POTENTIAL future circus stars got their first taste at the craft these school holidays at Sunraysia’s very own circus school.
Throughout the two weeks, 50 Sunraysia children aged eight to 15 got the chance to learn first hand from circus professionals at Listo Trapeze Co.
Head coach Merryn Collier said children got to try their hand at everything from the flying trapeze, aerial, acrobatics to tumbling and juggling.
“It builds a lot of confidence and it’s really inclusive as kids are able to go at their own pace,” she said.
“There is something for everyone, some love juggling while others want to learn big tricks.
“It is all just about having fun.”
Ms Collier’s love for the circus began at a very young age.
“I started trapeze at four years old, it was something that was always a lot of fun,” she said.
“In different sports there is a lot of pressure and competition but it’s not like that with the circus, instead everyone is really supportive of one another.
“Circus is getting increasingly popular compared to when I started – there are now a lot more opportunities for it to potentially become a career option.”
Ms Collier said along with it being fun, there are plenty of other benefits to undertaking the craft.
“Circus builds a lot of strength and coordination,” she said.
“It also builds a lot of confidence, which for some who do trapeze it can be about building up the confidence to climb the ladder.
“I love to work with beginners and seeing them at their most vulnerable at the top (of the trapeze), and then seeing them at their most proud down the bottom.
“It’s beautiful to see how proud they are of themselves, it can be a surprise just how much you can achieve here.”
Ms Collier said while the school holiday program was just for the kids, there is often casual weekend classes for any adults wanting to give it a try.
“It’s not just for the kids, circus is for everyone and you don’t need a fitness background to do it,” she said.
