CIRCUS AT SCHOOL
OUR MISSION
To provide a fun, safe and
non-competitive environment for children to learn new skills while increasing their fitness level and improving their self-confidence.
PROFILE
Big Top’s owner and principal instructor for the school program is Yurii Nadtotochii. After obtaining a four year degree in Circus Arts in the Ukraine, Yurii performed and coached internationally throughout Russia, Europe, Africa and North America with the Moscow Circus and the famous Cirque du Soleil. Upon immigrating to Canada, Yuri was employed by the Waldorf School incorporating circus arts into the physical education program.
Big Top Circus was conceived ten years ago and was the first school of circus arts in York region. Since then the school has enjoyed great success by offering classes and birthday parties for all ages from toddlers to adults. For the past six years, Big Top has been a popular elective option for many schools in York Region. It has also been part of the Town of Newmarket summer day camp program.
Community involvement is an integral part of Big Top. The Relay for Life, MS Walk-A-Thon and Circus for Heart are a few of the events the school has actively supported.
“Our Junior students were enthusiastic participants in Big Top’s exciting in- school elective program. It was a favourite choice in the line-up! Escape from the time restrictions and extra costs of booking buses. Multiple classes can participate in a single day.”
Cindy Lassaline
St. Elizabeth Seton School
PROGRAM
To maximize the participation level and ensure the safety of the students, we recommend working in groups of no more than 30 at a time. Each session will last 1 hour and 15 minutes to give you the opportunity to accommodate four classes each day. While we are confident that students won’t want their circus lessons to end, we are very aware of the importance of minimizing the disruption to the school routine. We will work around your school’s schedule and breaks for recess and lunch.
Warm-Up and Safety
Classes always begin with warm-up and stretching exercises to reduce the risk of muscle injury. Students are reminded that safety is extremely important.
The Circus Arts!
Each circus skill is first carefully explained and demonstrated by Yurii. Working in small groups, the students will have the opportunity to practice their new skills. Yurii’s assistants will help supervise the students and offer guidance.
Cool-Down
A proper cool-down is done to stretch the muscles and bring the children back to a manageable energy level before re-entering the classroom.
Presentation of Circus Diploma (for younger students)
Together, with the pride they have in learning their new skills, we will give the students their own “Circus Diploma” to take home. We can have the names filled in if we are provided with a class list in advance.
Other Programs
Programs can be customized to meet your school’s needs. We can design a weekly program or come for multiple days for circus theme weeks. When we are able to work with the students for more than three sessions, we can incorporate a school-wide presentation where the students can showcase their new talents. It is highly recommended as this is an excellent confidence booster!
BENEFITS
For Students
Non-Competitive and Inclusive
Unlike traditional sports, Circus Arts are non-competitive. Students set personal goals and gain confidence through the mastery of skills. Most importantly, this form of physical activity is inclusive. Any child, regardless of age, body type and physical ability can achieve success.
Physical
Students won’t realize they are exercising because they are having so much fun! In reality, circus arts are an excellent way to get fit and improve physical ability. Many skills require fine and gross motor control, hand-eye coordination, balance, quick reactions and full body coordination.
Commitment
Students must make a full commitment to each task if they are to master a circus skill. Concentration, focus and perseverance are the required elements and can be transferred to their work in the classroom.
Cooperation
Group activities require communication and cooperation between peers. These are valuable tools students will take with them throughout their lives.
For Educators
While the students are having fun, teachers can learn new skills to incorporate into the regular physical education lessons. Yurii will demonstrate the proper techniques as well as how to correctly supervise the activities.
CIRCUS SKILLS
To provide a fun, safe and
non-competitive environment for children to learn new skills while increasing their fitness level and improving their self-confidence.
Manipulation Skills
These disciplines improve motor skills, hand-to-eye coordination and reaction times.
Juggling
Younger children (JK – 2) begin with scarves to minimize the frustration as they have not yet developed the coordination or tracking skills. Older children start with two balls and progress to three as the become more confident and proficient.
Plate Spinning
This skill is easily attained by all students even in the younger grades. It looks impressive and gives the students a sense of accomplishment.
Movement Skills
These disciplines improve sense of balance, reaction times, mobility and body co-ordination.
Rolla Bolla
Deep concentration is required to balance this board over the cylinder.
Unicycle
This is one of the most difficult skills to master. It requires excellent balance and sheer determination. What a sense of accomplishment the student gets from moving just a few feet!
Acrobatics
Basic tumbling and other gymnastics skills are taught at an age appropriate/skill level.
Stilts
With the use of varying lengths of stilts, students can progress from the smallest (only a couple of inches off the floor) to longer lengths that have them towering over their peers!
Cooperation Skills
As students work together on these skills, they learn that trust and full cooperation from each participant is required to complete the task.
Pyramids
Students work together with their peers to build a variety of human pyramids. Get the cameras ready for the yearbook pictures!
Enhance the experience by booking a full week. At no additional charge we'll help the students put together their own show utilizing their new circus skills. Imagine the sense of pride and boost in confidence they'll receive performing in front of their peers!
