Circus Classes

The Westside Circus offers general circus classes where a range of circus, performance and team building games are practiced. These activities offer participants a fun and enjoyable way of moving their bodies with an emphasis on developing self-confidence, self-expression, teamwork and leadership skills. Westside Circus provides a safe environment that promotes positive risk taking, inclusiveness and developing a sense of community.

3 to 5 year old classes

The 3-5 year olds class emphasizes fun, playful interaction between child and adult as both are actively involved in the class. Tasks and activities are kept short as one activity blends into the next, ensuring the children stay focused. Each week is themed (e.g. Magical World, Clown Day, PJ Party, Disguise Day etc) which informs the content of the games and creative activities for the class. Themes also provide the opportunity for children and adults to dress up as much or as little as they want to. This class aims to provide the building blocks for future involvement in a range of activities, not only circus. Fun, creativity, coordination, strength, flexibility, community involvement and communication are emphasized.

Scarves, hoops, juggling balls and other manipulation equipment are used at the start of the class for children to play with whilst listening to music. The class begins with a circle in which each participant does a name jump and creative name signs based on the theme of the week. Creative games and activities that teach and introduce circus skills are also conducted. Approximately half way through the class there is a short five minute break for students to have a drink and for the trainers to set up an activity circuit.

The second half of the class consists of rhythm and movement games and then the circuit. Trainers demonstrate the circuit activities and then the students have a go at them all. Circuit activities include rocket jumps, plate / soft ball balancing, tunnels, trapeze swing, handstands on the wall, mini tramp, handstand forward rolls and many more interesting, challenging and rewarding activities!

5 to 7 year old classes

Unlike the 3-5’s, the 5-7’s are unaccompanied by parents in class. More attention is focused on how the children work as a team, which encourages responsibility, trust and inclusiveness. Whilst it is a fast paced class like the 3-5’s, a higher level of focus is expected as the length of the sessions on equipment and skills are increased. Multiple skills and longer routines are performed, developing strength, concentration and memory. Children are increasingly encouraged to articulate their experiences and offer positive feedback on each others’ performance. Each week the classes are themed allowing the students to dress up and enter a new, exciting and playful world.

Manipulation equipment such as juggling balls, hoola hoops and diabolo’s are available at the start of class for children to play with whilst listening to music. Starting off in a circle, playing a creative name game and further creative games allow the students to warm up properly. The class is then divided into two groups to allow for increased focus on the task at hand. Starting the class off with the children being able to run and play games uses some of their natural energy which allows them to be more focused throughout the rest of the class.

There is a short break for a drink while the trainers set up the activity circuit which will be used later in the class. The trainers then demonstrate the circuit activities and the students do them all. The class concludes in a finishing circle allowing the students than take turns in saying what they enjoyed the most about the class.

8 to 12 year old classes

The 8-12’s class utilizes structures from the previous classes to build on current skills and help the transition into the youth (12-25yo) classes. The 8-12’s class is more focused on perfecting and building upon current skills. However, beginners are welcome as all skill levels are catered for throughout the class.

The class starts with a name game in the circle, warm up – which includes revision of shapes and conditioning exercises each week, allowing new students to quickly gain the language and older students to take in more technical information. Students are challenged in a fun atmosphere to build their trust, take risks in a safe environment, build friendships within the group and promote wellbeing.

At the discretion and under the supervision of the trainers, more responsibility is given to students, such as moving and packing up equipment, lowering aerial equipment, running warm-ups and working on gear independently. At this age, more involved and slightly longer performance-making tasks will be offered, utilizing children’s creativity and skills.