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The ups and downs of the circus may not seem to be the kind of thing that most people are into these days, but according to the theatre’s Associate Director of Circus, Wendy Hesketh, the idea of circus is changing.

Cocoon

"Circus is evolving constantly as an art form as well as peoples’ views of it. Nowadays, people are interested in what this new and exciting form can offer them as far as participating in it, and also appreciating it.

"You can still find the traditional circus training around but what interests me particularly and where the growing appetite of the audience is, is the expansion of the term ‘circus’ and how it looks.

"Circus is now being fused with other performance skills like theatre and dance and when this happens it removes the older look of predominantly ‘skill displays’ and instead moves the performance into an interesting and engaging zone, where the equipment and the artist’s way of using it can tell a story, evoke emotions and enhance a theme."

The fact that circus is changing is underlined by the fact that Contact have a specificÌý post for it (funded by Circelation, a professional development programme for circus artists) but this weekend, the emphasis is less on the professional performance and more on the average person just having a go, as Wendy explains.

Bungee-dance

"There will be three different ‘stations’ all with different pieces of aerial equipment in them – things like trapeze, cocoons, stations where people get to dance and run along the wall, and bungee-assisted dance.

"If you have ever enjoyed climbing a tree or used the monkey bars in a playground then you can directly relate this feeling to the trapeze.

"Cocoon is a stretchy loop of fabric that you can climb or hang on, perform skills on and sit in to rest. Bungee-assisted dance is essentially a ground based technique - by pressing down in the bungee though, it propels you into the air momentarily in a very smooth fashion, allowing the gentle feeling of flight and the grounded feeling of dance to hit you all at the same time!

It all sounds like a lot of fun, but Wendy is quick to point out that while the skills are all quite easy to pick up, some commitment and effort is involved.

"Circus skills are hard work there is no way around it, but the sense of accomplishment and exhilaration you feel while doing it makes it all worth it."

So if you fancy getting involved, get down to the Contact. The sessions are free and open to anyone, though those wanting to take part in the bungee-assisted dance will need to be in good physical condition.

Taking Off Aerial Workshops are at the Contact Theatre on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November. Sessions are free.

Attendees are advised to bring a packed lunch, trainers, clothes that are easy to move in with no buckles or belts, and plenty of water.