I direct circus skills workshops for children and adults to enjoy their time whilst learning about co-ordination, balance and spatial awareness. In a relaxed atmosphere participants are encouraged to drop things, take risks and have no fear of failure.
Circus skills workshops are such an all inclusive way for children to learn whilst they play and all children love to play. It is an essential part of their daily lives. Circus skills also has a wide appeal as it is enjoyed by all children, from the most able to those with learning difficulties.
Every child is successful in a circus skills workshop, whether this is balancing a peacock feather, catching a juggling scarf, spinning a plate or even juggling with three balls and doing multiple throws with a diablo. As a result of this confidence boost, the fear of failure gradually fades and without fear so much achievable as the brains capacity to absorb and retain instruction is greatly increased.
People often say to me "but I have very bad coordination" to which I reply "that really does not matter". And it doesn't! The ability to keep your attention on a task, stay relaxed, along with a degree of perseverance can turn a clumsy thinking person into the most competent juggler. The same principle can be applied to greatly improving balance and spatial awareness.
The equipment used in a circus skills workshop is very similar to simple toys and as most children approach each activity from this perspective, the results achieved are often spectacular.
"Circus skills is obviously a great way to increase brain dexterity, which permeates all aspects of any one's life." www.pressplay.org.uk
