A school like no other, a typical day here might begin with some acrobatics and progress with a trapeze class or a turn on the trampoline. The Centre d’Art Acrobatique Keita Fodeba (Keita Fodeba Centre for Acrobatic Arts) in Conakry, Guinea, trains its young students to perform spectacular acrobatic feats that have astounded audiences world over.

The center was founded in 1998 and it recruits street children and youth to train in acrobatics and contortionism, and also offers pre-professional training and literacy programs. The institution is a training hub for some of Africa’s greatest contortionists and acrobats. Performers from the school have toured internationally in Europe and North America and have sought to work with Cirque du Soleil and other acts. At any given time, it houses around 50 students, aging between 10 and 20. The school’s work has received acclaim from critics and activists alike, and it has been supported by UNICEF.

Visitors are able to come watch the acrobats rehearse in the mornings in their training space near the Dixinn Stadium. The agility and enthusiasm of the young performers make it well worth the visit. Shows are also held in other venues in Conakry.