By Michelle Kolobutin
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At some point in our lives, many of us have thought about running away to join the circus. If you have been feeling more inclined to take yourself up on that dream lately, you are in luck. Thanks to Eric the Juggler (Eric Miller), you can now learn the skills and techniques circus gurus have, without the need to run away.
Miller’s latest venture, CirqueWorks, is a drop-in-based circus class for all ages. During the drop-in, the gymnasium at St.Paul’s United Church (the home of CirqueWorks) is transformed into a proper circus school. Juggling balls, hula hoops, devil sticks, yo-yos, and ribbon abound. Who should drop-in to CircqueWorks? Almost anyone. The drop-in has seen folks from 6 years of age up to 74; Miller encourages individuals from a broad age range to join him, saying that we all have something to offer.
Besides the opportunity to learn new skills, CirqueWorks is the beginning of a community where circus folk and those interested in the trade can join to swap techniques and share suggestions in a relaxing and mutually supportive environment. Research shows that learning to juggle causes certain areas of our brain to grow, and it’s also a terrific way to exercise—a great option to keep active during our long, cold winter.
CirqueWorks is held each Sunday at St. Paul’s United Church on Waverley Street. Families (parents and children 12 and under) can drop in from 1–2 pm and teens and adults from 2:15–3:15 pm. Visit cirqueworks.ca for more info.
