Troy Wunderle of Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures spoke to the benefits of performing in the spotlight. “In the face of countless fears and challenges, circus performers are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence,” said Wunderle. “Their dogged determination to prevail gives rise to their ultimate success.”
Wise words with a not-so-hidden challenge. For a whole week, all students in The Dorset School used time in Physical Education under Wunderle’s tutelage to master a skill, overcome their fears, and prepare for a performance that would thrill a wide-eyed energetic audience of family and friends.
“This week showcased all the fun elements of what a school can be,” said TDS Principal Rosanna Moran to a packed audience in the gymnasium on a recent Friday afternoon. “Joy, laughter and a passion for learning. Let the show begin!”
For the next hour, Wunderle served as the Ringmaster as the young performers paraded and showcased their new found skills. There were jugglers, jump ropers, plate spinners, feather balancers, hula hoopers, moon hoppers, ring tossers, acrobats and much more.
In addition to feats of physical dexterity, third grade clowns showed how to silently express their emotions. By using their eyes, faces and bodies they demonstrated joy, anger, fatigue, confusion and love.
The second graders performed a skit featuring a class of monkeys who mischievously mocked the Ringmaster behind his back. Then one monkey named Chiquita appeared in a banana costume to steal the show before being reprimanded by a pink Mama Monkey (Health teacher, Kali Harris) and then tangoed off the stage.
To close the show, teachers turned performers with hula hoops, pogo sticks, roller boards, and stilts. Then older students followed by forming impressive human pyramids of all shapes and sizes.
No human or animal was harmed during the performances. Except, perhaps, Chiquita, who was put in his place by Mama Monkey.
(Photo above: TDS middle schoolers build human pyramids to close the show.)
Mama Monkey tangos Chiquita off the stage at The Dorset School Circus.
This clown just could not leave the stage (all part of the act).
Hula hoop joy at The Dorset School Circus!
Balancing on top of a large ball while playing catch with rings - just another new skill performed at The Dorset School Circus.