Day 3: Circus Training starts

December 18, 2017

Everybody woke up early in the morning to prepare for the first day of circus training. We gathered in the hotel's lobby waiting for the "tuk tuk" (kind of tricycle) to bring us in Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS).

There, we had our breakfast and orientation about the PPS' programs and services by Sothea and their directors. We also visited the whole school : library, circus hall, classroom of the kindergarten, Visual and applied art school, tent for circus show and the oldest building where the paintings and drawings of the students are displayed. We also passed by the music building where two music teachers happily played their instruments.

After lunch, we prepared for the circus training. We started to warm up and had training on trampoline, hola hoop and juggling with the Cambodian students and teachers. At the beginning, we had a hard time with the trampoline but we exerted efforts and were able to perform well.

Febe said, " today, I learned that focus and concentration are very important, especially in doing difficult stunts in trampoline. You have to observe and listen to what the teacher is telling you. You also have to believe in yourself even others do not. "

We stayed for dinner and watched the circus show. PPS has several shows per week for their local fund raising and foreigners are coming to watch it. We also had fun.

We went back to our hotel by "tuk tuk" and had our feed backing. Everybody shared their realization and feelings today. Lalyn expressed,"Trampoline, hola hoop and juggling are easy to watch but hard to do. Just like in our own lives, there are things that are hard to handle but we should never give up. There will always be ups and down but you can surpass it especially when you have the support from your family."

The girls with the Circus performers after the show

The girls writing their realization and learnings today.

Practicing Hola Hoop.

Training on Juggling with the Cambodian teacher

Lalyn jumping in the trampoline.