Circus classes - the new yoga?

Wellington Circus Trust Press Release

Circus classes - the new yoga?

Wellingtonians are showing more and more interest in circus activities especially aerial work which includes trapeze and tissu. Limited circus classes have been around in the capital for a while but both availability and demand have soared in the last year.

In January the newly-formed Wellington Circus Trust ran an intensive summer programme at Te Whaea National Dance and Drama School. Over 50 people took part and all expressed enthusiasm for further classes. Due to this popularity the Trust is planning to run 6 aerial classes, one circus-fit class and one acrobalance/ acrobatics class over March and April.

Circus classes are usually very supportive and social. They allow people to have fun, improve their fitness and body awareness, build up strength (especially core strength) and gain flexibility. Many people are cautious of circus activities thinking that it is a bit scary or that it requires previous skill but once they try the classes they quickly find that there are plenty of tricks that look impressive but can be mastered relatively quickly and performed safely.

This semester is also especially exciting. With the return of experienced producer, director and performer, Deborah Pope, to New Zealand WCT is able to offer classes at a level that provides professional development for people who are already seasoned performers. Wellington is privileged to have a number of talented aerialists who perform in the local community and corporate events in Wellington and often around the country. Many of them took part in the recent production of Maui.

Wellington Circus Trust is a Charitable Trust which was formed on 23 December 05 to foster a thriving circus recreational and performance community in Wellington (a complete list of Aims is on the website). It is hoped that the trust will provide a focus for circus activities within Wellington.

The Trust gratefully acknowledges MJF Lighting and Te Whaea without whose support neither the Summer School or the on-going classes would be possible.

People interested in circus classes should check out www.circus.org.nz or e-mail circus@mcnaughty.com for more information or phone Eileen McNaughton on 021 512 753

ENDS

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