These students didn’t run away to the circus. Instead the circus came to them.
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Circus Oz performers visited Bendigo school yesterday ahead of their shows at Ulumbarra in April.
The visits to Specimen Hill, Lockwood and Heathcote primary schools gave students a chance to learn and practice their circus skills.
Speciman Hill Primary teacher Natalie Pelly said the students were excited to get some tips from professionals.
“All our students take part in the circus program but we have a troupe of 22 who do performances for the school,” she said.
“We know the basics for things like juggling but to take it a step further and add tricks in is great. Even something as simple as a hula hoop puts a smile on the kids’ faces.
“We will definitely be taking some of the things we learned and putting them in a show, that’s for sure.”
Capital Venues and Events manager David Lloyd said it was fantastic the performers could visit local schools.
“Circus Oz have a strong track record of working within the communities that they perform in,” Mr Lloyd said.
“This is a way for some of our young people to get a taste for circus performance, learn new skills and maybe even discover a new passion.”
Speciman Hill’s current circus program is in it’s fourth year. Ms Pelly said it was a great benefit for the kids.
“It’s amazing to see what skills are involved in circus. When you watch it, you don’t think about the skills too much,” she said.
“But (when learning it) you have to persist and it shows resilience when the students are learning (tricks). To see the look on their face when they get a trick right is really good.
“Quite a few children don’t necessarily like mainstream sports but shine when it comes to circus. It’s nice to see them developing skills and enjoying themselves.”
Celebrating its 40th year, Circus Oz returns to Bendigo with their latest high octane circus show Model Citizens on April 6 and 7 at Ulumbarra Theatre.
Model Citizens is a visually and emotionally charged performance that explores what it really means to be a model citizen in today’s ‘model kit’ society.
For tickets and more information go to www.thecapital.com.au/whats_on