CIRCUS FUN FOR 50-up
50-up is a space for people over 50 to run away to the circus.
Get fit, stretch your body and your brain in fun new ways.
You can also perform at events, if that's where you'd like to spread your new found wings.
50-up was created by me, Mary Wyer.
I started trapeze at 55.
I understand the disconnect you can get from your body at this age.
Trapeze has brought me reconnection and joy, improved confidence, better coordination, undies challenging laughter, bruises, scrapes and more strength than most men my age.
I fell in love with aerials when my daughter started classes at Sydney Trapeze School. I watched my gorgeous aerialist perform in her youth troupe from the sidelines, until I was roped into a mother-daughter segment for a visiting camera crew. I loved the thrill and the fun, but definitely didn't love being an unco on tv.
Fast forward a few months to a Sydney Trapeze School student showcase, where I watched in awe and envy as one of the other sideline mums performed with her son.
I couldn't believe her skill, joy and strength.
When she told me she'd been taking classes I was immediately on board. I gave myself permission to do what I'd been longing to do these past 7 years - run away to the circus.
The rest is joyful, torso stretching, body-bruising history.
I now take 3 static classes/week and every opportunity I can to perform in student showcases
There aren't many opportunities for older amateur performers
.... Enter 50-UP
SYDNEY TRAPEZE SCHOOL
A brand-new initiative 50UP will partner with Sydney Trapeze School (STS) to provide circus instruction, facilities and a performance venue.
Based in St Peters, STS has 13 years of experience teaching people 50+ across their adult classes.
Erin Lollback (pictured here on my right, with my beautiful daughter on my left), Head Instructor at STS, holds both a B Primary Education and B Health Science (Exercise Science, Health Promotion). She has more than 9 years' experience coaching circus to varied participants including making the modifications required in circus for older bodies. Erin has created a program tailored for older adult beginners that is safe and individualised.
Me - well I have practiced as a registered nurse for 40 years. I started trapeze at 55 years, so I understand the challenges of starting circus at an older age.
GET INVOLVED:
Register Interest to Perform at our Next Event
50up's first event was a collaboration with Sydney Trapeze School on July 13th & 14th, 2024.
It showcased fabulous people, 50 and up, celebrating energy, creativity and death-defying acts of physical strength, through aerials and circus arts performances.
We hope to hold a showcase next year - if you are interested in performing send us an expression of interest.
50up and Sydney Trapeze School welcome performers of any levels of skill or ability for our showcases – beginner, intermediate or advanced.
All solo performers must be 50 years or over. If you are planning a group act, only one person in the performance needs to be over 50.
CLASSES COMING
50-ups' beginner aerial and circus arts classes will be run through Sydney Trapeze School, starting soon.