Testimonial ? Sophie Grant Brown

How did you hear about Cirque Nova?
Through a friend who was already working with them.

Why did you join in?
Having seen pictures and video of their work as well as talking to Penny made me think that it would be a great opportunity. As well as it look like fun and a interesting and a great challenge that I wanted to at least try.

What do you enjoy most?
I really love the challenge that learning circus skills gives me. Even if what I manage to achieve is small in comparison to other people in the group its just as important as the project is individually focused. Strangely, although I have always had a fear of heights I've loved having the opportunity to try aerial work and it is helping me over come my fear.

What are the benefits you have found?
I have always considered that I have had a good level of fitness, but once I started working with Cirque Nova I soon found this wasn't necessarily the case ,so it has improved my fitness which is great!

A somewhat surprising benefit of learning circus skills for me was the benefit to my back, as because of the way I walk I have always had issues with it and as it has allowed me to stretch out muscles by hanging upside down and as such this has improved my posture. Having my disability has meant a focus upon what I can't do physically and to some degree has lead me to mistrust my body. Learning circus skills and training with Cirque Nova has shown me and continues to show me that I am capable of far more than I ever thought and this has been transferred to my life outside of training whether that be within my education or in the jobs I consider. This of course has had a knock on effect on my self-confidence and my approach to meeting new people as well as having made some great friends.

Above all Having the opportunity to learn circus skills has made me realise your first reaction to what you think you are capable of is not necessary a true one and fear is no reason not to do something.