Circus Balance Stations

Students become circus performers rehearsing balance acts at four stations: tightrope walker, stork, beanbag juggler and partner statues. It improves static and dynamic balance and focus.

How to play

1. Make 4 groups of 6 and set up 4 stations; groups rotate every 4 minutes when the ringmaster gives the signal.
2. Tightrope walker: walk on a rope laid straight on the floor and on a gym bench, forward, sideways and holding a pole like a balance bar.
3. Stork: stand on one foot on a poly spot for 10 seconds on each leg, then with eyes closed.
4. Juggler: walk a path of poly spots with a beanbag on the head or on the back of the hand without dropping it.
5. Statues: in pairs, create a balance shape with only three body parts touching the floor between the two and hold it 5 seconds.
6. Big show (4 min): each group performs its best act for the class and the audience applauds.

Rules

• One person on the bench at a time, and step off forward, never jump off backward.
• If the beanbag falls, pick it up and continue from that spot without running.
• Partner statues never climb on top of each other.
• The audience is respectful and cheers every performer.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated trunk balance, carrying the beanbag on the head while moving in a wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: the rope on the floor is a tactile guide, and a partner walks alongside the bench.
• Fitness level: each station has two levels marked with colored cards to choose from.

Learning goals

• Hold a static balance on one foot.
• Move with balance on narrow surfaces.
• Create balance shapes cooperatively.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym benches: 2
• ropes: 3
• beanbags: 8
• poly spots: 12
• poles: 3

Teacher tip

Tell students to look at a fixed point ahead, not at their feet. Put mats beside the bench if the floor is hard.

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