Defy Gravity Crystal Palace

Invisible Palace

Defy Gravity Crystal Palace

A project by Invisible Palace

Defy Gravity Crystal Palace

Defy Gravity builds on the heritage of Crystal Palace as a place for outdoor arts, entertainment and leisure in order to create a social circus school for children, young people and communities.

As early as the 17th century people travelled to Sydenham Spa to take the waters this later became a place of summer entertainment as did Anerley Gardens and Beulah Spa.

Defy Gravity works with schools and youth groups to provide exciting and challenging physical activities brought directly to communities in local parks and public spaces.

The project involves young people in fun, creative, physical learning, teaching games and tricks that can be shared with family and friends. Participants overcome physical fear and support others to do the same, developing empathy and resilience.

Defy Gravity takes a social circus approach promoting cooperation, tolerance and peer support. Young people to work at their own pace through managed risk taking participants challenge themselves and achieve the unexpected. Activities range from hula-hoop and juggling to tightwire and aerial arts.

Through teacher observation we know that, “children who took part had experiences they loved and will remember for years to come. I hope and believe they will also be encouraged to make more use of the leisure spaces around them as a result of the project.” It was also noted that pupils gained confidence particularly the least confident children.

Wider research relating to the social circus model draws particular attention to the culture of cooperation and peer support in combination with risk taking and physical challenges. These together are credited with creating gains in personal growth such as confidence, tolerance of others, social inclusion and engagement for participants.

In 2019 a public day for all ages drew a cross section people from across South London to enjoy Crystal Palace Park’s unique heritage and a day of family entertainment.

Brilliant, dream come true, SE23
Wonderful and amazing, SE20
Confidence building but intense, SE19

What your gift could provide

£12

Introductory session for a young person - juggling, hula-hoop, acrobalance

£25

Aerial session for a young person - trapeze, sling, hoop

£76

Four week programme for a young person

Fundraise for us!

Volunteers needed

Experienced project evaluator required to support the development of a light touch framework for evaluating ongoing community based projects.