SUNY New Paltz hosts circus instruction for kids

NEW PALTZ — Flying trapeze, juggling, plate spinning and balancing acts — these are just a few of the events taking place in the Elting Gymnasium on the campus at SUNY New Paltz through July 20.

As part of a two-week summer day-camp program that began July 8, the National Circus Project is instructing more than 50 children, K-12, in basic circus skill workshops that are a blend of physical education and cultural arts. The camp ends on July 20 at 10 a.m. with a student circus show complete with ringmaster and clowns.

“The circus has been a tradition at SUNY,” said Greg Milstein, a circus professional and the executive director of the National Circus Project. “It has been run so well here over the years that it has become a tradition, and we’re very pleased to be here to carry on that tradition.”

The camp employs two other circus professionals, a flying trapeze artist and a traditional Chinese circus acrobat, and features guest appearances from past National Champions in Western roping and uni-cycling.

The camp is sponsored by the SUNY New Paltz Campus Auxiliary Services and has been running for five seasons. Most of the participants are children from the local community who have either participated throughout the years or are experiencing the workshops for the first time.