It has a strong combination of artistic, educational, social, recreational, physical well-being and community elements. Theatre may be the entrance for another, while yet another might find that a technical aspect (lighting, costume, stage management) brings out an unsuspected excellence.Ī circus outreach program is effective and helps change lives for the better. Those who don’t have a feel for acrobatics may find that juggling or the tightrope is a good fit. It creates a sense of responsibility, belonging and a feeling of pride in accomplishmentĬircus encourages participants to discover their passion. There’s a real sense of progress as youth master circus skills requiring discipline and cooperation. It is fun combined with hard work, and it is calculated risk and trust developed through shared experienceĬircus work is a combination of visually exciting and physically demanding skills. It is a powerful tool for social and personal change. A social circus program can help serve as a springboard for reintegration into family, school and community.Ĭircus is an art form and way of training that bridges cultures, renews the sense of wonder, strengthens communities and encourages youth to explore and surpass their limits. They develop autonomy, solidarity, self-esteem, communication, expression, adaptability to change, and physical fitness. It appeals to them, challenges them, and fosters effective change. As skills and trust are built over time, youth will often share the problems that brought them to the program, and it is here that the instructors can act as guides, helping them to access community resources in Halifax and start to deal with their individual difficulties.
![outreach circle outreach circle](https://opencirclefoundationuganda.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Gallery16-1024x768.jpg)
This helps change their perception of themselves, and enables the community to see them as contributors. Mentoring: Our instructors assist youth as they learn circus skills, but youth participants who attend Circus Circle often help teach new students, and these youth are recognized as valued mentors and peer teachers.Ĭommunity Building: Over time youth develop circus and social skills, become mentors, performers and teachers. Skill Development: As the youth see their skills improve levels, their confidence in their physical and social abilities increase.
#Outreach circle professional#
Reliability and Consistency: The schedule and location of the program are consistent, and the teachers are professional and highly experienced in working with marginalized youth. The circus space becomes a refuge, a place to work, play, and explore new skills and social directions. Safety: Physical and emotional safety in the workspace are the most important elements. The program is based on five key concepts: Thursdays: 1:00PM - 4:00 Location: Halifax Circus Tuesdays: 1:00PM - 4:00 Location: Halifax Circus Circus Circle was developed by Mike Hirschbach who worked for the Cirque for several years as a performer, and then as a Trainer of Trainers for Cirque du Monde in Canada, the U.S. The teachers share their joy of performing and help youth learn in a safe and supportive environmentĬircus Circle is based on the Cirque du Monde, the very successful circus outreach programs of the Cirque du Soleil.
![outreach circle outreach circle](https://www.prlog.org/12485434-dr-elna-poulard-and-family-support-circle-awarded-the-community-outreach-award.jpg)
There’s no cost to the youth so there are no barriers for them to attend.Ĭircus Circle assists troubled youth better their lives through the discipline and self-confidence that come with developing and mastering circus skills such as juggling, unicycling and balance work, aerials, acrobatics and more. Circus Circle has been operating non-stop for over a decade, four times a week in 3 different locations so youth can more easily access the programs. Circus Circle is our circus outreach program for youth in difficulty.