TRY SOMETHING NEW

By Carin

They say trying something new is great for the soul. Maybe it is the process of

challenging yourself, feeling a sense of pride, perhaps the adrenalin rush, being able to show off or inspire others to also try something new and feel good for it.

In my circus classes I am always trying something new and it has taken me further than what I would have ever imagined.

I get inspired by everyone around me: from the complete novice who gives things a go, despite their lack of confidence, but ends up accomplishing something they never thought they would, to professionals who have been practicing for decades, literally spending hours to days to perfect one trick!

One day, when taking Ray’s hoop class I learnt about how using music can help to create a routine. So, I actually did some circus homework for once and began choreographing a hoop routine.

Over the years I have been building my skills and have looked forward to performing in showcases. As a Dietitian and an Eco-Warrior, I decided that I wanted my performances to be more meaningful than just showing off my (semi-amateur) skills.

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I want to convey more meaning, make people think, and perhaps even spark change in people’s life to tread lighter on the Earth. Thus, my stage name Bright Spark was born. I want people to be clever about their food choices, and be the spark for people to re-think and make change.

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The other week, I performed at Woytopia with Roundabout Circus in my second

public show. I performed a hoop dance to the song You Are What You Eat by the

Formidable Vegetables. I dressed up as Hannah Maloney (Gardening Australia)

where I gave out packets of edible plant seeds as well as Madagascar beans, a

plant-based protein food, grown in my garden for the audience to try and eat.

New stuff for everyone!

It was great to be part of the festival and contribute. Woytopia was bigger and better than the previous years and I look forward to it growing. It is a festival about learning how to make changes to ensure that we can live sustainably on our Mother Earth.

When we talk about change that means trying new things. Learning how to adapt, roll with the punches, go with the flow, combatting and navigating barriers.

Circus has taught me a lot about these lessons and likely helped me discover my

passion for dance and become a Zumba instructor so I can too pass on these skills

to my students.

Next year I am going to teach Zumba Kids on Mondays at 11am at Roundabout

Circus, adding another feather to Roundabout’s cap. In my first Zumba Kids classes last school holidays I definitely went with the flow of the group and reflected so I can adapt for next time.

In Term 1, I look forward to giving Roundlings an opportunity to become confident

with dance, build co-ordination, confidence and musicality, as well as help them

express themselves in their unique way. We will embrace the rainbow of dances from around the world as well as learn dances to music to inspire everyone to tread lighter on our Mother Earth.