The big top comes to Island Park

For fifth graders at Island Park Lincoln Orens Middle School, the dream of joining the circus became a reality as they had the opportunity to experience life as a circus performer when they participated in the National Circus Project. Sponsored by the Island Park PTA, the National Circus Project is an innovative cultural arts organization that promotes student participation in physical education using the circus as its theme.

During the week of Feb. 13, fifth grade students worked closely with a team of professional artists/instructors, as well as Lincoln Orens physical education teachers Catherine Gerbino and Matthew Tarasenko, to develop circus talents. In addition to practicing events that relied on strong hand/eye coordination and balance, the students also experienced performing before a large audience with limited time to prepare. Some of the activities included acrobatics, clowning, stilt walking, juggling, feather balancing, plate spinning, “devil stick” and diabolo. The week-long program culminated on Feb. 17 as the promising circus performers displayed their newly acquired talents during a show for their family and friends.