Have you ever fantasised about being part of the circus when you were younger? Swinging on the trapeze, effortlessly showing off your acrobatic skills? If you would love to learn exhilarating tricks while you fly in the air, you can actually try it out without needing to give up your current life and running away with the nearest travelling troupe.
www.flipsidecircus.org.au
If you know deep down that you are born to entertain and want to relive a childhood fantasy or if your children are excited about the idea, circus schools in Brisbane are available for the whole family. Not only will it bring out your inner child, circus schools can be part of a fitness regime as well which means you can have fun AND stay fit without going to the gym. See below for some options in Brisbane:
1)
Flipside Training Centre
www.flipsidecircus.org.au
Flipside specialises in children and young people with an artist in residence program for people who actually perform in the circus. Located in Alderley, Brisbane, they have a Kinder Circus Program open to kids from 18 months to 6 years – you can never start them too early! Skills learnt include co-ordination, acrobatics, climbing, tumbling, juggling and aerials.
For older beginners, there is a young beginner class for people over 6 to 18. A 9 week course on Mondays cost $376.20 and a 10 week course on Wednesdays, and Thursdays cost $418. The classes last two hours and are perfect for young people wanting to learn how to juggle, tumble and master the hoops. There are special lessons on Saturdays which include the flying trapeze.
If you are over 18, do not despair – there are adult classes as well on Tuesdays after working hours to help you achieve an optimum level of fitness while having fun. If you prefer one-on-one attention and privacy, private classes are available too.
2)
Circus Arts
circusarts.com.au
Circus Arts has a great 10m outdoor flying trapeze with weekly sessions for ages over 5. Popular with corporate team-building events and children's parties, the flying trapeze can be booked for one-off events. There is a safety harness and net available to soothe the worries of those who are afraid of falling. Classes run on Saturday and Sundays at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. A casual class costs $60 or 5 casual classes at $195. Each class lasts 1.5 hours and you will be offered a minimum of 5 swings and catches, just like the trapeze acts you watch in circus performances! In no time at all you will master the knee hang, back flip to the net and the catch like in the circus!
3)
Circa
Circa is an actual touring company that has toured to 24 countries across 5 continents since 2006. With amazing masterpieces performed across the world, who knows where you may end up after your hard work and practice (they are performing in France and Germany for the rest of 2013). Circa runs classes in the Fortitude Valley from beginners to professionals. If you would like to try it out just for fitness, they run circa fit classes working on core, cardio, flexibility and strength.
So instead of dreaming about running away with visiting circus acts and living the nomadic lifestyle, try it out in Brisbane first to see if the circus life is for you.
