Antics at the circus

The team at Circus Kumarani are offering Youth Circus classes to introduce young people to the fun, laughter, talent and skills that can only be found at the circus.

“We teach a wide range of activities including props administration such as poi, juggling and diabolo. They will learn other circus skills as well like aerial art and tightrope walking,” said Circus Kumarani manager Tania Whetu. “Our motto is for all ages and abilities.

Our team teaches specific skills and if the children discover a favourite prop, they can practise that specifically during the free playtime.“It is great for children because we work in a group and the circus teaches physical and social skills.

We individually spend time with each student and everyone comes away with a new trick. “At the end of each term we hold a short performance for friends and family. This term we have the Whangarei Fringe Festival in October and those who come along to the classes are welcome to join us. We also prepare for our Christmas show in Dargaville. “Lot of students keep coming back and we love seeing new faces.

The classes run on a Thursday from 4–5.30pm at Circus Kumarani, 15 Onslow Street, Dargaville. The cost is $100 for a 10-week pass and $15 for a trial session. The pass can be used as a family card to share the classes. “On the last Friday of every month from 4–6pm we have our Tame the Flame lessons and teach people how to spin fire toys like the poi and staff.

It is really exciting for children to learn about fire in a safe environment. “Tame the Flame is a $10 koha to spin fire and spectators are welcome. To spin fire you must wear natural fibres like cotton or wool. For more information go to the Circus Kumarani Facebook page.”

July 28th 2020

Author Ann van Engelen - Kaipara Lifestyler

https://issuu.com/nsmm/docs/kl_jul_28_20

Acts of confidence

Circus Kumarani embarked upon its 18th year of teaching performance and circus arts to youngsters this week, with the aim of boosting confidence and self-esteem.

“We’ll be debuting a children’s class and a youth class, and we’re going to be doing all the circus skills we can while social distancing,” says Kumarani’s Tania Whētu, aware of Covid Omicron restrictions.

That means plenty of fun, learning juggling, balance, unicycle, hoops and more, in a programme that has educated and entertained Dargaville locals since 2004. Tania says that many of the people now attending are in the second generation; they attended as children, and now their children are keen to get involved.

“Especially now we know that our young people have had a lot of cancellations, a lot of screen time and anxiety during the pandemic, this is a good way to reconnect, to build self confidence, and engage,” says Tania.

Class sizes are small, so there is one-on-one tuition, and patrons will find that it’s not a competitive environment. The philosophy of the circus arts is to improve at your own pace, so there are no gradings, exams or tests. Students can show off what they have learned in a live performance setting when it’s comfortable for them and when they are ready.

At the same time, Tania reiterates that these are skills for life, and the confidence built by realising that you are able to juggle, walk the balance wire or ride a unicycle can spill over into other areas, with a positive impact. Classes begin this week, but enrolments are still open via circuskumarani.co.nz.

February 8th 2022

Author Andy Bryenton - Kaipara Lifestyler

Circus in schools

Dargaville’s Circus Kumarani are always at the forefront of entertainment during local events; recently they have brought their brand of creative and dynamic art to schoolrooms in the west Kaipara.

“It’s within the physical education curriculum, but we’re teaching more than just motor skills,” says circus manager Tania Whetū. “While helping kids get confident with circus arts like the flower sticks, poi, hoops and juggling, we’re also teaching respect and perseverance.”

Selwyn Park School was the first to enjoy a series of classes with Circus Kumarani, followed by Te Kopuru Primary School. The response from pupils has been phenomenal, says Tania. She’s also pleased to report that several teachers have also bravely given circus skills a try.

“It’s important for kids to see that these kinds of skills are difficult for everyone at first, no matter their age, but that with practise, anything is possible,” she says, praising the can-do attitude of local educators for giving it a try.

The next round of funding via the Ministry of Education to include Circus Kumarani in the school curriculum is open soon. Tania urges teachers to apply now to take advantage of this unique opportunity in the community. Even better, high school students can count this form of self confidence boosting education toward their NCEA credits.

Tania and the Circus Kumarani team are in big demand despite the change of seasons. As well as their work in schools, the group are planning pop-up events through July, culminating in a Matariki spectacular in cooperation with the Dargaville Community Development Board. Wednesday nights are now also drawing in with early sunsets prompting a new round of fire juggling and spinning classes each week from 5.30pm in Onslow Street, open to the public.

Date Published 8 June 2021

Author Andy Bryenton, Kaipara Lifestyler