{"id":88661,"date":"2025-03-13T15:40:14","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T15:40:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/?p=88661"},"modified":"2025-03-20T16:35:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T16:35:59","slug":"training-with-cardiff-circus-makes-you-realise-its-more-than-just-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/business-culture\/training-with-cardiff-circus-makes-you-realise-its-more-than-just-art","title":{"rendered":"Training with Cardiff circus makes you realise it\u2019s more than just art"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No Fit State has been training enthusiasts for 30 years. As circuses gain popularity in the UK, how can a novice train to be a performer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic--770x434.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic--293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic--770x434.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performer_aesthetic--293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Audiences marvel at their gravity-defying stunts and perfectly timed acts, few truly understand the years of relentless training, risk, and discipline behind each performance.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As I hung upside down attempting the most basic step of aerial trapeze,\u00a0the dread and anticipation started sinking in. I had watched circus performers, effortlessly twist themselves through the air, suspended several feet above the ground on just a piece of cloth. This was nothing like what I had imagined, it was harder, scarier, and far more exhilarating than I had ever expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Francis, one of the trainers in the open for all, free classes, has been training and performing as a circus performer since 1979. He only stopped performing 15 years ago when he started teaching aspiring artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen people first come here, they always get addicted to aerials.&nbsp;&nbsp;Everybody hates groundwork,\u201d says Francis. \u201cIt it&#8217;s always inspires people at first and then they think, \u2018oh, I could also do that\u2019, and then they start getting involved with ground stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus-770x434.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus-770x434.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/hooplahooping_circus-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Francis has worked as a clown and a rope walker for over 40 years, now he trains aspiring performers. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Francis explains, the skill and physical artistry involved in circus performances have long only existed on the fringes in the world of performing arts, rarely granted the same respect as dancers, actors, or musicians.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t go to the circus to watch someone fall. You go to watch them succeed. And when they are right up in the sky, that\u2019s lifts the spirit, the soul of humanity; to see and think we humans can do this. That is the inspiration that circus and art give out,\u201d says Francis. Having performed in over 100 shows he says it never felt like work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While audiences marvel at their gravity-defying stunts and perfectly timed acts, few truly understand the years of relentless training, risk, and discipline behind each performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The intrigue of circus is different for everyone. Francis says, \u201cWhat got me into circus were the right parties. There was a fancy-dress party and the theme was circus. And all I can remember as a child from the circus is walking in between the legs of a stilt walker. So, I taught myself how to walk on stilts.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/juggling_circus-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Juggling is one of the most popular circus acts, its deceiving simplicity makes it a difficult ground skill to master. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/circusgb.com\/ich\">Association of Circus Proprietors<\/a> is working with the UK government to recognise circus arts as part of this heritage, ensuring their protection and preservation. This recognition would help secure funding, cultural status, and respect for circus as an art form, putting it on par with other performing arts and safeguarding its future for generations to come.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Francis has been teaching at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nofitstate.org\">NoFit State<\/a> in Adamstown for a few years now, where he watched me struggle to learn juggling, my eyes darting between the balls as they repeatedly hit the floor. With a knowing smile, he said that circus performance is all about rhythm, training the body to move in sync with the act. While the sparkling costumes and stage lights add to the show, the real \u2018trick\u2019 isn\u2019t an illusion, it is pure skill.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seren has been training as a performer all her life. She first joined the crew to learn aerial skills, but along the way, she discovered there is so much more to the world of circus than she first imagined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seren says, \u201cI did my first proper show recently. We had a Welsh Spring showcase here and I was a part of that, which was really exciting. And I can&#8217;t wait for the next show I get to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/trapeze_circus-293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aerial trapeze requires high levels of physical strength and control, as it is the act that is most likely to lead to injuries. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pipper had joined the classes out of curiosity after attending one with her niece, and during the hula-hoop session, she was the one I watched for guidance. Of all the acts I had attempted, this was the one I was slightly more successful at, and it was gratifying to finally get the rhythm right. Circus is not just entertainment, these gravity-defying acts, no matter how small, demand sharp coordination and an understanding of the science behind movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Elliott, is going to go to university for circus this year. His interest in circus performance was sudden but all encompassing. \u201cAbout a year and a bit ago, I went to a circus show. And I was like, \u201cOkay, I wanna do that\u2019, it looked like so much fun,\u201d says Elliot. \u201cAnd literally the next day I came to train, and I&#8217;ve been training ever since. It has taken over my life in the best way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ancient circus has a long history, but the modern circus emerged in the 18th century. Travelling circuses became popular in the late 19th century, and some companies received government funding. Big names like Cirque du Soleil and Circus Oz emerged in the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"943\" height=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final.jpg 943w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-141x300.jpg 141w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-770x1633.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-724x1536.jpg 724w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-293x621.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 943px) 100vw, 943px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"943\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final.jpg 943w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-141x300.jpg 141w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-770x1633.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-724x1536.jpg 724w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/Evolution-of-Circus-final-293x621.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 943px) 100vw, 943px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCircus is far more exciting now,\u201d says Francis as he taught be how to throw the Dublin in the air. And as I followed him and tried my best not to hurt the people around me, he says, \u201cBecause humans have got to do more now. They haven\u2019t got the fallback of having an animal that will have everybody going \u2018Woo\u2026\u2019 because they have never seen an animal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bornfree.org.uk\/circuses-performing-animals\/\">Modern circus performers<\/a> no longer rely on animals, focusing instead on human skill, creativity, and storytelling. Ethical concerns and changing audience expectations have driven this shift, with most circuses embracing acrobatics, aerial acts, and theatrical performances. This evolution not only ensures animal welfare but also pushes the boundaries of circus arts, making shows more dynamic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shift toward human-focused performances has made acts like the flying trapeze more popular. Laine, a seasoned trainer, recognized my hesitation as I prepared to step onto the trapeze. Sensing my fear, she reassured me with a smile, promising that once I took the leap, I would love the thrill of it. She says, \u201cI fell in love with flying trapeze, and I just spent all my time doing it. Anytime I had some spare time I would try and fly. Being in the air\u2026 it is really liberating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers--770x434.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers--293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-88676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers--300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers--770x434.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/03\/circus_performers--293x165.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The team at NofitState Circus welcomes all interested people on every Sundays and Thursdays of the week. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The appeal of circus performance is different for everyone. As I left the hall, satisfied with my experience and newfound respect for the craft, Francis said its intrigue might come from its non-competitive nature, focusing on personal growth rather than rivalry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s an art form, so there&#8217;s more expression in what you&#8217;re doing. It is not competitive, it&#8217;s more supportive. You&#8217;re doing something dangerous. You&#8217;ve got to make it entertaining. There&#8217;s got to be an art form around it, but you&#8217;ve also got to enjoy what you do have,\u201d says Francis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No Fit State has been training enthusiasts for 30 years. As circuses gain popularity in the UK, how can a novice train to be a performer?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1223,"featured_media":88662,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[53],"coauthors":[1295],"class_list":["post-88661","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-culture","tag-art"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Training with Cardiff circus makes you realise it\u2019s more than just art - InterCardiff<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Training with Cardiff circus makes you realise it\u2019s more than just art - InterCardiff\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"No Fit State has been training enthusiasts for 30 years. 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