It was a dream come true for children of Angels Orphanage on Saturday afternoon, for they experienced for the first time the magic of circus.
Around 60 children from the orphanage were taken for the afternoon show by a group of young volunteers grouped under a banner — ‘Spread the Smile’. One could feel their excitement even before they got out of their buses. The children aged between 4 and 14 years were ecstatic from the time they got their name tags. They raced about with oodles of energy and curiosity.
Sampoorna, the youngest member of the group, was so inspired by the hoola hoop act that she wanted to get on stage and try it out. “Give me a ring. I can also do that,” said the four- year-old with all the confidence of a professional.
Two 14-year-old girls said they loved the trapeze act and admired tricks performed by animals. The kids clapped with glee when the elephant played cricket. “We always go to the Sangam. This time aunty (Sabina) said she would take us to Bannerghatta National Park. But this is so much better. I liked all of it,” gushed 14-year-old Ranjitha.
The boys loved the trapeze acts the most. Their expressions ranged from shock and awe to admiration and wonderment as they saw men flying in the air and changing positions mid air. “I will never forget this. I got goosebumps when they were flying from the trapeze and when the African group ate fire,” exclaimed Sathya. She confided to the reporter that they were planning to try some of the tricks “tonight” at their home.
For some children the colourful snacks like cotton candy and ice cream caught all their attention as their eyes followed the route of the vendors. It was unfair to quiz them on their favourite act of the day as fast-changing answers poured in swiftly.
Sabina, who runs this orphanage at Shivajinagar, said: “I love it when these kids enjoy something. I never get a chance to take them out much. If not for Vedica, I would have never thought of bringing them to a circus.”