Mt Morgan kids learn a few tricks that will help at school
IF you give Mt Morgan boy Angelo Hayden a plate he will probably smash it.
But give him a bit of time to practice and he could become one of the best master plate spinners in the circus.
Professional circus trainers have been teaching Angelo and the rest of Mt Morgan State School the tricks of the trade on how to become accomplished acts if they felt the circus was their destiny.
But the lessons go beyond just learning circus party tricks.
Flipside Circus trainer Alyssa Venning, who has been teaching the children how to perform all sorts from hoola hooping to trapeze swinging, says the students learn how healthy eating, self confidence and other life skills are key to becoming circus performers.
The "tricks" are just a hook for them, Alyssa says.
"These lessons help us engage the kids in education, which is important for their growth," she says.
"They are becoming more confident and more willing to take part."
Alyssa and other trainers have been teaching the circus lessons for the past two weeks at Mt Morgan State School.
Yesterday the students put their tricks to the test and peformed in front of family and the community in the school of arts hall.
As part of a joint initiative, CQUniversity and Flipside identified three other Central Queensland communities where school engagement needed more attention, Alyssa says.
They are Woorabinda, Eidsvold and Baralaba.
The trainers are finished the two-month-long tour and head back to Brisbane today.
