A workshop normally starts with the instructor(s) showing each bit of equipment that will be used, how to get going on them, how to play safely, and we will also show off a few tricks on each. Then it's your turn to have a go at everything while we go around teaching one-to-one or small groups. At the end of the workshop the participants have the option to create and perform in their very own circus show, choosing to use whichever pieces of equipment they got on with best.
Learning Circus Skills can be enormously beneficial for general well-being and hand-eye coordination, leaving a great sense of achievement. It is well documented that this kind of activity promotes activity on both sides of the brain and can be beneficial in many ways for body and mind. People are invariably amazed at what they are able to achieve in just one session. Our workshops aim to develop people's skills, but their confidence and self-belief is also given a boost which is often carried on into other aspects of life. Learning Circus Skills together is also great for team-building.
The workshops work very well both indoors and out, and we have entertained small and large groups alike in various settings, from ages 3 - 103! Great for schools and clubs, private parties, guides and brownies circus skills badges, team building and corporate fun-days. Below are more details about all the skills we teach in a session...
What we teach :
juggling
If you ever wanted to learn how to juggle three balls (or more) now is your chance!
Our teachers have devised a system that should have most of you juggling in 30 minutes with a bit of practise. Juggling clubs are also available for the more adventurous...
spinning plates
There is the easy way to spin plates... and then there is the harder way! We will teach you how to get your plates spinning in no time, and then get them to spin on your fingers, thrown up the air and caught, see how many you can get going in one hand etc....
diabolo
Ahh the diabolo, a toy which nowadays needs little introduction as they are becoming increasingly popular everywhere. Tophat tutors are diabiolo pros, and if you would like to get going on the diabolo, or want to learn very advanced tricks (even two at once!) then we are the guys to teach you!
flower sticks
Flower sticks are related to what have been called devil sticks, but with a rather nicer name. They have very grippy silicon hand-sticks too so the flower stick can be thrown about and caught in many different ways. Excellent for hand-eye coordination.
spinning staff
A great way to show how a pole (eg. broomstick!) can be used to stunnig visual effect. With elements of martial arts, the staff quickly builds confidence and you'll soon find spinning very addictive! Can also be done with fire staffs (not during our workshop!)
poi
Ever-popular, the poi is derived from a traditional Maori excercise and dance in New Zealand. Great fun for any age, you will soon be amazed at how good you are at swinging things about your head. Again, once mastered people often go on to spin fire poi.
pedalgo
Deceptively tricky at first, these little four-wheeled devices will have you finding your balance in no time and doing whacky races in the show at the end of the session.... whilst spinning a plate at the same time???
rolabola
These tricksome circus toys require a fine balance to stay on top. Seemingly difficult at first, once you've found your balance it is excellent fun. Best learnt with a partner to stabilise you, they are very popular with skate-boarders and surfers for some reason!
unicycle
This has to be the hardest skill to master, and we only recommend trying to do this if you dont mind spending a fair bit of time picking yourself up off the floor! As with all our equipment, you will be shown the best way to get started, but there's no substitute for practise!
tightrope
The tight-rope is an optional extra as it requires a little longer set-up time, but people of all ages quikly overcome their fear (it's only 2 feet off the ground) and under our guidance you will soon find you have more balance in you than you ever knew!
|
