Circus joy in Hacksta

Circus Camp in Hacksta

In collaboration with Studieförbundet Vuxenskolan Enköping, Baho Neza Sweden held a circus camp in Hacksta on Friday, August 14, with Ann Hageus at the helm.

Twelve children aged 7–12 spent a full day trying out various circus skills and clowning. The day ended with a small performance for parents and relatives.

In the morning, the group started with name and movement games to get to know each other and warm up.

After that, the children got to try different circus props: juggling balls, clubs, plate spinning, hula hoops, flower sticks – two control sticks used to handle another “main stick” – and poi, where a weight on a string is swung around the body.

It was especially fun to see how some of the children who were a bit shy at first literally exploded into little bundles of energy once they got going.

After lunch, Ann went through various clowning techniques, such as tripping, walking into a wall with a proper bang, and other ways of creating comic effects.

Perhaps the most popular exercise was the “jumping jack.” One person lies on their back with, for example, one arm straight up in the air. When the arm is pushed down, a leg shoots up instead – and with such simple means it is possible to create a wealth of comic effects. The children thought it was insanely fun!

After that, the children chose their favorite props and clowning techniques, which they then practiced in preparation for the final performance.

And then it was time for the grand finale.

In front of about 25 spectators, the children delivered a highly acclaimed show featuring juggling, balancing, clowning, and loads of energy.

A very successful circus day – and hopefully a few future circus artists and clowns were born in Hacksta!