Clowning around at circus school

by Marianna Keen

There’s a fascination we’ve all felt at some point in our lives watching a skilful circus performer. The awe of watching a clown juggling while teetering on a tight-rope, before flying off on the trapeze, can’t fail to make you wonder how difficult it really is.

Circus acts are a great way to improve your coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, and perhaps even cure a fear of heights.

“Clear your mind and prepare to use an area of your brain you may not have used in a while,” said the instructor as we warmed up for our introduction to circus skills workshop at the Circus Space.

Renowned as the UK’s premier centre for training in variety entertainment, the school is only a short walk from Old Street underground station.The workshop takes place every Saturday and is a great way to spice up a weekend or help you decide whether to take up the eccentricities of circus performing as a regular hobby.

The lesson is varied, daring you to attempt static trapeze, diablo, stilt walking and flying trapeze in the morning session, and offering the opportunity to try tight-wire walking, juggling and acrobatic balancing in the afternoon class.

The intensive taster for beginners lays a foundation of each act learned, which suits all abilities, yet still offers opportunities to push fast-learners.

Trusting your kneepads to save you lest you crash down from your towering stilts, or for your entangled feet to keep you from dropping on your head from the trapeze, are all part of the learning process.

The half-day session involves three hours of teaching and classes are broken down into groups of around seven, allowing participants a decent chance to practice their skills for the price of £55 per  person — or £95 for a full day.

Groups and parties can have a barrel of laughs at workshops for a discounted rate, which is dependent on group size.

Sessions start at 10.30am and 2.30pm each week, and on one Saturday a month the morning period is replaced by an intensive course of western skills. Cowboy (or girl) enthusiasts can learn lasso, whip-cracking and knife throwing. “Just what I’ve always secretly wanted to do,” I hear you say — well now’s the time to be adventurous and live the dream.

The school also offers 12-week circus arts courses, which allow students to learn three skills within their selected discipline (aerial, acro or equilibristics) before progressing through the programme to specialise in their chosen skill. These courses cost £144 for students, which includes a weekly drop-in class.

Drop-in classes last for an hour and provide a chance to try circus training before you buy. At £10.50 a time, they are also the perfect option for students who are unable to commit to a full course.

The Circus Space Coronet Street, London N1 6HD. For an update of classes available contact the recetion desk on 020 7729 9522, extension 226. All drop-in classes cost £13 or £10.50 for concessions, and provide an hour of body conditioning and skills tuition.