Under the big top, 4th graders show off their circus skills

Many children at some point in their lives dream of running off to the circus. Fourth graders at BMPRSS actually did! 

Following a week of training where they were tutored by staff from Circus Unlimited, students showed off what they had learned during a special performance for family and friends on March 21. They walked on stilts, spun plates, defied gravity with special balancing tricks, juggled and tossed Devil Sticks and spun and tossed a Diablo.

The “Under the Big Top 4^th Grade Circus,” has become a Bluebird tradition. For several years now Circus Unlimited visits the school for a week. They take over regular gym classes and teach students fun tricks. Fourth graders are treated to extra training sessions where they are introduced to all the tricks and select one, they feel the most confident in. They then gather for a special performance to share what they have mastered with a live audience.

Olivia G. said she was excited to share what she had learned when it came spinning plates.

“I feel like it’s really fun and cool,” she said of why she selected this trick to showcase.

“It’s just really fun and rewarding,” agreed Bee S., also a plate spinner. 

“I really enjoyed getting ready for this very fun event,” Jacob K. said. He too was also a plate spinner, noting that he selected this activity because it was the skill he excelled at.

“I think it’s really important for students to find something that is challenging and push that,” said Jonathan Perry, from Circus Unlimited. 

In addition, he said not only does it help students build confidence, but they also learn valuable skills about working together as a team.

“And they can show off in an appropriate way and it’s just plain fun,” he said.

Jared G. warmed up his arms as he was getting ready to share his newly learned juggling skills.

“I thought was the main event of the circus,” he said as to why he decided to juggle. “It’s exciting and frustrating at the same time,” he admitted.

And with that, students ran into the gym for the Circus Parade, where performers wave to the crowd before the events start. One by one each group of students performed their tricks to an encouraging audience while upbeat music played and the performers smiles brightened the room.