We talk a great deal about the importance of engaging the body so that the mind can learn. The Zip-Zap Circus School in South Africa takes this concept to the extreme. They take “ordinary” kids (including “youth-at-risk”), teach them Circus Arts skills, and thereby help them develop the thinking skills that will help them become employable as young leaders, good citizens, and ambassadors of their country, South Africa.
Admittedly, I was also drawn to this TED talk, because I long-ago performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and trained with the founder of Zip-Zap, Brent Van Rensburg. His work with these young people and the quality of their performance is truly beautiful and inspirational.