Circus at PLYA Radovljica

Between 14 and 26 July, Radovljica hosted the Dutch circus Tijdgeest within the Erasmus+ project. We carried out a socio-cultural project, whereby the traveling circus was used as a tool for working with children and young people. The acrobatic animal-free group involves local children, young people and their parents, loved ones and interested passers-by into its programme. Therefore, it has the features of street work.

The purpose of each individual meeting was to achieve set objectives: interconnect, actively spend free time, strengthen social network and inclusion, improve concentration and motor process, upgrade English knowledge, learn new circus methods, get to know new culture and lifestyle, develop creativity, strengthen competencies, values, etc.

During the project implementation, a circus tent was set up on the meadow behind the shopping centre in Radovljica. Circus skills workshops were held twice a day. In the morning, we hosted groups agreed upon in advance, and the afternoon activities were devoted to the locals. The participants of PLYA from Škofja Loka, and Novo mesto, groups of children from the Radovljica Social Work Centre, Radovljica Kindergarten, and Montessori Kindergarten learned to juggle balls and clubs, spin Chinese plates and diabolo, walk on ball, ropes, stilts, ride a monocycle.

The Dutch partners regularly shared photos on their Facebook profile. They complimented us for our hospitality, excellent food and fantastic atmosphere.

During the workshops, young people also prepared and cooked food – groups took turns in the kitchen. Traditional Slovenian dishes were also served. Oppressive heat during leisure activities was overcome in the swimming pool. Some slept in a tent for the first time, and the majority experienced consequences of severe summer storm during camping for the first time.

The final result of the workshops was a circus performance for the local community (parents, guardians, relatives, interested public). We carried out three performances so that all participants had the chance to present what they had learned during the week.

For project completion, we are planning to implement a traveling photography exhibition throughout the local community.

Nuša Černe (pum@siol.net), PLYA Radovljica

Foto: Grega Valančič in Matej Mrevlje