This master’s thesis examines the topic of social circus as a method of working with children and adolescents and focuses on processes of group dynamics as well as participants’ experiences during training and preparation for the performance. Social circus is a form of contemporary circus that differs from circus pedagogy and contemporary circus especially primarily in its emphasis on community building and the development of individuals’ social skills through learning circus techniques. The aim of the master's thesis is to explore how the social circus method contributes to connecting a group of children and adolescents as well as how it affects each individual. Research was based on a qualitative research approach. The method of open, non-participatory observation was used. In the beginning and the end of research short half-structured interviews were made with participants. Collected data provided a comprehensive insight into group processes and individual perspective. Research results show that different processes took place in the group, related to relationship building, sense of belonging and persistence to a common goal. Participants experienced the training differently, where the relationships with peers and trainers played a significant role. Social circus turned out as a pedagogical and nonformal educational approach that provides the participants with a safe learning environment, where mistakes are understood as part of the learning process and as such has a significant value within social pedagogical practice.
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