The Magic of Circus Kumarani

The I Have A Dream eight-week circus programme, run in school by Circus Kumarani, offers tamariki a fun and supportive environment to build confidence, physical skills, and positive relationships through circus activities.

The programme was held at Totara Grove last year, and this year it is also running at Tikipunga Primary School. Year 3 Navigator Char Ngata said she has noticed it helps tamariki develop focus, confidence, and perseverance: skills that support engagement at school. It also fosters interest in creative arts, physical activity, and performance, while introducing pathways into circus arts, coaching, wellbeing, and other creative careers.

Circus Kumarani’s Zion Fyfe has been teaching circus for five years now. He is passionate about sharing his skills with tamariki, and notes that the energy from the students at both schools is electric, as can be seen from the video.

Louis Wark and Zion Fyfe from Circus Kumarani

“They really, really enjoy it,” said Zion. “It’s been a good learning journey. I used to do circus when I was really little, and then got into fire spinning as an art form. From there, I met friends who were in the circus and they encouraged me to join up and I stumbled into this from there.”

As he highlighted, the circus programme teaches the Dreamers fun tricks in a classic, old-fashioned way, while also extending their hand-eye coordination, balance, and performance skills. Zion and Louie Wark teach around 15 Dreamers in each session, supported by Whaea Char and her volunteers.

The tamariki get to try a variety of circus equipment, including juggling, poi, flower sticks, diabolo, hula hoops, unicycle, and the balancing globe. Activities are adapted to support neurodiverse and disabled tamariki, providing flexible options to suit different learning styles and needs.

Each session follows a clear routine: an opening circle, warm-up, skill practice, and reflection. Tamariki are encouraged to work at their own pace, make choices, and support one another. A relaxed show-preparation session and a small, low-pressure performance for whānau may be included, focusing on participation rather than perfection.

Ultimately, this programme clearly helps these Dreamers gain greater self-confidence, build stronger friendships, and grow essential personal and social skills, all while having lots of fun.