Dargaville’s Circus Kumarani are always at the forefront of entertainment during local events; recently they have brought their brand of creative and dynamic art to schoolrooms in the west Kaipara.
“It’s within the physical education curriculum, but we’re teaching more than just motor skills,” says circus manager Tania Whetū. “While helping kids get confident with circus arts like the flower sticks, poi, hoops and juggling, we’re also teaching respect and perseverance.”
Selwyn Park School was the first to enjoy a series of classes with Circus Kumarani, followed by Te Kopuru Primary School. The response from pupils has been phenomenal, says Tania. She’s also pleased to report that several teachers have also bravely given circus skills a try.
“It’s important for kids to see that these kinds of skills are difficult for everyone at first, no matter their age, but that with practise, anything is possible,” she says, praising the can-do attitude of local educators for giving it a try.
The next round of funding via the Ministry of Education to include Circus Kumarani in the school curriculum is open soon. Tania urges teachers to apply now to take advantage of this unique opportunity in the community. Even better, high school students can count this form of self confidence boosting education toward their NCEA credits.
Tania and the Circus Kumarani team are in big demand despite the change of seasons. As well as their work in schools, the group are planning pop-up events through July, culminating in a Matariki spectacular in cooperation with the Dargaville Community Development Board. Wednesday nights are now also drawing in with early sunsets prompting a new round of fire juggling and spinning classes each week from 5.30pm in Onslow Street, open to the public.
Date Published 8 June 2021
Author Andy Bryenton, Kaipara Lifestyler