Navigating Challenges: TenRock’s Circus Mobility
TenRock’s circus mobility encountered several challenges. As previously mentioned in the context of the first mobility, a pop-up event was planned in relation to the World Juggling Day 2022, with promotional materials for a trailer/image film already prepared. However, due to the delayed approval from the city administration for public events, the event had to be postponed to the following year. Nonetheless, the decision to proceed with the mobility was rooted in the fact that the hosting organization, along with its network and clients, had ample interest in the learning modules, affirming a clear need.
An additional challenge arose when the key representative and legal guardian of the hosting organization fell critically ill, spending weeks in the hospital during the mobility period. Despite this exceptional situation and organizational turmoil, the mobility was carried out. This decision was driven not only by already-booked travel tickets but also by the establishment of a culture of mutual support and community within the consortium.
Beyond the substantive learning aspects, the participants extended substantial support to the hosting organization under the circumstances. The activity took place at Fabbrica del Farò, where TenRock Circus is based. In addition to local clients, visitors, and residents, European youth participating in a youth exchange project were also present during the mobility, benefitting from the project activities.
While not fully adhering to the mixed mobility’s Pillars-Phases Model, it still provided valuable guidance. Given the circumstances, complementary online meetings primarily focused on managing the exceptional situation.
Regarding the program, each day featured specialized circus pedagogy workshops in the morning. In the afternoons, project partners had the option to familiarize themselves with the organization’s daily operations, presenting their own discipline-related offerings to its staff and clients. Participants gained hands-on experience in various circus techniques like juggling, unicycling, stilts, and acrobatics. They then reflected collectively on these experiences, delved into the theoretical underpinnings, and explored the possibilities and limitations of applying them in social settings.
AlphaZTL’s contribution embraced the challenges faced by the hosting organization. Their dance pedagogical approach aimed to develop a shared performance, record it, and send a video message to Gabriele in the hospital. The result of this effort can be viewed here: YouTube Link
While the World Juggling Day pop-up event couldn’t occur due to the aforementioned reasons, alternative themed evenings were organized. Each partner country hosted dinner and the evening program. Furthermore, the Portuguese partner arranged a happening on the beach and in the sea, enabling public space participation without being officially labeled as an event.
Within this mobility, the low- to no-budget film production techniques learned in Spain were applied. The local urban commons were explored, actors were interviewed, and the research findings were artistically captured visually. The result can be viewed here: YouTube Link. This was presented as part of the Eurika Labs and the Urban Commons Initiative of the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
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