New Jersey's first circus-arts training center opens in Hillsborough Sunday
Craiag Quat and David Ramsey practice juggling at the Circus Place in Hillsborough. Courtesy of Sharyn Brandman
Written byPamela MacKenzie Staff Writer
From: mycentraljersey.com
Oct. 7, 2011
HILLSBOROUGH — Most children at one time or another dream of running away to join the circus, thinking of it as a glorious escape from responsibilities. But the new circus-arts training center here, the Circus Place, which aims to be a fun place, has a completely different goal in mind: It aims to help students build self-confidence and encourages them to learn team work. The center official opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Flying on a trapeze, riding a unicycle, walking on stilts and juggling objects is not usually the typical after school activity. However, that view is about to change when the exciting world of circus arts and performance comes to New Jersey this October,” said Sharyn Brandman, director and co-owner of the Circus Place in Hillsborough.
“Flying on a trapeze, riding a unicycle, walking on stilts and juggling objects is not usually the typical after school activity. However, that view is about to change when the exciting world of circus arts and performance comes to New Jersey this October,” said Sharyn Brandman, director and co-owner of the Circus Place in Hillsborough.
Kyra Brandman on a trapeze at The Circus Place in Hillsborough. / Courtesy of Sharyn BrandmanBrandman explained that students of all ages are invited to take classes or seek individual instruction. Classes are small to insure proper attention to each student, and private lessons are available.Also, her business partner, Craig Quat, not only has experience working with special-needs individuals with physical and mental challenges, but he also has customized props to specifically work with these students.“Sharing the circus experience with students who have physical, developmental or emotional limitations is our greatest joy,” Brandman said.The open house on Sunday will have professional performances, workshops, food and family activities. Participants can tour the facility, learn about the equipment and try their hand at all things circus, Brandman said.Once familiar with basic skills, students can join a performance troupe with the goal of performing for family, friends and in local events. Brandman said that the Circus Place hopes to create a troupe of young performers (defined as younger than age 22).Quat and Brandman hope that children who do not enjoy competitive sports will find their center offers a good athletic alternative.“Circus is about community, collaboration and acceptance,” Quat said. “We are excited to offer something different from the usual organized sporting activities. We teach teamwork, in a no competitive environment, while building coordination, athleticism and self-confidence.”Through the use of modified props and innovative instruction, Circus Place teaches hand eye coordination, patterning, balancing and strengthens both fine and gross motor skills in a fun environment. Classes are small to insure proper attention to each student, and private lessons are available.“The Open House is just the beginning. Come be part of the excitement,” Brandman said.
If you want to go:
What: Open House at the Circus Place
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9
Where: 6 Jill Court, Hillsborough
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