Circa Interview
Written by Emily Cowley
Workshop/Training In Preview
Send in the clowns, or if you prefer, train yourself up as a clown and then send yourself in. I give you ... CIRCA!
What is CIRCA in a nutshell? Circa is two things. A professional performance ensemble and a training centre for adults and children (approximately two-thirds adults, one-third children).
Why should people get involved? Is this life changing? Hilarious? Painful? Throw some adjectives at me.
All of the above. Our circus classes are for people looking for something a bit different. A unique challenge. The great thing about circus is that everyone can find their niche. There is success to be found in all skills. It's a great social setting. All training is done in a safe way, but there is still pain (but you get used to it), because you are hanging off metal or rolling around in microfibre.
Who is the team behind CIRCA and what are their credentials? Should we trust them when we're on the highwire?
The team behind the training centre starts with me, the training centre manager. I have a background in teaching/ performing gymnastics and acrobatics and juggling all over the world. I've also been a high school maths teacher and university tutor so have a lot of experience in education. The trainers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some started in youth circuses like the flying fruit fly circus and spaghetti circus, and others started as adults in various settings.
How is CIRCA different to other training classes? What are the pros and cons?
Circus is about working with your body with different apparatus. Sometimes that is just the ground you walk on, other times it's hanging from a trapeze. Circa classes are about challenging your body and mind. About sharing this wonderful world of circus with anyone and everyone. Pros: physical exercise, challenging, goal setting, social, a bit different, fun, engaging, great community. Cons: I'm probably biased, but I can't think of any.
Some stories about past participants please.
We've had many go into professional careers in circus after starting at Circa but circus classes aren't just about becoming a performer, some people just love the physicality. And you're never too old. We had a guy who is 51 start last year and he's still going, and for one term last year we had a woman in her 60s start with us. We've also had children start circus and continue into adult classes because they just love it.
CIRCA Term 1 Classes commence on February 1 and run until March 28 2010. Classes are located in Fortitude Valley and Bracken Ridge.
