Clowning around

“Children these days grow up full of inhibitions and complexes. This workshop will help them free themselves,” ,” says Gupta. She herself learned circus art from a group of Italian artistes whose global project called ‘The Laboratory of Smiles’ helps street children and orphans in Goa increase their concentration and achieve a sense of mental and physical balance through circus acrobats,juggling,stilt-walking and other recreational activities.

While Gupta learned a trick or two going along with the troupe and translating for them,expertise in circus art was gained through YouTube. She also works as an arts-based therapist for children with special needs at three schools in Mumbai.

Gupta feels that these tricks will not only help in improving concentration but will also go a long way in advancing hand-eye coordination and other neurological functions. But the only roadblock she might face is getting older children—who at this age are hooked to playstations and Twitter—to participate.

“Globally,” she feels,“circus art is treated like a sport just like badminton or tennis. Besides,how cool is it to show off your newly-acquired juggling skills to your friends?”