World Circus Arrives at the Museum of Natural History

N.S. MUSEUM--World Circus Arrives at the Museum of Natural History

Why is the circus considered one of the most exciting shows on Earth? The answer is found in a new exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax.

World Circus is a child-sized, interactive display produced by the Canadian Children's Museum, Canadian Museum of Civilization. The exhibit has a big top, trunk loads of circus artifacts, activity stations, and there are opportunities for role playing for children between the ages of five and 12.

"The exhibit provides a unique and fascinating look at circus performance through hands-on experiences. It allows one to get into the act," said Alex Wilson, manager of interpretation at the Museum of Natural History.

All the sights, sounds and colourful displays have been created to set the circus mood. Every day, children can pretend to join the circus with the help of a troupe of circus animators. They can become a clown, walk a tightrope, swing from a trapeze, flip devil-sticks, learn hat-tricks or ride a unicycle.

The success of every circus show relies heavily on a diversity of skills and experiences among the performers. "At World Circus children will discover the dedication, creativity and co- operation that is required to be part of a circus troupe," said Mr. Wilson.

Circus music adds charm and tempo throughout the display and a video unit provides snippets of performances from international circuses.

There are a lot of fun and zany circus activities planned each day at the museum for July and August. There will be special demonstrations by Atlantic Cirque-Agency and School on July 16 and July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20. Each demonstration takes place at 1:30 p.m.

A slide show highlighting the traditions of the American circus will be presented by Alex Wilson on July 6 at 2 p.m. There will also be workshops, including:

• Circus Arts with Michael Hirschbach on Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Hirschbach is a juggler and performer who recently spent 18 months performing with Cirque du Soleil;
• Clowning Around Kids with Kathy MacGillivary, of The Pig's Jig and No Strings Mime, on Tuesday, July 15, at 10 a.m.

The piece de resistance is the Circus Parade planned for Saturday, Aug. 23. Children are asked to bring their favourite bike, wagon, scooter, music makers and stuffed animal toys to decorate and create their own unique parade.

To reserve a spot for the workshops, call the museum at 902-424- 3563. World Circus is on display at the Museum of Natural History until Sept. 21. Admission is charged. For more information on programs call 902-424-3563 or visit the Web site at http://nature.museum.gov.ns.ca .