In Flingern, Dusseldorf, children get a chance for an authentic circus experience
Kim's Worries Eased
Kim can take a deep breath, her daughter won't be whipping up a spinning plate act in their kitchen any time soon. "That sure wouldn't work," Josephine chimed in, "To pull off a plate-spinning act, you gotta have a bloody hole in the plate." Eleven-year-old Josephine picked up this trick during a visit by the "Cologne Games Circus" at the Icklack youth center in Düsseldorf Flingern South. She, along with 19 other kids, took part in a five-day circus workshop culminating in a performance.
Part of the Holiday Program
The circus workshop was part of a three-week holiday program at the Flingern community center. "We also had a week focused on grub," shares Lidya Dorsey-Scheurenberg, "We cooked meals from various nations and dived into cultural diversity."
From Clowning to Fire Breathing
Sofie, a sports scientist, and Robin, an acrobat, brought heaps of action. They taught the youngsters the basics of various art forms, and practiced the essential moves with them. This included juggling, acrobatics, clowning, pyrotechnics, and much more. "I discovered new games like Diabolo and Flowersticks," reveals Josephine. "It wasn't rocket science." Kayla's newfound proficiency in Flowersticks shone at the final performance, where she showcased her juggling act alongside Isra and Jonna for friends, family, and community center employees.
Growing Like a Team
Josephine didn't bat an eyelash when it came to performing. Others, however, were a tad more cautious about the grand finale. "We barely knew the kids, and the kids were strangers to each other too," remarks psychologist Dorsey-Scheurenberg. "It was a sight to behold how quickly the kids turned into a real team, found their footing, and delivered their performances with unmatched enthusiasm for the individual exercises." Apparently, some of the kids had never set foot in a circus before, only knowing it from the screen. Yet, every participant yearned for this experience, and each one grew positively throughout the journey. In essence: The Flingern community center's children's circus project was a pedagogically rewarding endeavor. "If there's another circus workshop, I'm all in again," declares Josephine. "It was an absolute blast."
Enrichment Insights:Creating a plate spinning act on a stick for a circus performance requires careful preparation and practice. Here's how to craft a mesmerizing plate spinning act:
Preparation of the Plate:- Drill a Hole: Use a ceramic or plastic plate to drill a hole in the center, so you can attach a string or a stick for spinning. Ensure the plate can withstand the drilling process.- Attach a Stick: Insert a stick or rod through the hole, securing it with glue, tape, or wire to prevent it from coming loose during the performance.- Weight the Plate (Optional): For added stability, add weight to the underside of the plate by gluing a small metal washer or a coin.
Spinning Technique:- Hold the Stick Correctly: Hold the stick with one hand, positioning it so the plate is at the desired height for spinning.- Start Spinning: Flick your wrist to start the plate spinning, aiming for enough speed to balance the plate on the stick. Adopt a gentle touch to maintain control.- Maintain the Spin: Using smooth, gentle movements, keep the plate spinning by moving your hand up and down or rotating your body to adjust the spin.- Advanced Techniques: - Multi-Plate Spinning: Try spinning multiple plates on sticks, moving back and forth to keep each plate spinning. - Plate Transfers: Practice transferring the spinning plate from one hand to another, adding a dynamic touch to your performance.
Tips for a Successful Performance:- Practice in a Safe Space: Ensure you have enough room to move around without causing harm or accidents.- Use Unbreakable Plates: If using actual ceramic plates, opt for unbreakable practice plates made of paper or plastic for enhanced safety.- Focus on Timing: Timing is crucial when spinning multiple plates. Regular practice helps develop your coordination and timing skills.
Despite the initial uncertainty, the children swiftly adapted and cohesively formed a team, showcasing diverse skills they learned in the home-and-garden segment, including Flowersticks, at the final performance. With determination and practice, Josephine envisions incorporating the plate-spinning act, which requires meticulous preparation and precision as part of her anticipated lifestyle in a future circus act.
