During the 2012 Festival we will be starting our days with a sessions called
SPIRIT OF THE CIRCUS
The Spirit of the Circus is a 45 minute session held at the start of each day. A theme for the day is introduced, participants are given time to share their perspectives on this theme and then a whole group warm-up follows. Any housekeeping for the festival is also announced during this time.
Past themes have included:
- How to enourage:
inclusivity, safety, non competitiveness, respect, daring, emotional and intellectual growth, self esteem. - How to manage:
Young bodies and minds undergoing development in a circus environment, Behaviour management, Relationship of a youth circus to the community and schools.
In 2012 we will offer 3 x 45 minute “Spirit of the Circus” sessions.
So far suggestions for future themes are:
1. Pro-active creation of youth circus culture.
2. Pedagogical frameworks for circus.
3. Developing motivation.
4. Sharing of new games.
Do you have any suggestions for the ‘Spirit of the Circus’ sessions?
· What have you thought of past ‘Spirit of the Circus’ sessions?
· Can you suggest some over arching themes?
· Who do you think would be fantastic facilitators for one of these sessions and why?
· What Game/physical activities might work well in this type of sessions?
WOW! 2012 will be my first Catapult and I think Spirit of the Circus sounds so exciting, inclusive and fun. What a great way to start each morning!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of begining each day with a theme - how about developing creativity, imagination and a higher level of 'PLAY'.
Ideas of games & physical activities -
1) The group sit. Standing in a circle, all facing the person in front, everyone sits on the person behinds knees!
2) Eyes closed, music begins to play - let the music speak to you and dance as if no one is watching
3) Chanting, yoga, stretching, trust activities would work well
You are right 'Anonymous', it will be exciting. It is a very interesting session to attend.
ReplyDeletePerhaps furthering the development of a cooperative culture within youth Circus companies. Something the like the role of rules perhaps, or common understandings, or the way we do things around here: In Circus West we promote two rules only (within the rule bound structure of schools as they are). 1. is to share (what you have and what you know, everyone is expected to teach); 2. is to respect (yourself, the gear, others). Seems to have worked well for the last 20 years!
Hi Paul and Annon,
ReplyDeleteIt will be my first Catapult as well. I have send young artists and trainers from Cirkidz here but never attended myself.
Spirit of the Circus - perhaps an opening discussion around what that is for us? I think it is a bit about doing as well as talking. Lets 'do' together. I like the emphasis on PLAY Annon. Lets play together. As Jacques Lecoq says: "The body knows things of which the brain is ignorant"
A suzuki stomp or sitting statues to awaken the body and give us focus and greater awareness?
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by the "Pedagogical frameworks for circus." I think with a kinesthetic experience like circus its always an interesting consideration to how we pass on skills and help young people develop these areas. I havent been able to experience much circus training yet myself, but i just wonder would it be helpful for practioners and teachers to develop and share their approaches when it comes to this.
ReplyDeleteIs there a need for disciplined linear progression ? Do they find it effective to teach a grab bag of tricks and just let people play? what works and what doesnt...
Id maybe like to see some discussion on that? if not through Spirit of Circus, in some other aspect of Catapult.
I think that "spirt of circus" will set the scene, expectations, outlook....for particpants. Remembering there will be a diverse range of experiences, ages and backgrounds. I feel it is very important for growing and developing youth circus participants, not to feel put down or inhibited by or overwhelmed by "more experienced" groups/companies BUT inspired and motivated. In the diverse range of youth circus programs in australia, there are groups where there is a pre-requisite to enter companies, and there are groups that have evolved as a more "social Cirus model" ect. I think Catapult has a role to set a culture from the start of the festival that acknowledges this. Cheers Jill
ReplyDelete