Get inside the December Hoola Hoop Scoop

December always arrives like a circus inside the circus. A big energy, big lists, big smiles, and the occasional moment of “wait, what day is it again?” But in a strange way, this time of year always reminds me why Roundabout feels so special. It’s busy because people show up. It’s chaotic because community matters.

Behind the scenes, Andy and I are juggling everything from preschool graduations and costume boxes to van repairs and Google Drive mysteries, all while getting ready for our summer program and next year's schedules. I am not ready to be ready for February. And while the to-do list is long, the gratitude list is longer.

A real highlight this past month was representing Roundabout at Central Coast Council’s Girls Get Active Day. Zoe and I ran Acroyoga sessions for young women from Wadalba and Wyong High Schools who do not regularly engage in school sports and it was a joy to watch a whole lot of young people surprise themselves with what they are capable of. I was also very humbled and honoured to be a part of a Q&A panel on the day with Rae Anderson, a duel paralympian, and Liz Mahler, an international Karate champion and founder of BBMA. My experience and approach to movement and sport is so different to theirs, and a part of me felt that sneaky imposter syndrome, but then I recognised it was a great opportunity to highlight to these students that their are non-competitive options for moving your body and finding joy in exercise can come in many different ways. The important thing is being open to trying something new and finding the movement that brings you joy and lights you up. I hope we have inspired some of these ladies to step outside the box of what "sport" can be and I look forward to opportunities to do more of these sessions in the future.

Another reflection from this month was the fabulous Lakes Festival events. This year we had 3 events during the 10 day council festival. SPIRAL Coast, Splashabout Showcase and Marine Magic with Parklife Cafe. And of course, 2 of those were on the same day and I am so proud of our team, especially Andy, for being able to spread the circus smiles all over the coast in the one day. The biggest highlight for me was performing our chaotic family pirate act with both our boys for the first time on a Roundabout stage after testing the waters at GLOWfest. Stay tuned as this will keep developing over the years. Maybe next year Arrow can ride his own unicycle?1

As we near the end of the year, we’re also preparing our VIP Re-Enrolment  launch. For our current members and families, this $50 pass gives you early access to Term 1 spots, a deposit on the new year classes, merch voucher, locks in reduced membership rates and offers discounts on January workshops and circus shop items. This is a small way to say thank you for booking in early with us. We are so excited about everything planned for next year. I can't wait to share it with you.

On top of all that, December is packed with events, activations and our new Christmas Drop & Shop days. We hope to see lots of you at our Circus-mas party on 12th December and put the 17th January in your calendars for our 9th Birthday Open Day celebrations.

Thanks for being part of our wonderfully messy, joyful circus. We're so grateful for our circus community.

SEE WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER

Rachel, Andy, and the Roundabout crew