CIRCUS: BALANCE SKILLS For use with WJEC Performing Arts GCSE

Physical warm up games Stuck in the Mud One person is ‘on’. The aim of the game is to tag the others members of the group. When someone is tagged they must ‘freeze’ with their legs open wide and arms up. To be ‘unfrozen’, other members of the group have to crawl between the frozen person’s legs. To complete the game, all the members of the group must become frozen or the group leader calls it to finish. Notes: Members of the game cannot be tagged (frozen) whilst they are unfreezing somebody else! A variation is choosing different positions to freeze in, such as a downward dog (A-frame) position. This can also help warm up different parts of the body.

Co-ordination game Grandma’s Footsteps Everyone must line up against a wall with one member (A) standing at the opposite side of the room with an object near their feet. The aim is for the other members of the group to cross the room and pick up the object first to win the game. Whilst A is looking at the group, they are not allowed to move – they must be ‘frozen’ in place. A will then turn their back to the group who will now get as close to the object as possible until A turns around again to face them when they will again ‘freeze’. The game continues like this until one person grabs A’s object. If A sees anyone moving whilst they are looking at them, they may send them back to the wall to begin again. Variations can include having a theme, so when people freeze it must be within the theme of ‘Beach’ or ‘Superheroes’ for example.

Focus game Eye Contact Circle Form a circle. One person will make eye contact with another member of the group, then will begin to walk towards them. Once the action is clear, the person who is being walked towards must make eye contact with a different member of the circle and begin to walk towards them. The pattern then continues like this. Make CLEAR obvious eye contact with other members of the group and be alert and ready to respond when someone chooses to make eye contact with you. To make it more difficult, walk faster or begin another pattern so that two or more patterns are going at the same time.

Basic skills Your teacher will begin every session with a quick run-through of the basics of the skills to help solidify your learning and improve your overall technique. If you are always attempting new tricks and never practising basics, none of your tricks will be solid to perform. It also warms you up ready for trying new and more challenging tricks. Some basics are listed on the next few slides.

Stilts Walking – when you have grasped this, it is still important to practise this basic regularly as many of you will pick up bad habits such as not lifting your knees properly, turning your feet inward or bad posture. Jumping – gradually build your confidence in this area by practising jumping regularly whilst checking for correct technique.

Rolla Bolla It is good to keep playing with the basic balance. Ensure you are able to balance steadily on the rolla bolla and then experiment with how far you can tilt the board whilst maintaining balance.

Unicycle The first essential is to make sure you are able to ride the unicycle; if not, your teacher will support where necessary to help you achieve this. Stamina – riding a unicycle for any amount of time can be very tiring so building up stamina is essential. This can be done in an enjoyable way riding a set circuit or around the school grounds. Idling – a very essential skill for control and many progressive tricks so it is good to practise this as early on as possible.

Advanced skills and progression After spending a little time running over the basics, your teacher will have a chat with you to see what new tricks you would like to learn and offer advice on what techniques are best to practise. Focusing on one new trick for a session often means you will be able to achieve it by the end of the lesson, and you will feel fulfilled.

Basic routine creation Routine creation is an essential part of circus performing, so learning the basics now is a very good idea. Perform the tricks you are comfortable with first and finish with the new trick you have been practising in that session.

Show what you’ve learnt Performing regularly in front of an audience is also essential as you learn circus. Do a small show at the end of each session where you take it in turns to perform solo, in duos or in groups. This will dramatically improve your stage presence and help reduce nerves in future. It is important to be very supportive of all your fellow learners in this part of the session.