Community programme uncovers circus stars of tomorrow in Tipperary and Galway
Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre’s creative director, Chantal McCormick, with Travellers performing on a halting site in Galway. Photo: Ray Ryan
They are the circus stars of tomorrow who instead of performing in big tops are staging mind bending acrobatic displays in the halting site where they live.
However, what really sets the kids from Cuil Sheoige Halting Site apart is their talent.
Those in search of proof need look no further than the skies, because every Tuesday evening in Galway young Traveller girls and boys, such as Linda Delaney and her sisters Cassidy and Margaret, can be seen soaring through the air admiring the bird’s eye view of their caravans.
The workshops are made possible by a feat of engineering known as the Sauropod. The device, which was created especially for acrobats to hone their skills, is being used in halting sites across Tipperary and Galway as part of a community engagement programme known as Sorcán and Circus.
For many children who have never so much as been to a circus it has been nothing short of a dream come true.
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Traveller musician and screenwriter Wilzee worked in conjunction with the Irish Aerial Creation Centre, joining forces with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre’s creative director, Chantal McCormick to make the outdoor aerial workshops a reality.
The pair never grow tired of seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as they soar through the air without a care in the world.
Some as young as six enjoy pretending they are superheroes, birds and even Tinkerbell.
Seven-year-old Margaret Delaney is showcasing her aerial dance moves to the tune of an ABBA classic .
“I feel like Tinkerbell because she does flying too,” she tells the . “I can see flowers and the blue sky. Everyone is taking pictures of me when I’m flying but mostly I love being with Chantal.
"My favourite days are when the circus comes and cookie day at school when the teachers gives us biscuits.”
Her younger sister Cassidy Delaney, who is waiting patiently for her turn on the sauropod, is just as excited.
“I’ve never been to a circus before but I know there is a clown and a girl with a hula hoop that’s on fire. I saw it in a movie once, even though I can’t remember the name.
"When I’m up in the air on the sauropod I feel like a fairy flying around the sky. I love circus but when I grow up I’d like to be a teacher who does classes in maths and English.”
Their mother Katie Delaney looks on proudly as they perform, sharing memories of her own childhood acrobatic displays.
“I did acrobats myself on the halting site where I grew up but that was a long time ago now. I must have been about eight or nine. It’s a great thing to be able to do and the kids love it. This has been very exciting for them. I love seeing them so happy and enjoying themselves.
"I wasn’t at the circus before but I would like to bring the kids someday. That would be nice.”
Also waiting in the wings was Eugene Finnegan who built the Sauropod with his bare hands.
“It had initially been built for the Paddy’s Day parade but Wilzee suggested we bring it to the halting sites,” Chantal McCormick says. “We never imagined it would be key to this project. Once I gave Eugene the picture he immediately got started on building it.”
Eugene chips in: “I’m really happy to see it working out because there was a lot of figuring out to do to get it strong and balanced enough while still light enough to fit in the van. I make a lot of things but this was definitely a challenge.
"I can’t put a time on how long it took exactly but a lot of the hours I would have normally spent sleeping were spent working on the piece. It has been worth it though. Chantal is so good with children and people in general. It’s amazing to see just how much she has achieved here.”
Kids from the site recently enjoyed their first 'big break', having featured in H.O.M.E by Fidget Feet and Tobi Omoteso which took place at the Black Box Theatre in Galway as part of the Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures.
Paddy Sweeney, chair of the National Traveller Men’s Forum, who lives on the site, spoke about the difference the project is making in his community. The father-of-five’s youngest son Anthony (11) is among the children benefitting from the project.
“This has been great for the children, particularly those who might be too old for other activities,” he told the .
“It draws them out of their caravans. Instead of watching television like a lot of other children they are out and about and being active. It’s a great way of getting children out.
"The most important thing is encouraging them away from their screens and phones. If I had it my way my child wouldn’t have a phone but that’s just not realistic in this day and age.”
The father of five says that circus was once a strong part of Traveller culture.
“My grandfather was one of the Tumbler Barretts, who were well known acrobats. My son found some information about our ancestors from the 1927 census which was almost 100 years ago.
"They were acrobats who performed tricks. One was able to carry a wagon wheel on his chin. A lot of Travellers were street performers in those days because they did whatever they had to do to get by.”
He reiterated the importance of trust within the Travelling community.
“A lot of the parents are very protective of their children which is understandable. However, they really trust Chantal and the kids absolutely adore her. Most of the children have never seen a circus but it’s even better that they get to be part of it.”
The activist highlighted the importance of offering a positive social outlet to children.
“I’m lucky because I have five lads at home who don’t even drink or smoke, but you might have a child with the best role models in the world who go down the wrong road. Mental health is a huge issue and addiction has spiked in the community. That is why activities like this are so important.”
He is urging other Travellers to embrace the opportunities available to them.
“There are still difficult parts about being a Traveller. I have been turned away from most pubs. Some people feel they have to give up and not try anymore because of the discrimination they face but I don’t believe in being a victim. There are so many opportunities available to Travellers including Sorcán and Circus.
"Our parents lived in very tough conditions and slept in wattle tents but you never hear them talk about how hard they had it. In many ways we are the lucky ones.”
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