Pupils and staff at Beech Lodge School are juggling, unicycling and tumbling their way to lessons as the Lunar Circus has come for 2 weeks to teach us the tricks of their trade. We have 8 international circus artistes/trainers working with us, a big top in the grounds and our sports hall has been transformed into a circus tent. We are also holding a public event of circus workshops, demonstrations and fun at the Mayhem Family Circus Festival on Saturday 11th May 10am – 2pm at the school.
Old school friends Matt Yates, Director of Lunar Circus and our Proprietor Daniela Shanly came up with the idea for the pupils to experience all the thrills of being in a circus whilst on holiday together last year. “Matt created the Western Australian Circus Festival and Lunar Circus teaching project which is now one of the largest in the circus world and he wanted to bring it the UK,” said Daniela “We thought it would be an amazing opportunity for international performers and trainers to come over and open our children’s eyes to life in the circus. We are collapsing the curriculum to focus everything on the topic of circus and the children will learn every aspect of this unique theatrical event, from its history, putting up a big top, rigging, learning performance skills to putting on The Greatest Show on Earth”.
Many of our children struggle with their confidence and anxiety and we think this is a wonderful way to help our children gain confidence and become involved – and who knows, maybe it will inspire some of them into a career in the circus!
