Stilt walking, juggling and plate spinning…all part of the recent circus experience at Stewart School. Students trained with the National Circus Project to master various feats of circus arts during physical education periods. The Westbury-based National Circus Project (NCP), is an educational, physical fitness outreach and cultural arts program to train individuals of all ages in the fine art of circus talent. NCP is one of the longest running circus education companies in the world and is staffed by circus professionals.
During the week-long program, now in its third year at Stewart School, all grades were coached in different circus arts. Stations were set-up around the gymnasium for children to practice various skills, such as balancing on a rolling globe (ball) while spinning a 4-foot ribbon; tossing devil sticks or a “diabolo” into the air to be caught by a nearby classmate; gingerly walking around on stilts; synchronized skating on a rip stick or just plain “clowning” around while playing tug of rope with an imagery rope. Stewart School’s two physical education teachers, Crystal Boyd and Laura Burke, supervised the program.
“This is such a confidence builder for the children,” said Boyd of the program. “They are engaged in activities they have seen at the circus. It is a great way to improve their eye-hand coordination, their balance and agility.”
By the end of the week, the fifth graders performed their own version of the “Greatest Show on Earth” to an audience of parents and friends. The fifth graders were coached every day in their selected circus art, with practice time devoted beyond the school day for those children who opted to take home their props to hone their skills. To prepare for the big show, fifth grade parents helped tie-dye tee shirts, and Melissa Pashayan, Stewart School’s art teacher, helped children create circus themed posters to decorate the gymnasium.
The 90-minute performance was a masterful display of showmanship and determination. The fifth-graders, 176 in total, took center stage in groups designated by circus art to showcase their creativity, balance, juggling and coordination. Burke commented about the show: “I love watching the smiles on the children’s faces. They are able to master things they thought were impossible a week ago. I’m proud of how they worked together as a team to put on a great show for their parents.” One of NCP’s artist instructors who coached the students, Liam Selvey, echoed this feeling, saying, “Having done this type of training for years, I’ve seen how circus arts really inspire children to work with each other in a noncompetitive way. It also helps with team building and active problem solving, and let’s not forget, it’s fun.”
Linda Norton, Stewart School principal, wrapped up the evening by congratulating the fifth graders for an awe-inspiring and entertaining show. The circus experience is certain to be long remembered by Stewart School’s 2015 fifth grade class.
