DANCES in CIRCUS How to make a dance, which is easy enough to memorise for people, who have motor, cognitive and/or sensor problems? How to make it look aesthetical and at the same time easy enough to bring joy? How to make a dance in a very limited time frame? How to make everybody join in, when people are afraid to look stupid or are convinced, that their bodily expressions have very big limits? Why dancing is a very effective intervention? |
Dances with Circus Schokokaboom
Circus Schokokaboom works with persons from the age of 4 till 104, but mostly with various types of adult handicapped people (mental, psychiatric, elderly, physical), and also children with different types of handicaps (blind, death, physical, mental) and/or problematic behaviour.
Circus with Schokokaboom means an invitation to a coloured world – a special atmosphere of joy and fun. We create our workspace from what everybody brings to the circus. During the process we learn to know each other and practice specific circus skills, we play, eat, drink relax and have fun together. In the end, we perform, which always means a public showing. And earn the most important thing in the circus and in life…applause.
Dances are an important part of our programs. They bring joy and energy and support the creation of a performance atmosphere. The idea behind using dances in our programs is to have a shared experience of moving, which helps to create the team feeling, allows us to find out new things about ourselves and other persons, and teaches us to notice and give back.
In our workshop, we would like to share our experiences in a practical way. We invite the participants to the coloured world of Circus Schokokaboom, dance and play together and give answers to the questions above.
Circus is a multidisciplinary art form. Circus arts are fun, challenging and physically demanding. The huge variety of activities allows people with different skills, conditions, statuses, interests, ages, etc to join the circus and experience success. Positive and empowering experiences support the benefits of physical, emotional, cognitive and mental health, and facilitate social inclusion.
Circus Therapy uses circus arts as a form of therapy for people who are struggling with issues like low self-esteem, behavioural concerns, learning problems, and physical challenges, but it also helps to develop and encourage self-expression and exercise for healthy people.