BRATTLEBORO — Living with cancer has been described as a high-tension balancing act. But three upcoming “Circus for Survivors” workshops will involve nothing but laughter and fun.
Following the success of three similar workshops last fall, Forest Moon: Celebrating Cancer Survivorship and the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) present three “Circus for Survivors” workshops Feb. 16, April 6, and May 18.
Programs include juggling, low balancing wires, and aerial fabrics and trapezes, guided by plenty of experienced circus coaches and friends.
The May workshop is a special family session open to both adults and children 9 and up.
Sessions are from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at NECCA, 74 Cotton Mill Hill, are free and open to anyone living with a cancer diagnosis at any stage, and will be suitable for all abilities.
Participants may attend on their own or bring a family member or friend. The workshops are easily accessible by wheelchair.
Sessions are facilitated by Suzanne Rappaport, who has a master's degree in occupational therapy and teaches and coaches circus arts to increase mind and body awareness; and Britta Reida, a breast cancer survivor active with NECCA since 2006 as both a student and an executive board member.
Participants are advised to wear long sleeves and long pants as general protection. Those whose physical conditions are precarious are urged to ask their doctors about participating.
Because there is always the small risk of some physical injury, NECCA requires participants to review and sign liability waivers.
Forest Moon's (www.forestmoon.org) mission is to provide programs to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and their families and friends in rural New England.
The mission of the New England Center for Circus Arts (www.necenterforcircusarts.org) is to create a school, facility, and community where circus arts are available to the general public and to inspire students of all skill levels, ages, abilities, and aspirations.