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Circus Workshop
OK, I admit it I can’t juggle. If there’s a juggling
gene, mine’s missing. Even more annoyingly, I’m
surrounded by people who can. I understand the concept, but
suffer performance anxiety at that crucial ‘third ball’
moment. Even my six year old is laughing at my feeble efforts.
I need help and I need it now. Luckily, today it’s close
at hand as a circus skills workshop takes place in the beautiful
setting of Baxter’s Field. The event, organised by Katie
Smith, in conjunction with Duff from the Brighton based Trickswop
Workshop, is primarily aimed at children, but everyone will
be encouraged to take part. Apparently juggling incompetents
like myself, are taught to juggle with scarves first, before
progressing to a whole variety of objects. Under the watchful
eye of Abby, who makes many of the circus props on show, you’ll
discover the aerodynamic qualities of diablos, devil sticks,
poi (that’s a bean-bag on a string to you and me) and
of course my bete-noire, the balls.
And there’s more. An undoubted highlight of the day
will be the tightrope walking lessons. Katie will display
and pass on the secrets of the art, working on a rope 2ft
from the ground – so there’s no easy excuse for
vertigo sufferers. Apparently, wearing old ballet shoes helps.
There will also be lessons in stilt walking and balancing
on large inflatable balls, whilst face painting and balloon
animal making will keep the younger one’s amused. Get
down there… NW
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