Circus Kumarani embarked upon its 18th year of teaching performance and circus arts to youngsters this week, with the aim of boosting confidence and self-esteem.
“We’ll be debuting a children’s class and a youth class, and we’re going to be doing all the circus skills we can while social distancing,” says Kumarani’s Tania Whētu, aware of Covid Omicron restrictions.
That means plenty of fun, learning juggling, balance, unicycle, hoops and more, in a programme that has educated and entertained Dargaville locals since 2004. Tania says that many of the people now attending are in the second generation; they attended as children, and now their children are keen to get involved.
“Especially now we know that our young people have had a lot of cancellations, a lot of screen time and anxiety during the pandemic, this is a good way to reconnect, to build self confidence, and engage,” says Tania.
Class sizes are small, so there is one-on-one tuition, and patrons will find that it’s not a competitive environment. The philosophy of the circus arts is to improve at your own pace, so there are no gradings, exams or tests. Students can show off what they have learned in a live performance setting when it’s comfortable for them and when they are ready.
At the same time, Tania reiterates that these are skills for life, and the confidence built by realising that you are able to juggle, walk the balance wire or ride a unicycle can spill over into other areas, with a positive impact. Classes begin this week, but enrolments are still open via circuskumarani.co.nz.
February 8th 2022
Author Andy Bryenton - Kaipara Lifestyler