Running Away to Join the Circus

Over the weekend, we visited the Grand Opening of The Circus Place in Hillsborough. They are teaching circus arts to children in a non-competitive environment. It was pointed out to me by a staff member that 'mistakes are the road to learning' and there is a cooperative effort as the kids work together. Nice, right?

Every staff member we came in contact with was patient and genuinely interested in giving the kids a taste of the equipment and skills that can be learned. My kids were inspired, wanting a tightrope in the yard and more juggling paraphenalia. The space is nice and new, and so is the equipment.

From years of having kids with a certain set of challenges, help from various professional therapists and voracious reading on the subjects, I could see so many benefits of the activities being offered here. From a sensory standpoint, most activities brought real awareness to where your body is in space. The hand-eye coordination that can be taught and developed is so important for solid function in everyday activities. I watched my kids very carefully and noticed that balance, core strength, coordination and focus were all addressed by the activities presented. Saying that the kids were engrossed and having fun is an understatement.

Ethan had an encounter with Craig Quat, the director of the program, that gave me chills. As far as I am concerned, he's a genius with extrodinary gifts and someone I want my boys around.

To understand what he was doing with Ethan, watch the video here.

To understand the kind of people we are talking about here, check out....

This is an exceptional group of people, I could feel it in the room. I am really excited about the prospect of my kids developing such interesting and productive skills. The boys want to know when they start.

Although I am generally opposed to 'school' - this one seems just perfect for us.