THERE are plenty of life lessons to be learnt through taking risks, and where better than at a circus school, says Isobel Lyall.
The CirQuest managing director warns that wrapping kids in cotton-wool puts their physical and mental health at risk.
“[Playing] safe, but challenging, unlocks many skills,” she says.
Late last year the not-for-profit circus school moved from City Farm in East Perth to new digs in North Perth.
Ms Lyall founded the Fremantle circus school 20 years ago and performed with Bizicircus before heading to Europe to busk.
Back in Perth in 2007 she wanted a circus school focused on the “social” aspects of learning skills and meeting new people: “Circus changed my life for the better…and I wanted to make it more accessible to more people.”
Students and teachers will join forces for an April Fools’ performance followed by a free circus workshop at CirQuest HQ, 17 Howlett Street, North Perth, Saturday April 8, 5–8pm.
by JENNY D’ANGER