Local kids got the chance to learn some new tricks last week when a proudly First Nations-led circus ensemble from regional Queensland brought their skills to the Champion Centre.
Circa Cairns visited Armadale on Wednesday as part of their Perth residency for their latest show, THE WET.
During the residency, Circa Cairns took the opportunity to partner with CIRCUS WA and offer a series of community-centered workshops.
These workshops were designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing, foster teamwork and creativity, and build confidence.
Around 30 local kids aged between 8-13 got the chance to work on a variety of skills, including mini trampoline, partner acro, hula hoops, devil sticks, stilts, trapeze and silks.
Kids worked one-on-one with the Circus Cairns and CIRCUS WA trainers, and there was plenty of fun and laughter reverberating around the room.
Aboriginal Youth Circus also runs an afterschool program each Wednesday at the Champion Centre for kids aged eight years old and above.
The program encourages a connection to Country and culture through art, music, dance and stories.
Guiding this program is Aboriginal contemporary dance artist, Moopa (Ian) Wilkes, supported by circus trainers who are trained in Social Circus.
“We are developing a troupe of Aboriginal youth with circus and dance skills underpinned by a sense of belonging. The program facilitates sharing of cultural knowledge and skills between generations and lets our creative stories and cultural knowledge come together.” Program Director Ian Wilkes said.
For more information on the program, email samantha@circuswa.com
Photographs – Richard Polden.
