Bringing the Joy of Circus to Apna Ghar

Bringing the Joy of Circus to Apna Ghar

by | Nov 21, 2024 | News, Projects

Over the past few weeks, Skylight Circus Arts has had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful group at Apna Ghar as part of our Silver Circus Project.

This project is dedicated to improving the well-being, fitness and reducing social isolation of elderly participants through the play and exploration of circus skills.

Thanks to the generous support of National Lottery – Awards For All, this project has allowed us to connect with two groups who attend Apna Ghar; a men and a women’s group with ages ranging between 65 – 85 who attend Apna Ghar.

Each week, we’ve introduced them to a range of fun activities, from juggling scarves and spinning plates to balancing feathers on their bodies. These sessions are filled with laughter, creativity, and a strong sense of community.  

It has been heart-warming to witness the group’s transformation over the weeks. At first, there was a bit of hesitation, but as time passed, the participants began to relax, embrace the joy of play, and truly come out of their shells.  

One participant shared a sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of Silver Circus

“The circus is the highlight of my week because we just have fun and laugh together.”

 

Hearing such feedback reminds us of why we do what we do. It’s not just about circus skills; it’s about creating moments of happiness, fostering connections, and making a difference in people’s lives.  

A huge thank you to National Lottery – Awards For All and National Lottery Players for making this project possible and to the team at Apna Ghar for welcoming us into your wonderful community! 

If you would like to speak to us about our Silver Circus Project, please contact us.

How Circus Impacts on Children’s Language and Literacy Development

How Circus Impacts on Children’s Language and Literacy Development

by | Nov 21, 2024 | Covid-19, Education, News

How Circus Skills are Transforming Lives

In recent years, the challenges facing young people’s language and literacy development have been widely reported across the UK. National waiting lists for speech and language referrals continue to grow, leaving many children without the timely support they need.

At Skylight Circus Arts, our Circus Train the Trainer programme has stepped up to meet this need, offering a unique, evidence-based solution that is changing lives and advancing educational outcomes, one circus skill at a time.

The Language and Literacy Crisis in UK Schools

According The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, more than 75,000 children in the UK are on waiting lists for specialist language and literacy support. With primary schools particularly affected by this gap, teachers are seeking creative solutions to stimulate learning and personal development. Through Circus Train the Trainer, we have developed a programme that not only delivers immediate improvement but also brings joy and engagement to the learning process.

Skylight Circus Manchester primary school workshop

Circus: A New Approach to Development

Rochdale Primary school teachers and teaching assistants with their Skylight Circus Train the Trainer resource packs.

Our Circus Train the Trainer programme empowers primary schools to support children in new, impactful ways. Designed as a flexible cascade learning model, it trains teachers to deliver circus-based activities tailored to enhance children’s speech, language and overall cognitive development. Over the past three years, Circus Train the Trainer has reached over 600 primary school children, with extraordinary results

  • Language Development: In partnership with Rochdale’s Early Help and Schools, Children participating in this programme, advanced their language and literacy skills by an average of 1 year in a single term, an outcome that exceeded expectations.
  • Engagement and Confidence: 90% of teachers reported that students showed increased classroom participation and improved confidence.
  • Motor Skills and Concentration: Circus activities develop fine and gross motor skills, which research shows is vital for young learners’ language development and concentration. Teachers noted that students showed increased focus, resilience and a readiness to learn across subjects.

“These results point to the remarkable potential of circus arts as an innovative educational tool, particularly at a time when the demand for mental health and language support far outstrips available resources” 

Martine Bradford, Creative Director  

Evidence Based Impact: How Circus is Helping Schools Bridge the Gap

The Circus Train the Trainer programme has provided primary schools with a measurable and immediate solution to improve students’ language and literacy outcomes. With waiting times for specialist support exceeding 18 months in some regions, schools are often left to tackle these issues independently. Our programme has demonstrated a tangible improvement, reflected in standardised literacy and Welcomm scores, with children achieving developmental milestones faster than through traditional methods alone.

young girl on stilts being helped by peer at school
Train the Trainer circus programme for schools in Greater Manchester

Additionally, Circus programme complements the UK government’s call for promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges, using creative approaches to mental health and well-being. Studies highlight that physically engaging and skill-based activities like circus arts help children manage anxiety, build self-esteem, and improve overall emotional resilience. Teachers have seen firsthand how circus skills are a powerful tool for self-expression, offering students a sense of accomplishment and pride.

The Power of Collaboration: Creating Long-Term Change

Circus Train the Trainer is more than just a school programme; it’s a community initiative. By working alongside schools, local authorities and mental health professionals, Skylight Circus Arts is paving the way for a sustainable model that could be scaled nationally. Our partnerships allow for tailored, flexible approaches to meet specific local needs, ensuring that every child has access to the life-changing benefits of circus arts.

“Our flexible approach allows us to create bespoke delivery options for each school. We work alongside teachers and pupils to create the greatest possible impact.”

Martine Bradford Creative Director

Teachers learning circus skills in Skylight's Train the trainer programme Rochdale

What’s Next for Circus Train the Trainer?

At Skylight Circus Arts, we’re eager to expand our offer and reach even more schools and communities across the North West. With the support of local authorities and funders, we can extend our programme to provide every child with an opportunity to thrive. Our goal is to continue to grow our flexible offer, proving that circus skills do more than entertain, they change lives! For schools and organisations interested in bringing the Circus Train the Trainer programme to their classrooms, we invite you to discuss how we can work together to make a difference. We’re on a mission to show that circus skills can be an essential tool for education, well-being and personal growth.

Contact Skylight Circus Arts today to learn more about how circus is transforming lives and communities. Together, we can create a brighter, more connected future for our children.

Become a Ringmaster

Become a Ringmaster

by | Nov 20, 2024 | News, Our Team & Community

A Message from Jim and Noreen

As founders and Trustees of Skylight Circus Arts, we’ve had the privilege of participating, teaching and seeing up close, the extraordinary impact of our work on communities across Greater Manchester and beyond.

We often talk about the transformative power of circus arts but when you see a young person light up with newfound confidence, or witness a child with disabilities discovering joy and skill in our sessions, you truly understand the heart of what we do. None of it would be possible without the support of people like you, our champions, our “Ringmasters!”

Become a Ringmaster

young girl and elderly man doing acro balance position while on stilts

Becoming a Ringmaster is our invitation to those who want to go a step further. It’s more than a regular donation; it’s a pledge to stand with us month after month, helping to bring circus arts to those who need it most.

When you join us as a Ringmaster, you’re funding the equipment, training and people who make our sessions possible. You’re directly contributing to our work in schools, our classes, our inclusive programmes and our performances that bring communities together, spark joy and inspire confidence.

To Our Existing Ringmasters

Our deepest thanks. Your support fuels our ambitions and helps us to reach further than we could alone. To those considering joining, we invite you to step up, take a seat in the circle and become part of the Skylight magic.

 

Jim Riley and Noreen White

Chair and Trustee

 

 

If you would like to speak to us about any other ways you can donate or support us please contact us.

Bringing The Fire Back To Skylight Circus Arts

Bringing The Fire Back To Skylight Circus Arts

by | Nov 19, 2024 | News, Performance, Projects

Igniting Passion! Introducing Fireflies

Skylight’s new community fire circus project for our local people. Including an upcoming performance at Ignite Fire Festival.

What’s Fireflies?

Skylight’s exciting new community project supported by Culture Co-op and in collaboration with Travelling Light Circus! This project brings fire spinning circus classes to the local community, currently offering a unique opportunity for 12 local adults, many have no prior experience with fire performance.

Working with visiting Fire Performers and Tutors Travelling Light Circus, our participants have been engaging in weekly sessions at Skylight, immersing themselves in the art of fire spinning. With the Ignite Fire Festival on November 23rd and 24th fast approaching, the Fireflies group are gearing up for their performance, showcasing their newly acquired skills in front of the Rochdale community.

adults practising fire spinning with skylight circus arts
adults practising fire spinning with skylight circus arts
adults practising fire spinning with skylight circus arts

Skylight’s Youth Circus Fire Performance

Skylight’s Teen Youth Circus are also developing their skills, with masterclass’ in club swinging and all about keeping safe when performing with fire from Travelling Light Circus.

They have then been working hard with Skylight staff to create their fire performance choreography to perform alongside our adult community group at the Ignite Fire Festival.

teen practising fire spinning with skylight circus arts
teen practising fire spinning with skylight circus arts

Is this new for Skylight?

This project represents an exciting opportunity to reintroduce fire manipulation and fire performance within our Skylight community, allowing young people and adults to connect with an exhilarating new circus skill.

As Skylight embark on this journey, we are not only excited about the upcoming festival but also about the future of fire workshops for adults and young people in our community.

‘Fireflies’ Project was made possible with support from Rochdale’s Culture Co-op.

 

Upcoming Performances

Ignite Fire Festival – Town Hall Square

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November 2024

5 – 8pm Adult Community Group and Skylight Youth Circus Performance

Falinge Winter Markets – Falinge Park Courtyard

Sunday 1st December 2024

3:30pm Skylights Youth Circus

If you would like to speak to us about any upcoming events with Skylight Circus Arts please contact us.

Disclaimer: 

The skills and techniques discussed in this blog post involve fire performance and should only be attempted under the supervision of trained professionals. Do not attempt any of these skills without proper guidance, support, and appropriate safety equipment. Always prioritise safety and seek professional instruction when engaging in fire-related activities.

Welcoming Our New Board Members

Welcoming Our New Board Members

by | Nov 19, 2024 | News, Our Team & Community

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two outstanding new board members to the Skylight Circus Arts family, Adele Navesey-Hall and Bushra Sultana.

Each brings unique expertise, boundless creativity, and a deep commitment to the arts and community engagement.

Adele Navesey-Hall

Professionally, Adele is an experienced educator specializing in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Her role within education has allowed her to advocate tirelessly for inclusive learning, and she brings this invaluable perspective to our board. Her expertise ensures that Skylight continues to be a welcoming space for people of all abilities, where everyone can feel empowered to learn, explore, and express themselves through the art of circus.

We asked Adele, what inspired you to join Skylight Circus Arts as a board member?

“I have had a lifelong passion for the arts through dance and drama as a participant, performer and teacher. The arts empower, build confidence, boost self-esteem, improve wellbeing and socially connect people and communities. Being part of Skylight Circus and being involved with a diverse range of people from all ages and abilities has been a joy and showcases its importance within the community where everyone is valued.

The Generations Project saw young and old working together collaboratively to share stories and experiences to create a brilliant performance and develop their skills.”
 

Adele Navesey-Hall has been a vital part of the Skylight community for many years, engaging both as a participant and performer in various classes and shows over the years. Her connection with Skylight runs even deeper as she’s shared these experiences with her children, who grew up attending our circus sessions, creating memories that have become an enduring family legacy.

 

What inspired you to join Skylight Circus Arts as a board member?

“I have been involved with Skylight for over 25 years. Skylight has taught, supported and develop my children in terms of skill development and well-being. It has given them the confidence to have a go, perform, volunteer, work as part of the team and build friendships. I wanted to give something back and be part of sustaining it future.”

Adele’s Daughters – Spark 2022

Bushra Sultana

Bushra Sultana joins our board with an impressive background as a visual artist and creative leader rooted in the heart of Rochdale. Her artistic journey has taken her into diverse educational and community settings, where she has shared her talent and insight with students and communities alike. Bushra’s collaborations include work with key organizations such as Your Trust Rochdale, HOME MCR, and Factory International, where her role has centred on fostering community engagement and making the arts more accessible and inspiring.

 

We asked Bushra, what do you believe are the key benefits of circus arts for communities, especially in Rochdale?

“Circus arts can enrich communities by promoting engagement, bringing people together , encouraging social interaction and collaboration among diverse groups.

Cultural enrichment – Promote local talent, storytelling and cultural heritage through performance and workshops.

Circus Arts involve a range of physical activities that provide a fun way for people of all ages to engage in physical exercise , which can lead a healthier lifestyle.

Circus Arts encourage creativity and self-expression. Participants have the opportunity to explore their artistic abilities, develop their own unique acts and express themselves in a support environment.”

skylight circus arts board member

If you would like to speak to us about joining our board or volunteering with Skylight Circus Arts please contact us.