THE BALLOON MAN

Astounding circus
from:  thehimalayantimes.com
2013-03-16
HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
KATHMANDU: Buddha hall of DAV School Jawalakhel was filled with sounds of clapping and whistles when a group of talented young performers began to present their skills on ropes, brooms and wooden chairs at a circus show Swagatam (Welcome) organised by Circus Kathmandu on March 15 and 16.

A group of 13 talented young girls and boys performed high quality aerial- and ground-based acts. Aerial acts on silks, hoop and trapeze were demonstrated by them. When these performers were helping themselves to form a pinnacle, their daring act gave goose bumps to the audience.

Hula hoop, a toy hoop turned around the waist and limbs, was one of the best presentations. Their act of juggling of broom along with acrobatics too entertained the audience.

Contortion, the bending and flexing of the body, was yet an appreciative performance to add colour to the circus. Similarly, hand balancing acts kept the audience’s eyes fixed on the performers who astounded the audience with their energy and skills.

While the performance was going on, they also told the audience about their past lives and challenges of learning these skills which are necessary for circus.

“These people are working together to tell the stories of their past and present lives through the medium of circus. All of them were rescued from Indian circuses and now they are trying to make a living with their skills that they learnt during their stay in India,” said Ali Williams, Creative Director of Circus Kathmandu.

Circus Kathmandu is a company of talented acrobats, aerialists and physical performers who are working together to share their stories of the past and present through contemporary circus. With an aim to promote circus in Kathmandu, it has been providing trainings for those rescued from Indian circus.