There are so many ways for children to play, learn, grown and build their strength. We love this blog from Russell, who is a chiropractor at Smart Health Training and Services

Cirkidz, what an opportunity!  A dad’s perspective.

It has been weeks of rehearsal, a big build up, Cirkidz performers are ready, a large crowd gathers, the stage is ready, lighting dulled, music crafted and cued, the production, begins!  A masterful choreograph of, juggling, acrobatics, hula-hoop, trampoline, trapeze, and contortion combine to tell a story beyond the performance.  I watch in awe, pride wells, tears tumble and a smile forms. Creative expression from these amazing kids are on display; confidence, determination, resilience, strength and above all, a powerful sense of internal self worth. I am forever indebted to Cirkidz for their part in instilling these fine qualities and skills in our children.

There’s the training we can’t get to quick enough after school with excited chatter in the back seat from the ‘Cirkidz’ I have picked up along the road to Bowden filling the car.  The ‘kidz’ return, covered in sweat, exhausted yet exhilarated and on the drive home achievements are discussed, difficulties resolved, and they eagerly await the next class.  At home an endless thud of juggling balls on floor boards resonate through the house, constant forward rolls on the carpet and cleaning the walls of foot prints as hand stands are practiced. The growth of the Little Tackerz into an elite troupe member is a subtle evolution that expresses itself on performance days and long after the lights of Cirkidz have been turned off for the night.

Cirkidz promo: We, The Unseen from Rory Noke on Vimeo.

Cirkidz supports the child as a whole, acknowledging the physical and emotional are not separate, but one; empowering the developing human to express themselves openly and honestly supporting a growing understanding of responsibility that extends out into the wider community. The skill development acquired forms a solid foundation of neuromuscular coordination that serves the child well beyond their circus years, enhancing future activities, sport and general wellbeing.

Circus arts challenge. Challenge forms self. Self has many qualities. Trust; hands clasp desperately to hold a three high before a forward sault to the earth by the flyer. Skill; endless dropped clubs, as five float in the air as if by levitation, confidence, on the edge of a four metre drop, holding a hand stand, free falling to a trampoline below. Friendship; that high five from a friend when a trick is perfected. Determination; frustration as endless practice shows no reward, gradually, a strong, steady, controlled single-handed handstand, morphs. Self worth; the posture and eyes say it, they look deep into the conversation and convey themselves as the human being that they are.

Cirkidz creates artists, creative human beings, confident in themselves and caring of others.

The skills and qualities earned and developed throughout the Cirkidz journey takes the child well beyond this amazing space Adelaide has in Bowden in to the performance of their life.

Russell Hanna, Chiropractor at Smart Health Training Services is a father of two boys who attended Cirkidz at the South Australian Circus Arts Centre in Bowden over a period of ten years.  Russell has been intrinsically involved in co-assessment in a multidisciplinary environment at Cirkidz working closely with this highly developed and specialist group of elite circus performers.  An ultra marathon runner he also has a special interest in the running athlete. 

smarthealth_thinker_jpeg

 

Web: https://www.smarthealthtraining.com.au/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Smart-Health-Training-and-Services
P: (08) 8293 1100
E: reception@smarthealthtraining.com.au
Address: 12-22 Richmond Road, Keswick

You might also be interested in

  • For more than 35 years, SA Circus Centre and Cirkidz have been a creative haven for thousands of children and young people. With Cirkidz Circus School classes for Children from preschool to young adults, they have a program to suit your young artist. The Cirkidz Circus School teaches new circus. Through new circus, the Cirkidz program offers opportunities for individual development, goal-setting, engagement, creativity, imagination, trust, fitness, athleticism and performance art, and for building resilience and self esteem. Tiddlerz (ages 2.5 – 5) This is where children begin their journey in our circus school and where they begin to understand how their bodies work by learning through play. Parents and carers actively participate with their child during class and help them to explore their surroundings while they learn to coordinate their bodies. It’s a terrific way to bond with your child while they learn beneficial skills such as balance, coordination and flexibility.Tackerz (ages 5 – 8) the children now participate independently and learn team work skills, sharing, bonding and developing empathy as they recognise that their world is greater than just their family unit.Tweenz (ages 9 – 12) learn resilience and develop their own identity as they specialise their skills.…

  • Hire entertainment? Nah, let your child BE the entertainment! A Cirkidz Circus School birthday party is unique, brag-worthy and one kids will remember forever. Easy, no fuss Cirkidz birthday parties are held on Sundays at the fully equipped, indoor circus centre in Bowden (no need to worry about the weather)! Their friendly party hosts will guide you through a wonderful and unique party experience like no other. Lucky party-goers will learn real take-home circus skills in acrobatics, aerial arts and manipulation on equipment like trampolines, trapezes, hula-hoops, diabolo and more. Better yet, no experience is necessary -- Cirkidz is perfect for total beginners as well as more confident movers wanting to try something new! Birthday sessions consist of 90 minutes of Circus fun, followed by 30 minutes to open presents. Choose from two Sunday session times - 1pm or 4pm. All facilities and activities at Cirkidz are Covid-safe. Cirkidz is a 35 year old not-for-profit community youth arts company; let them show you a good time, circus style! Party sessions can include: TumblingTrapezeFast trackJugglingHuman pyramidsDiabloTight wireTrampoline https://youtu.be/V2aFVZngfHA For more information and to book your next birthday party at Cirkidz visit cirkidz.org.au/birthdays

  • Tweenz 9 - 12's, 90 minutes of community, creativity and coordination each week! Tweenz classes give the opportunity to learn, improve and extend new skills in acrobatics, balance, juggling, aerial and more. At this age it all starts to come together as Tweenz work in pairs and groups which teach respect, trust, focus and cooperation while still allowing their individual strengths to shine. Participants learn some truly extraordinary tricks, coupled with the naturally creative mind of Tweenz, means skills and ideas come together in quirky clever routines. https://youtu.be/0YiVMWWzcuY Specialise! Want more of a tailored experience? Pick one of their specialist classes: Tumbling & Acrobatics (8 - 12) Full-on physical class of ground-based tumbling for participants interested in learning and improving their tumbling, handstands, trampoline and pyramid skills. Tricking is dynamic style of tumbling influenced by street dance and parkour, creating dynamic, fluid combinations of flips and saults.  Build individual skills and work towards a group act; as well as exploring the wonderful world of the fast track.  Aerial Class (8 - 12) See what the view is like from up here!We have seen first hand the benefit that aerial classes can have for young people aged 8-17. Not only do…