WHEN we think of the circus, clowns, ringmasters, and trained animals immediately spring to mind.

To some the concept seems child-centred and outdated, yet contemporary circus is changing these perceptions and thousands of adults across Britain are getting involved.

Contemporary circus has been credited with reviving the circus tradition since the 1980s when a number of groups introduced a circus based almost entirely on human skills.

It draws from other performing art skills and styles, combining traditional circus skills and theatrical techniques to convey a story or theme.

Across the UK, numerous circus clubs and schools are springing up every year and one of the central attractions of this month’s Big Splash festival will be a workshop held by Newport Circus, which has been running since 2003.

Such has been the club’s growth, at last year’s Big Splash, a whopping 700 people flocked to circus skills and tightrope walking workshops held by Newport Circus.

Providing a viable alternative to mucky training sessions, the pursuit has proved particularly popular with children who do not enjoy traditional sports and has more than a dozen regular adult members.

At Newport Circus, which has been based at the Riverfront since 2005, members have the opportunity to learn to unicycle, walk a rolling globe or tight rope, acrobalance, and even to walk on stilts.

There is also the chance to juggle, poi spin, and even use a diabolo, a juggling prop made up of an axle and two cups or discs.

With its partnership as a feeder for NoFit State Circus school in Cardiff, members also have the chance to go on to learn further skills and even use a trapeze.

As well as being great fun, there are numerous benefits to taking part in the circus - educationally, socially, and physically.

Whether it’s concentration and problem solving, balance and flexibility, or teamwork and self-expression, this really is a pursuit that has wide-ranging benefits.

Far from just being a party trick, research has even shown that adults who perform complex tasks, such as advanced juggling patterns, have a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

Physically, too, juggling is a particular draw as a seamless cardiovascular workout and without realising it, participants spend hours standing up practising, toning muscle through making all the various catches and throws.

Aimee Hibberd, 29, from Newport, has been the head tutor at the club for seven years, having been a member since 2004.

Despite only occasionally juggling tennis balls, Ms Hibberd soon found herself juggling three 26inch knives, weighing a kilo and a half each.

Having previously been shy, she also found that being part of the circus group gave her a massive confidence boost.

She said: “I used to never speak and would just hide away in the corner; suddenly I became quite loud.

“It’s about being yourself. You spend a lot of time on your own and a lot of hours learning, reflecting, and messing up.

“I used to be terrified what others througt but I’m not like that anymore. It might look weird, but I’m happy being in my own world while I juggle and love to show off.

“I love passing it on and there’s never a pressure on people to pick it up quickly. Our learning curve ranges from seven-and-a-half minutes to two-and-a-half years for juggling.

“It’s something different to try and it really doesn’t matter what age you are.”

The club has attracted members of all ages, from eight all the way to 73, over the years and, unlike physical sports, age proves no barrier.

Travelling to various juggling conventions across the United Kingdom, in Birmingham and Bristol, and even having a member exchange programme with French circus schools, this is a club that is leaving its mark outside of Gwent.

Yet, the club’s philosophy has always centred on enjoyment and treating each member the same, regardless of age or ability.

Ms Hibberd said: “It’s something weird and fun, and anyone can give it a go.

“Learning to juggle can be the most patronising thing ever for an adult, as we start with just one ball, but you have to learn to catch.

“We had a member who was 72 that learnt to ride a unicycle in one session and everyone learns from each other.

“It’s a skills share and we’re just a big family more than anything else.”

One of the members to have become part of this family has been Allan Jenkins, 33, from Newport, who has been a member of the club since last September.

Mr Jenkins held a lifelong ambition to learn to walk on stilts, having first seen them on television when he was a youngster.

While a difficult adjustment, initially, Mr Jenkins said that the support of the club is helping him to master the skill.

He said: “I’ve not been here as long as some people, but I’ve just been hooked and I’d love to be able to pass on my skills to the next generation.

“I used to play rugby, but the concentration required for the circus is insane. It really helps develop your focus and concentration, and you’re always keeping an eye out.

“It’s helped my confidence so much and when you’ve fallen off three foot stilts in front of people, it’s a lot harder to be nervous in certain situations.

“It’s given me a reason to want to go out and the support from the club has been so positive. It’s an amazing atmosphere and you just forget what’s going on outside.

“It’s a real community and there’s always someone there to make sure you don’t fall, both literally and metaphorically.

“It’s impossible not to feel a connection with a club like that and it’s like a family.”

Part of the Children’s University Scheme, Newport Circus welcomes those aged eight and above and hopes to set up a kids class in the future.

Their workshops run on Tuesday evenings, from 7pm until 8.30pm, at the Riverfront and cost £3.50 per session. For more information call Ms Hibberd on 07941447627.