Run away and join the circus: classes for the whole family

The circus arts used to be for people born into circus families or for those who studied at professional schools. Nowadays, circus schools are opening up all over the country and offering recreational classes to people of all ages.

More Cirque du Soleil than Ringling Brothers — although clown classes are an option too — most circus schools teach acrobatics (both aerial and on the floor), tumbling, juggling and stilt walking. Some yoga schools are also getting in on the action by offering aerial yoga, a form of exercise that makes use of hammocks suspended from the ceiling.

For kids and adults who are looking for unique ways to stay active, acrobatics and tumbling classes build strength and endurance. A dance background will help with these classes but the exercises can be adapted to anyone’s abilities.

Juggling and stilt walking classes increase focus and discipline, and also encourage people to use their imaginations and creativity to create routines that are as fun to watch as they are to perform.

Circus schools are especially great for toddlers and young children because the classes help develop hand-eye coordination, core strength, spatial awareness and confidence in their bodies that will benefit them as they grow.