When we hear the term “circus competitions for children,” we are surprised and do not believe in the reality of their implementation. After all, physically unprepared children cannot instantly become jugglers, do acrobatic tricks under the circus big top, or skillfully joke with the public like clowns. But fears aside, because circus competitions for children are designed to reveal the creative potential of children, engender artistry and ease of communication with the public. After all, almost every third person in the world is afraid to go on stage because they cannot feel millions of eyes on themselves, play a role, or be embodied in an image. And that’s why circus competitions for children from 5 to 16 years old are considered so valuable.
Circus competitions for children from 5 to 7 years old
"Balloon Juggling"
Equipment: You need a large number of half-inflated balloons made of durable and matte latex.
Rules of the game: Children are invited to rehearse and prepare a circus act in the genre of juggling. It is advisable that music be played in the hall during an impromptu rehearsal. For what? – So that children can not only juggle balloons, but also dance, creating a spectacular performance for their future audience. If possible, you can explain the rules of juggling to boys and girls and show examples of successful performances. You should initially work with two balloons, and when everything works out, then pick up a third one. During rehearsal breaks, you can organize battles, choosing the two most diligent “circus performers” from the team, bring them onto the stage, and let them juggle for a while. Whoever's balls fall to the ground loses. If desired, you can arrange a gala concert.
Recommendations: A circus competition can become one of the elements of a large-scale children's holiday, a physical activity at school, kindergarten during a break between intellectual activities.
"Rope Walker"
Equipment: a long rope of small diameter, as well as pins for finishing points, a fan or a long cane for balance.
Rules: There is no need to hang the rope, you just need to place it on a flat floor surface, mark the beginning and end of the rope walker’s path with pins. And during the game, each of the participants will put on shoes, pick up a fan or cane for balance and walk along the rope. The task is to walk beautifully without losing balance, doing tricks, for example, jumping, standing on one leg, doing a “swallow”, squatting and much more. The jury evaluates artistry, grace, and ease in performing tricks. The reward may be applause or sweet prizes.
Recommendations: It is advisable to conduct all circus competitions for children for micro groups. If the performance drags on, the children will begin to get bored, make noise, and get distracted, so it won’t be a colorful performance.
Circus competitions for children from 8 to 12 years old
In children of primary school age, coordination of movements becomes better, so circus competitions for children gradually become more complex and increase in time period. They are usually used for New Year's holidays, birthdays and other grand celebrations that involve the convening of a large number of guests, participants, and spectators. So what competitions can we recommend for boys and girls studying in elementary school?
"Experienced trainers"
Equipment: a large number of soft toys in the form of wild or domestic animals. The main thing is that they are stable and have a long neck and a small head. Circus rings or plastic hoops.
Rules: A circus arena is being prepared for the trainer, that is, soft toys are placed on the stage along the perimeter of the circle at an equal distance from each other. And the participants will approach the center of the arena one by one, holding identical sets of hoops in their hands. The task of each trainer is to throw circus rings or hoops on all the animals one by one. The jury counts the number of hits and determines the winner and the most experienced trainer.
Instructions: Additionally, you can use circus costumes to make the event colorful and solemn. There must be background music in the hall; it will encourage both the participants, fans and spectators.
"Funny Stilts"
Equipment: improvised stilts, these can be plastic cubes with ribbons tied at the edges.
Rules of the game: Children are given improvised means from which they can construct stilts. Usually children tie ribbons to the cubes, lift the free ends up and hold them with their hands. Afterwards, a relay race is organized, when two kids try to reach the finish line at speed on improvised stilts.
Instructions: For improvised stilts, it is better to choose durable plastic so that it does not break under the baby’s weight and injure his leg. And the ribbons or ropes should be wide and long so that participants of different heights can comfortably fit on stilts, while holding them with their hands using available means.
Circus style party: invitations, costumes, menu, entertainment
Have you ever had a circus party in your life?
I'm not talking about those cases when someone gets drunk and starts acting weird. We are talking about a themed holiday. Do you remember the inner thrill that dad casually said: “We’ll go to the circus this weekend!”? How mesmerizing this fairy tale was: dexterous jugglers, flexible acrobats, funny clowns. And even the air is saturated with some kind of invisible magic and admiration!
A circus-style party will not only help bring back childhood delight, but will also bring quite adult joys.
Remember the movie "The Prestige"? Illusionists are ready to commit deception and betrayal for the sake of a new masterpiece trick - prestige.
And all for the sake of a moment of glory: an explosion of applause, enthusiastic faces and a new status as the best illusionist in the whole World! Be saturated with the charm of subtle humor, wordplay, bright costumes, entertainment in everything around you. This is how a party should be: loud, bright, brilliant, daring, fun and frank!
Try to transform yourself into an extravagant, expressive artist with unbridled imagination, high self-esteem and the overflowing emotions of real touring performers!
Let's talk about how to organize just such an enchanting holiday!
Relevance
This party idea is suitable for bold, relaxed groups. It is desirable that the team includes creative, artistic individuals. This evening format is suitable if you decide to celebrate a birthday, New Year, bachelor or bachelorette party, or corporate event in an original way! The big plus is that it can be arranged at any time of the year. Another option for celebrating a birthday in winter.
Inviting guests and invitations
It may take 2-3 weeks to prepare colorful outfits and characters, so you need to invite your friends in advance.
Invitations can be designed in the form of a circus tent: ordered from a printing house or made with your own hands from colored decorative cardboard.
Decorate the elements on the card with glitter for makeup or manicure. If you find colored feathers or beads, be sure to use them in the design of postcards.
The second option is a ticket to the circus. It is better to order such a leaflet from a printing house - it will be as similar as possible to a real ticket! If you are a decent “controller”, be sure to tear the ticket of the guest who entered the festive hall by invitation.
Dress code
You'll have to put a lot of work into the costumes. This is not a case where you can easily pick up something from your or even your grandmother’s wardrobe! Although renting or buying in specialized stores will not be difficult. In any case, there will be those who will try to reincarnate themselves. Here are the following tips for them.
Male images.
- Classical. Rent an old-fashioned tailcoat or tuxedo. A butterfly, an extravagant frill, a white or bright red shirt, a black top hat, classic shoes, eyes lined with black arrows will fit perfectly into the image of a magician or the host of a circus show!
- Master of pantomime. Black trousers, a stylish black and white vest, a black hat, white gloves and matching makeup. Instead of a vest, you can wear a white T-shirt and black suspenders.
- Clown. Everything is clear with this: we find a clown costume, practice applying stage makeup and voila!
- Trainer. An image for the brave: with classic black trousers, the top should be bright: not just a variegated color, but if possible shiny (sequins, decorative sparkles, golden fringe). Hair is combed back, if the length of the hair allows, you can wear a hat or top hat.
It is important to work on posture and gestures - this is half of the chosen character.
Women's images.
- Clowns and pantomime artists. The elements of the costume are almost the same as for men. Choose playfully flirty shoes and jewelry in bright colors, high-quality artist makeup, and surprise your friends with interesting characters.
- Trainer. This image contains all the audacity and challenge of an imperious circus goddess, who can make not only wild animals, but also men’s hearts submit! A white tight blouse with a butterfly, a red or black satin corset, short shorts/skirt of the same colors, tights with glitter or fishnet, a stable high heel, a playful hat or large curls of hair. A cane or whip is the main attribute of a tamer!
Makeup to match the entire look: expressive eyes lined with arrows, shiny rhinestones near the eyebrow or instead of a mole, light glitter on the eyelids, richly colored lipstick or transparent lip gloss. Be careful with stage accessories and makeup! - An assistant or performer in a circus production. Bright tight jumpsuits, corsets or dresses in the style of the 30s, sexy bows, revealing necklines, flirty lace, high heels, beautiful posture, Hollywood smile and artistic gestures. Remember Scarlett Johansson in the movie “The Prestige” - a great example to follow!
For everyone: feel free to become a trained animal - a proud lion or an aggressive tigress - isn't it a special character for a circus-themed party?
Decoration of the festive hall
Restaurant, club, apartment, dacha. If finances allow, rent a circus arena. The main thing to remember is that the event requires a lot of space.
Looking ahead to the entertainment program, we focus on the fact that 2-3 real circus acts will make your party truly unforgettable. Therefore, if you are planning such a win-win highlight of the evening, make sure that there is enough space. Invite a juggler, gymnasts, fire tamers or a magician!
Color spectrum . A pretentious circus, of course, it dictates red and white stripes, luxurious cherry-burgundy satin and velvet, golden trims, shiny elements!
Decorative elements and simple nuances that will help create the atmosphere:
- At the entrance, arrange a “Circus” sign or cut out letters from foam and paint them red;
- Balloons, from which you can arrange bouquets or symbolic images: a magician’s hat, a clown, or simply voluminous garlands;
- A tent with popcorn, sweets and balloons filled with helium: what would a circus be without the notorious treats and souvenirs?
- Hang up posters with trainers, illusionists and actors from themed films;
- Try to make something like an arena with your own hands: if you can find soft ottomans (the bigger the better), arrange them in a semicircle or circle (as long as is enough), and cover them with red satin fabric;
- If you or someone you know has decorative rabbits or white rats, borrow them: place the cages in a visible place! After making an impression on the guests, place the cages in a separate warm room, since animals do not really like loud music;
- We set the table and decorate it in the appropriate style: white, red, blue, striped, golden. Cardboard party hats, umbrellas, garlands, and curved cocktail straws will fit perfectly into the overall picture!
Place for a photo.
Select a corner for a photo: a red curtain, a cone for a trained animal, a magician’s hat and cane, a clown’s wig, small acting paraphernalia, and if possible, ribbons or a hanging swing for spectacular photos.
If your budget allows, hire a professional photographer for a couple of hours. It is better to take high-quality photos in the first half of the celebration, while the costumes are sitting straight, the makeup is not smudged, and the eyes have not lost the ability to focus! And you will definitely take crazy selfies and photos on your phone hundreds of times before the fun ends!
In extreme, energy-saving cases, you can use the services of circus-style restaurants. There are these in many large cities. But I recommend checking the design and all the features of the room in advance, in case it turns out that your imagination is much brighter and your tent will turn out to be more soulful and festive!
Music
Meet guests to the Britney Spears hit “Circus”: excellent magical sound of music, under which pictures of a video with trained animals and sexy tamers pop up! If there is a screen on which you can display video, do not ignore this opportunity!
Songs about the circus, or indirectly reminiscent of the theme of performances, shows: “The performance is over” by P. Gagarina, “Furious beast, my master” from the group “Vintage”, “Harlekino” by A. Pugacheva, “Who will believe the comedian” by V. Meladze, “ Luna Park is leaving, I want to go with it." Mickey Newton. After warming up, you can prepare a playlist of modern hits. The main thing is to keep it fun, perky and rhythmic!
Menu and drinks
Circus artists are very active and agile: complex numbers, extreme performances, exhausting training! You can't feed them with a green salad!
Prepare a full, hearty menu that should include:
- Meat dishes (chicken legs, steaks, meatloaf);
- Roast with meat;
- Baked fish;
- Cheese slices;
- Sausage slices;
- Several salads, at the discretion of the organizer;
- Sandwiches are different (they go well with red caviar);
- Fruit assortment.
Beware of overeating - a hearty menu has its drawbacks! Compensate for it with active competitions or dances.
For dessert, cupcakes and pastries with bright cream, themed cookies, popcorn, ice cream in waffle cups and popsicles are perfect.
And where would we be without a huge, delicious themed cake? When ordering a cake, do not forget to emphasize the age of the birthday person so that the confectionery result does not turn out like for children!
Beverages. Non-alcoholic: assorted juices, mineral water. Alcohol: champagne, cocktails, wine, vodka.
Tip: any dishes and drinks can be decorated with colored straws, cones, raindrops, which will automatically turn them into a themed attribute.
Entertainment
- Try to organize 2-3 professional circus acts, this will make an unforgettable impression.
- Ask the trainer and animal characters to perform some kind of improvisational act. If there are several animals, offer mass execution of commands to the appropriate music! The main thing is that everyone gets into character 100%!
Competition “While the match is burning.” 3-4 people take part in turn. Task: as soon as the contestant enters the “arena”, a match is lit. While it burns down, you need to tell as much good things as possible about the birthday boy. The winner is the one who managed to tell the most interesting things during this time. If it is not a birthday, then the contestants must read out their express autobiography while the match burns out. The number of given facts in the “briefly about yourself” category is assessed.
The prepared exit of the “magician”. Preparation must take place in advance. That is, the magician must be the organizer of the holiday or a person to whom everything was explained in advance. 2-3 matches are painted with mascara, even better, thoroughly rubbed with soot and placed in the ashtray after the previous competition, immediately after which a miracle trick will take place: “Did you know that a burnt match can burn again one more time?” Watch how surprise, delight and a huge question mark grow on the skeptical faces of the guests! The magician’s task is to fully enter into the character, because it is quite simple to expose the “fraudster”, and the acting will be remembered for a long time!
Competition "Under the Circus Big Top". After a good “warm-up”, already in the second half of the holiday, ask several people who want to perform the following task: walk along a narrow ribbon (stretched evenly on the floor, fixed at the edges with weights), placing an apple on the top of the head. Halfway through, you need to draw a “swallow” figure. The most dexterous circus performer who doesn't drop the apple wins!
Competition "Climber". 5-6 people stand facing the wall, arms bent at the elbow, palms leaning against the wall. The facilitator asks questions that can only be answered “yes” or “no.” For each “no” we move our palms down by the size of one palm, for each “yes” we move them up in the same way. The host’s task is to ask as many questions as possible to which the guests will answer “yes,” for example: “Do you love your spouse?”, “Can you read?”, “Do you like the holiday?” When your hands are high enough, ask a question with a clearly affirmative answer: “Do you have a secondary education?” After the next “yes” you ask: “Why are you fighting against the wall then?” The reward goes to the one whose hands are higher than the others - whatever one may say, the best climber!
Competition "Master of Pantomime". What's a circus without pantomime? If there are people in appropriate costumes, invite them to become contestants. Make a wish for one character at a time and see who can get the correct answer from the crowd faster. Riddle something simple: “pissing boy” or “Samson tearing the lion’s mouth”, or “pissing boy tearing the lion’s mouth”! The main thing is to have fun, it’s a circus!
Incentive prizes
They should be simple, but as thematic as possible. Large multi-colored lollipops, champagne, hairspray with glitter, chocolate medals, craft figures made from long balloons for modeling, clown cookies…
If it's a birthday, give the birthday person something more worthwhile. Vivid, or indirectly related to the topic. If you manage to preserve the touch of humor embedded in the gift itself or the congratulations in the card, consider that you have managed to maintain the charm of the circus atmosphere in everything!
Simple gift ideas:
For a woman: good cosmetics, a boldly colored clutch, a beautiful umbrella or any accessory chosen with taste.
For a man: a good gift would also be an accessory that suits his individual image and style: a scarf, an umbrella, a diary, or the popular ones today: “Notebook for brilliant ideas”, “Superman’s notebook”.
The most limitless and fantastic fun at your Circus party!
Author: Victoria Sirotenko
