Syosset’s Baylis Elementary School was transformed into The Baylis Big Top last month. This fun-filled circus week, in its 19th year, was sponsored by the Baylis PTA with the help of physical education teachers Mr. Schanars, Mr. St. John and Ms. Pick.
Grades K-5 were involved in this event under the guidance of The National Circus Project. The National Circus Project is a foundation whose mission is to teach children the unique cultural traditions of circus arts.
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The week began with a circus assembly for the whole school. This assembly introduced circus skills such as balancing, devil sticks, diabolos, plate spinning and stilts. The children later learned these skills in workshops held during gym classes throughout the week. The fifth graders practiced diligently every day in school and at home to prepare for their much anticipated circus performance held at the end of the week.
On one day in particular, the gymnasium was transformed into the Baylis Big Top by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. Art teacher Vicky Deletrain, teacher assistant Ms. Venuti and all the Baylis students contributed circus-themed artwork to adorn the walls. Kindergarten through fourth grade students came dressed in circus shirts they made at home. The fifth-graders, dressed in circus costumes made in art class, put on a circus spectacular for Baylis students, staff and fifth grade parents. The fifth grade circus included balancers, clowns, devil sticks, diabolos, jugglers, plate spinners and stilt walkers. It was truly amazing to see such stage presence and skill after only one week of practice.
