High hopes for school circus program

A NEW program will see children take to the air while learning acrobatic and performance skills at Circus Arts Byron Bay.

The eight-week program has been introduced by popular demand for home-schooled children from the age of seven to 12.

It includes static trapeze, trampoline, tumbling and partner acrobatics among other activities.

The program will culminate with a performance show to be held in front of family and friends.

About 18 children have joined the initial class, and there are plans to extend it to two days a week.

Circus Arts general manager Belinda Hultgren said the plan will be to run the program four times a year during each school term.

“We had a few families reach out to see if there was something we

could offer for the home school kids,” she said.

 

“It’s worked out perfectly; there was a gap during the day where we were able to accommodate it before the after school program.”

Ms Hultgren spent 10 years travelling around the country as a circus performer.

She returned home to Byron Bay a few years ago and has a passion for teaching children.

She opened the first indoor flying trapeze rig and circus venue offering classes for all ages and abilities.

The home school program runs with four coaches and is aimed at exploring performance, movement and play to develop unique skills.

“It is a creative and physical program tailored to suit each individual,” Ms Hultgren said.

“Some kids love the aerial work while others enjoy the performance and artistic side to it.”

Anyone interested can still join in time for the next session, which will be held on Monday, February 10.

The Term 2 program runs from Monday, April 28.

Visit circusarts.com.au for class times and schedule.