Invisible Palace joined forces with circus school My Aerial Home to create a unique offer of affordable aerial sessions. The programme of activities includes after school clubs, taster sessions for teens, and affordable classes at My Aerial Home.

What young people say:
"The flying trapeze was really scary but fun and the silk was really exciting."

"Trapeze is an experience I won't forget. It was very fun to learn all of the tricks and it was very nerve-racking since when I first stood up it was very high."

"I thought I would get injured, I am scared of heights, lots of fun!"

What school, parents and carers say:
"Students really benefited from the physical circus with resilience and confidence, they all learn together and laugh together."

"Great activities, good for the kids. Thank you!"

"An amazing opportunity!!"

Invisible Palace and My Aerial Home have taken a Social Circus approach. Research into the impact of Social Circus draws particular attention to a culture of cooperation and peer support that surrounds risk taking activity and physical challenges. This combination is credited with creating gains in personal growth such as confidence, tolerance of others, social inclusion and engagement for participants.

 

All these are essential skills for success in both work and social settings but particularly at the moment when inequity has been highlighted with the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis. 

 

Building Safer Communities - research by the Nuffield Foundation in 2016 showed that:

•Less well-off pupils had lower take-up of most organised activities than their more affluent peers except for after school clubs.
•After school club attendance was associated with positive academic and social outcomes for disadvantaged children in particular.
•Organised physical activities were associated with higher attainment and better social, emotional and behavioural outcomes at age 11.

 

The person-centred approach found in social circus means that it often appeals to those who are turned off exercise by team sport.