Alexandra dancer Zenzele Letsoela, who, despite a fear of heights, has mastered aerial acrobatics. Letsoela’s routine—hoisted two metres above the stage as a “magical tree”—shows how the program helps performers confront and manage personal challenges.
Another standout is 22‑year‑old Megan Nielsen, who suspends herself from a five‑metre rope using only her braided hair. She describes the initial tears as a release of tension, a testament to the physical and emotional demands of the art form. Her mother, proud yet reluctant to watch, reflects the mixed reactions families often have to unconventional careers.
Limitations and Future Outlook
While the program offers life‑changing opportunities, it can only accommodate four participants each year. Fok notes that “you have to turn people away,” underscoring the gap between demand and capacity. Co‑founder Orlando Vargas believes the initiative is a model for the continent, stating, “If you want to do something for the continent, for the world, it’s from Johannesburg.”
Looking ahead, the program aims to expand its reach, but it must balance quality training with the need to support more young people. The success of alumni like Ngobese, Letsoela and Nielsen suggests that, with additional resources, the circus could become a sustainable engine for social mobility across South Africa.
Key facts
- Johannesburg’s circus program trains township youth in acrobatics and dance
- Only four spots per year, highlighting demand vs capacity
- Participants can become paid performers or instructors
- The program is self‑sustaining through performances and other circus work
- Success stories include Brian Ngobese, Zenzele Letsoela and Megan Nielsen
Why it matters
By turning under‑resourced youth into professional performers, the Johannesburg circus program offers a tangible example of how creative training can create jobs and uplift communities amid high unemployment.
Frequently asked questions
How many participants does the program accept each year?
The program can fully support four participants annually.
What kind of training do participants receive?
They train in acrobatics, dance, strength, flexibility, and performance skills.
Can participants work outside the program?
Yes, graduates may work with production companies or become instructors.
