Circus school back in full swing in Brussels despite coronavirus pandemic

The ropes are swinging. Chalk stains the mats anew. And students at the ESAC international circus school in Brussels are smiling again, even if it is through a mask sometimes. (Above) Students work on their disciplines during a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts (ESAC) in Brussels, on September 24. (Image: AP)

A teacher, wearing a face shield to fight against the spread of coronavirus, shows students how to improve their technique during a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 24, 2020. (Image: AP)

Chinese student Ting Kuan Zhao, wearing a face mask to fight against the spread of the coronavirus, works out his performance during a class at the Superior School of Circus in Brussels, on September 23. (Image: AP)

Teachers, wearing face masks to fight against the spread of coronavirus, and students watch a personal year project rehearsal of a co-student at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 24. (Image: AP)

For safety reasons amid the pandemic, Venezuelan school director Reynaldo Ramperssad had to cut the number of students by 25 percent, creating “bubbles” where only a few work together in a small group and do online theory classes. A student stretches before a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 23. (Image: AP)

The pandemic has drawn a thick veil over the future of students. A view of equipment, prior to a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 24. (Image: AP)

Students work out on their disciplines during a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 24. (Image: AP)

A student performs a handstand during a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 23. (Image: AP)

A student holds a trapeze as she works on her performance during a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 23. (Image: AP)

A teacher, wearing a face mask to fight against the spread of the coronavirus, bottom, talks to students during a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels, on September 24. (Image: AP)

Students practise their disciplines during a class at the Superior School of Circus Arts in Brussels on September 24. (Image: AP)