“Ever fancied running away to the circus? Well now’s your chance.”

So starts the advertising “blurb” for the series of art workshops run by Phare. They have been going throughout July, and we are told will be continued through August. We went along to one to take some pictures and find out just what they were all about.

The particular group we met were all students from China. But language is no barrier when it comes to the circus skills. They were welcomed by Dara and introduced to their 5 trainers – 3 performers from the show “The Adventure” – students who had not yet graduated themselves – and two of their own trainers. There was a brief warm up session – a bit of running – some stretches and small exercises, and the group were split into two. Half were taught juggling and half were taught acrobatics. In the Phare Poleu Selpak school in Battambang, the circus students are themselves taught all the skills. They don’t specialise until very near the end of their training. So everyone can juggle, do acrobatics, balancing skills etc.

I happily walked round taking pictures. Two things came over to me. First the patience and the step by step approach that was taken in the training. We all might have loved to pick up three clubs and start juggling with them immediately, but you have to start from square one. Initially it was just throwing a ball from one hand to another. Then throwing it higher. Then clapping between throwing and catching. Then throwing it under your arm … you get the picture. By the end of 30 minutes, most people were managing to perform small juggling manoeuvres. The acrobatics concentrated on forward rolls. Starting just by walking over the mats and making a small standing jump when they were in the middle. Then they had to lift a leg and kick their own hand. One forward roll followed, then two consecutive ones, until finally they were standing on their heads and rolling out.

The second thing I noticed was the shear joy when a trick went right. For example when one of the new students actually caught a ball! Or maybe when one of the acrobats got a roll with a twist perfect. I also saw the patience of the trainers and the knowledge that was dawning on every new student that maybe this wasn’t as easy as it looked. The trainers were very patient. There were students of all abilities, and they made each feel special. The better ones were shown additional tricks and exercises. The slower ones had virtually personal tuition to ensure they achieved some tricks well. Every student – however adept at acrobatics – finally managed a roll out of a handstand. Although some had a lot more help then others!

As a 7 year old child I learned judo. My training included rather impressive looking (to me) judo rolls. As a child, I could jump quite a height and roll out. However the temptation to try it again – after almost 50 years had to be fought and I came away with pride and limbs intact. In my dreams I was jumping as high as the professionals. But that’s where they stay. I am sure each of these students now has dreams.

Half way through the course, there was a break, and a chance for a rest and a soft drink (all part of the course fee). Then the students swapped disciplines and tried a new skill. Amongst the second half jugglers were a small group wanting to try the clubs. This they did with aplomb. Maybe club juggling isn’t as hard as it looks – OK, well maybe it is.

Finally when everyone had had a go, there was a very brief demonstration by the professionals.  A short show of juggling with 5 balls and some flips and leaps. It all showed the students that they have a lot of practice to do yet.

Then there was a brief cool down session and that was that. The students stayed on for a meal in the Phare Café, followed by a chance to see the real show. It was an eye opener to them.

My over-riding impression was the fun that everyone had. It was a really great session and although, in all seriousness, I doubt any of the students will now run away and join the circus, it gave them a brilliant insight into the work the professionals have to do and the dedication of the cast of Phare. Thanks to Dara and all the team for letting me watch.

Maybe you’d like to try your hand? Tickets available from the circus, www.pharecambodiancircus.org Just $6 for a session – weekends 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm or other times by special arrangement.

Click any of the small pictures below to open a lightbox. You can then scroll through the whole gallery