The parking lot outside Flood Brook School was packed, as was the shoulder of Route 11. Inside was overflowing, too, not with cars, but with more than 400 parents, siblings, grandparents and others who came to witness some 200 students perform circus feats of wonderment and fancy.
For two weeks the youngsters in all grades at the K-8 school had spent their time in physical education classes under the tutelage of Troy Wunderle of Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures. The hard work of training, spills, and learning was over. It was showtime!
“We’re here tonight to celebrate the effort of these kids,” said Wunderle to the assembled audience. “They are ready to dazzle you with what they’ve learned in just a few days.”
And dazzle they did.
Backed up by an exhilarating music soundtrack and a cheering crowd, Wunderle served as the Master of Ceremony by orchestrating the performers on-and-off the gymnasium stage. There were jugglers, rope jumpers, moon hoppers, uni-cyclists, stilt walkers, hula hoopers, acrobats, skits, clowns and much more.
Wunderle points out that in addition to lessons in eye-hand coordination and body control, the development of circus skills requires perseverance and lessons in facing fears.
“Circus performers are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence” said Wunderlee. “Their determination to prevail gives rise to their ultimate success. Everyone can benefit from experiencing the magic of a circus performance first hand.”
FBS Principal Johanna Liskowsky-Doak agreed. “The energy and creativity throughout the school the last two weeks has been contagious,” she said. “I can’t thank the Flood Brook Student Activity Council enough for making this experience possible for our kids.”
(Photo above: Mastering the devil-stick requires focus, focus and focus. )
Fifteen acrobats build three human pyramids to close the show.
Clowns use their faces and bodies to show emotion and feelings.
Double-Dutch jump roping requires rhythm, coordination, and body control.
Tossing rings while standing on top of a ball — one of the featured acts at the Flood Brook Circus.
This hula hooping “dog” thrills the crowd. and other members of the dog pound.
These students master the art of balancing a peacock feather on their nose.
Even the Flood Brook staff took part in the show.
Spinning a diablo was just one example of eye-hand coordination at the Flood Brook Circus.
The audience cheered on the performers at the Flood Brook Circus.