At the end of April, on a bright Tuesday and Thursday morning, students at DCC had the exciting opportunity to take part in a fun and energetic Circus Skills activity, led by John from the Street Theatre Ireland Association.
From the moment students arrived in the main assembly area, the excitement was clear. John kicked things off by introducing himself and leading everyone in a lively warm-up. Students followed along as he ran on the spot, did jumping jacks, and guided them through full-body stretches preparing everyone for the skills ahead.
Feather Balancing Fun
The first circus challenge involved balancing a peacock feather on the tip of a finger. Each student received a feather and tried their best to keep it upright. Once the basics were mastered, John encouraged students to try balancing the feather on their hand, shoulder, or even their chin. It was no easy task, but students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
Learning to Juggle
Next up was juggling, one of the trickiest—and most rewarding—skills of the day. John explained that good juggling requires focus, coordination and steady hands. Students began with one ball, tossing it from hand to hand, then moved on to two balls while counting aloud to keep rhythm. Finally, those ready for a challenge gave three-ball juggling a try. It was tough, but the students stayed determined and had plenty of fun along the way.
Spinning Plates Like a Pro
For the final activity, John demonstrated how to spin a colourful disc on a pointed stick. Students learned to hold the stick upright, keep their wrist steady, and move the disc in a circular motion. With practice and patience, many were able to keep the disc spinning. An exciting finish to a fun session.
Thank You, John
DCC would like to give a big thank you to John from Street Theatre Ireland for visiting us once again and sharing his incredible circus skills. From feather balancing to juggling and plate spinning, our students had a fantastic time learning new tricks, challenging themselves, and most importantly having fun.
Article by Charlie O’Sullivan, TY Journalism
