Circus program teaches keiki carnival skills

Circus Olina doesn’t offer lessons on the flying trapeze, or how to be a human cannonball. But what it lacks in death-defying acts, it makes up for with lots of kid-friendly, big-top fun.

Started last year by Kaimuki resident Ronja Buck, Circus Olina provides classes, workshops and parties where children can learn circus skills such as magic tricks, clowning, acrobatics and more.

Buck knows firsthand how fun circus activities can be for youngsters. As a child growing up in Soest, Germany, her love of the circus began when she saw a unicycle performance on television.

"I told my mom, ‘Oh, this is cool. I want to learn that,’" Buck recalled. "At that time in Germany, it was not common, but she said OK. I got one for my 12th birthday, and she found a community center where they teach circus activities close to my town."

From there Buck trained with various circuses and eventually became an instructor. She later studied to become an occupational therapist.

Even before she moved to Hawaii three years ago, Buck had the idea of starting a circus program here. But it wasn’t until last year that she finally "had the courage" to start her company.

"I did a summer circus program at the Waldorf School, and I just realized how much I missed teaching. It’s a big part of my life," Buck said.

Last fall the 29-year-old started circus classes at Little Gardeners, a small Kaimuki school for children ages 3-7. The weekly classes, capped at 10 children, are $140 to $200 a month, depending on duration.

Last month Buck also started offering classes at Wai­alae Elementary Public Charter School as part of its after-school program.

Circus Olina also conducts two-hour workshops for children’s groups starting at $299, and all-ages workshops (yes, adults can join in) starting at $250.

Planning a circus-themed party for your adventurous tot? Buck can help offer interactive programs.

"Often if you have things like that, the kids just watch and you perform. But I want to teach them and they can learn something," Buck said. And with help from her friends, she can organ-ize a contingent of skilled circus artists — including jugglers, stilt walkers and dancers — to perform at parties.

All activities are tailored to be age-appropriate. For example, younger children will get to walk on a slack line or stand on the walking globe just like the big kids, but with more assistance. Older kids can attempt more tricks on those apparatuses and also try their hand at more challenging stunts such as unicycle riding. "I always say, ‘You picture it, we put it together,’" she said.

For a full list of Circus Olina programs, visit circus­olina.com or contact Buck at 489-2834.