Catching on to a bunch of fun skills.

Byline: MIKE BLACKBURN

ENERGETIC youngsters in Stockton were given the chance to enjoy the thrills and spills of life as a festival entertainer.

A free one-day taster session, Cirque du Stockton, was held at Arc this week for about 16 youngsters, aged 11-16.

Among the skills being taught in three workshops were how to fly on a trapeze, tumble like an acrobat and juggle a variety of objects.

Bub Bacon, 43, from Saltburn, was in charge of passing on her juggling skills.

"In 15 minutes they were juggling three scarves," she said.

"But we were also learning how to juggle balls, clubs and plates, as well as diablo spinning. Juggling is very good for hand eye co-ordination, and it's good for children who don't overachieve at other sports.

"It's not competitive and they really feel like they have achieved something." Lynn Campbell and Jo Templey, from Newcastle-based Hang Aerial Dance, taught a workshop on the art of trapeze.

Said Lynn: "We are totally engaging youngsters in dance, spinning and shaping.

"Those taking part were given a warm up and demonstrations of trapeze dance before being allowed to try it out themselves, and finally choreographing their own routine." Stockton Council's arts development officer, Rachel Willis, said: "This is the first time we have done anything like this.

"If it's a success we will do some more. We just wanted to give young people the opportunity to take part in things they might see in street theatre festivals, like our own Stockton International Riverside Festival." Councillor Mary Womphrey, Stockton Council's Cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "Stockton has a national, and international, reputation in street theatre and performing skills thanks to Stockton International Riverside Festival.

"This taster day provides the perfect opportunity for youngsters to get involved in cultural activities - who knows, one day they may be performing at the festival and wowing the audiences with their skills!"

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HERE WE GO: Harry Bircham, 12, and Lyndon Jessop, 13, were among youngsters taking part in Cirque du Stockton at the Arc GETTING THE HANG OF IT: Youngsters take part in the Cirque du Stockton event where lessons included the trapeze, above. Pictures by ANDREW