Page 23 - Real Rochdale Issue 05 Summer 2019

BY STEVE GIFFITHS

A 250-year-old art form is being practiced in they never thought they could. They get so
Rochdale and not many people know about it. much confidence from the circus skills they
Apart from the former Beatle, John Lennon, can learn.”
who wrote a song called ’For the benefit
of Mr Kite‘. Children in Need, Short Breaks, Henry Smith
and the Postcode Lottery fund projects with
Lennon saw a poster from 1843 in a second- special schools and for young people with a
hand shop advertising Mr Kite’s performance in variety of special needs and disabilities
the show of the great Pablo Fanque at
Rochdale’s Town Meadows and now Skylight Besides the performances they put on in
Circus Arts keeps up the tradition from their Rochdale they have worked with international
well-equipped circus school and studio theatre circus organisations and in other Greater
in St Chad’s Fold, with training in circus skills Manchester venues such as the Lowry.
and performances of the art of circus.
As Martine says, they have a long tradition PHOTOS: GILES BENNETT
Founded almost 30 years ago, Skylight of showing that circus is a genuine art as well
preserves the traditions and skills which circus as great exercise. Generations, a moving and
promotes and combines them with other highly-skilled collaboration between Skylight’s
art forms such as dance and drama, to create older Youth Circus and the Silver Circus (over
new circus theatre. From walking on high wires, 55s) was awarded ‘Cultural Event of the Year’
to performing on the trapeze, silks or cocoons 2018 at the Culture and Sports Award
and all skills in between, Skylight will develop Ceremony in Middleton Arena.
people who want to run away to the circus, or
just enjoy testing themselves and The youth or adult aerial classes helps people
developing their confidence. to learn and develop skills on all forms of rope,
silks and trapeze.
Their team of experienced trainer/performers
can offer young people, disabled people and You can start as a complete beginner and in a
the silver haired the opportunity to grow and very short time you are dangling up there
perform in a safe environment. striking a pose. And all in a safe, supportive
environment.
This is ‘social circus’ where the benefits to
health and well-being are as important as So, if you want to get your child ready for a
the creativity. circus career, develop your own ability to walk
over people’s heads on a high wire or simply
The Creative Director, Martine Bradford, says want to be more flexible then Skylight
they work with a wide range of people Circus Arts is the place for you - and it is based
because many want to develop their abilities. in Rochdale

Martine said: “It is amazing how people www.skylightcircusarts.com
respond to the chance to do something that

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