A circus skills studio that provides support for people struggling with mental health, alcohol and social issues in Aberdeen will be celebrating its grand opening today.
Inverted Circus and Pole Fitness, based at the city centre’s James Street and funded by the Scottish Government, is the product of months of hard work by a group of circus performers and fans.
For years they have been using their hobby both as a way to keep fit, and to help people in need get through troubled periods in their lives.
Led by circus performer and acrobat Ritti Soncco, the studio’s three leaders were granted £2,000 each as part of this year’s Young Innovator’s Challenge to create a business that benefits those in need in the Granite City.
Now Ms Soncco, who has been practising in the art of acrobatics, trapeze and Cirque Do Soleil-style aerial silks for the past seven years, is making contact with various charities across the city to offer her therapeutic circus lessons for free.
Ms Soncco, who is currently studying anthropology and Hispanic studies at Aberdeen University, said: “At the moment we’re just really focused on getting everything up and running, and once everything is working and we have our head above water with the admin stuff we can start reaching out to organisations.
“We’re going to get in touch with the right individuals who will benefit by working with the organisations and charities, and see exactly what they need. It’s all about encouraging our students and our instructors to really give back to the community.”
As well as offering support to the vulnerable and those in need, Inverted Circus and Pole Fitness will also give those in Aberdeen with a love for acrobatics and the circus a place to call their own.
Ms Soncco added: “Before this, we didn’t really have a place of our own to train, and would go around many different places.
“We’ve completely adapted the building to circus and pole fitness requirements, we’ve got a huge aerial area, poles, and a relaxing yoga room for our students.
“We’ve had so much help from people volunteering to build, paint and help us become ready to go, it’s a dream come true to finally be opening up.”