Soulfire Circus Workshops

There’s more to learning circus acts than clowning around.

Soulfire Circus suggests the most important lessons it teaches children are the ones they’ll carry through life.

“With each small success, children learn to take on bigger and bigger challenges, both socially and physically,” Soulfire artistic director Debra Rodrigues said.

“It also teaches resilience because when you fall down, you have to get back up.”

Soulfire Circus will conduct a 10-week workshop through October and November at the Deck Youth Venue, Raymond Terrace.

Aerial silks, stilt walking, tumbling and clowning around are among the skills children will learn. Busking, juggling and hoola hooping are three more.

Ms Rodrigues has lived the circus life for 30 years.

“Anyone who wants to have a go should come along,” she said.

“The thing about the circus is that everyone can find something they’re good at.”

The workshops will run each Thursday from October 6, 4.30pm until 6.30pm.

A cultural events grant from Port Stephens Council makes this a free event. No booking is required.

“We’re all about social and recreational options for youths,” Deck coordinator Matt Breen said.

“Hopefully they’ll learn some tricks and have a good time.”

Soulfire Circus has recently made headlines for its charitable work, with a cabaret dedicated to collecting financial support for earthquake victims in Nepal.

• Workshop: 4987 6204.