First Bit of Social Circus

"L’École de cirque de Verdun is a non-profit organization dedicated to the training and development of circus arts. The school acknowledges the universality of circus arts for their privileged contribution to the expression of a better world based on solidarity, mutual aid, and self-accomplishment, where young and old of diverse social, cultural and ethnic environments thrive."

The children sit cross legged, faces painted, hardly able to contain their excitement. Giggles erupt in small spouts from little girls and boys awaiting their moment to shine on the tight rope, trapeze, trampoline and more. It is 30 minutes til show time. Under Pressure is played, which seems ironic to me as I stifle my own giggle, but the kids don't seem to feel any pressure. They sing along in gibberish, as most of them favor French, as they stand beginning to jog in place facing the center of the matted stage area. This old ice rink has been converted into a full circus center. With areas designated for acrobatics, dance, juggling, aerials and the like- the space is an adventure waiting to happen. The counselors and teachers are in the middle demonstrating their warm-ups. They too seem unable to contain their enthusiasm both for this show, and the kids themselves. High knees, frog jumps- the pre-show warm up show has begun. I sit on the stands alone noticing just how different these kids seem from the babbling hyperactive ones that arrived just two weeks ago.

I have had the pleasure of observing this summer camp at Cirque Verdun for the past two weeks. If there is one thing I don't know too much about yet its circus education for kids. Oh yes, I've taught dance, acting, art, sports, hell I've even taught Hebrew which I don't even know to kids from 4-16, but not circus. Not yet anyways! I decided to begin my trip with this observation to set a precedent for myself, to grasp what circus education can look like.

The first thing you notice about this camp is the communal feel. They go to great lengths to create tradition and fun for the campers. With call and response songs, warm-ups, and a fun filled schedule I often find that I am wishing I was 10 again so I could go to this camp! I want to jump on the trampoline, learn the devil sticks, and walk around on stilts! They split up by age group to learn for the majority of the day, bouncing around to each station: trampoline, tumbling, balance, aerials, dance, juggling, and more. 

While there is so much to say about this school and how it inspires me, how is confirms in my mind that Social Circus really does work, I'll just say one thing. Through interviews with kids, counselors, directors, and founders at this school I have found a true team. A team of people who believe in what they do. A portion of the day is dedicated to human pyramids and making shapes with the other campers. Watching the enthusiastic francophone children learn how to climb up one another sums up why Social Circus is important. They learn to trust their partners and their groups to hold them. They learn to trust themselves to balance. They learn to work in a team, truly supporting one another, all the while improving their own strength and stamina to keep working at this art form. I venture to say that it is powerful to watch the delight on their faces when they accomplish a shape and graduate to the next.

Seemingly to further my complete euphoria with this experience, I notice another studio on the other side of the rink. Studio B. Peeking in I notice some extremely buff men climbing a pole. They seem to just be shooting the shit as they nonchalantly run up the pole with lightning speed and do back flips back to the ground. All like it's easy or something! In another corner of the studio there is a woman working on a trapeze, pumping out pull up after pull up. In yet another corner there is a man holding a woman's hand above his head as she does a one armed hand stand (hand to hand as it is called.) My eyes finally falls on the label and I realize suddenly I am watch MY FAVORITE CIRCUS COMPANY REHEARSE. Les 7 doigts de la main circus is known for its spunk, collaborative genius, theatrical portrayal of intriguing characters, and unique shows. PSY their hit show on mental illness is particularly interesting to me. I am taken back by how their shows always have a message and always inspire the audience to take action. Here is a video of them so you can get a taste of what I got to watch! Many of the people from this video we're rehearsing at times I watched. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOkWUjHPRqg&feature=related

I find it interesting that the Cirque Verdun School and The 7 Fingers circus are housed in one building. How beautiful to see with your own eyes just how far a child can go in circus if she or he puts their mind to it. What a little Social Circus can do!