Kiddipedia
The benefits of circus extend way beyond wide eyes, happy grins and popcorn-filled bellies. Circus has a positive effect on kids and adults alike long after the curtain closes and the tent has been dismantled.
Taking children to see live performance has been shown to improve cultural and literary understanding as well as emotional and social outcomes such as tolerance and empathy. Circus is a unique type of performance because of the combination of spectacle, athleticism and narrative. Circus can present many diverse ideas all at once and allows the audience to engage with as little or as much as they choose.
Circus Oz, Australia’s leading contemporary circus company has been performing shows nationally and internationally for almost forty years. The company’s all-human performances combine stunning circus, live music and social commentary and comedy. Social messages presented in this way can encourage children to analyse and discuss the world they live in a way that engages the individual. Parents can encourage this discussion by asking questions relating to he performance – “What did that story remind you of in your life?” “What do you think the character was feeling when they performed that trick?” or “How did that music make you feel?”
Circus is a truly diverse and international community – the different artforms and skills encourage diversity and promote the idea of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. A circus is the perfect place to introduce children to real, approachable role models who represent a diverse range of physicality and identities. People of all genders with healthy, strong bodies, who have gained success through hard work and commitment., and have often overcome adversity themselves. Kids can look up to the performers and think, “I could do that.”
The benefits of a circus experience can extend beyond the performance to circus classes and workshops where kids can learn the very skills they witness on stage, gain confidence, stay healthy and improve fine motor skills. Circus Oz is committed to sharing these benefits of circus and works with children and adults in a range of classes and community engagement programs.
The beauty of circus for us parents is that we can gain all the same benefits as our kids – it’s a genuinely multi-generational experience and one that creates lasting memories and traditions for families. There’s no denying that a circus show is equally as eye-opening, mind-boggling and memorable no matter what age you are. And everyone likes popcorn, right?
Circus Oz’s new show Model Citizens is on in Melbourne this winter and we are giving you the chance to win one of two family passes so you can share in the benefits of circus yourself.
To Enter Our Giveaway click here
Circus Oz presents Model Citizens
Under the heated Big Top, Birrarung Marr
20 June – 16 July
Tickets $30 – 95 through Ticketek
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CIRCUSOZ17
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