Fjordane Folk High School was the starting point for Andreas' circus career

Andreas Fiskum Vatne | Student at Movement X - Modern Circus 2013-2015

Almost fifteen years ago, Andreas Fiskum Vatne took a chance on something completely new and applied to the only circus program in Norway. Today he works as a circus artist and circus teacher at the Cultural School in Trondheim.

Unicycling is a classic circus didcipline. It requires balance, strength and a lot of practice. Andreas masters it very well.

Found the combination he didn't know existed

When Andreas applied to Fjordane in 2012, it was with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Before that, he had been involved in both sports and music – but he had never tried circus.

– I took the chance. It turned out to be a very good combination of sports and art. There was something about that balance that really struck me. It suited me better than I expected.

Andreas spent two years at Fjordane folk high school, the second as a returning student (stipendiat). The circus line gave him the space to train a lot. The freedom to practice, fail, try again and learn together with others laid the foundation for what came next.

Accepted into a circus school in Finland

After two years at Fjordane, Andreas wanted more. He applied to a three-year circus program in Finland – and got in.

– I don't think I would have gotten in without the oars at Fjordane.

Today, circus is both his work and everyday life. He works as a circus artist and circus teacher at the Cultural School in Trondheim.

– Circus is my job now. What I learned at Fjordane Folk High School , I use every single day. 

But the professional aspect was only part of it.

– The social aspect, living with others and becoming more independent, was also important to me.

The social environment left its mark, and he still has many of the friendships from this time.

From quiet to confident

The years at Fjordane folk high school were not just about technique and training. Andreas describes himself as quiet person before he started, but something changed.

– I used to be quiet, but here I became more social. I felt I was part of something bigger.

The school gave him structure and security. When asked about his best memory, Andreas finds it hard to choose just one. 

– I’d say it was the freedom to practice circus in the gym whenever I wanted – and all the people I got to know.

More than just a gap year

Some people think that folk high school is a gap year. For Andreas, it was something more. It was a year that gave him direction in life. Instead of going straight to study after high school, he had time to explore, try something new and discover a new passion. A direction that truly suited him.

– It was my starting point. After that, I just kept going—on one wheel, he says with a smile.

He also appreciated the structure in the everyday life.

– I liked the routines. It gave me a sence of calm, while I got to develop professionally. I got to spend my time doing something I truly enjoyed.

Advice for those considering Fjordane Folk High School

– For me, it was very important to have these years. I got to rest my mind a bit, do something I enjoyed and meet people from both Norway and abroad.

Some choices can feel both scary and small when they are made. Almost fifteen years later, this particular choice has proven to be the start of a career in a field that Andreas is passionate about.