By Jim Newell

Review Editor

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up, don’t be shy. You will not believe your eyes as the Blanche Sims Elementary students dazzle and amaze you with their burgeoning circus talents.

As the school year came to a close last week, Blanche Sims students celebrated with Cirque Amongus on Wednesday, learning how to juggle, walk a tight rope/cable, balance on balls and build human pyramids.

Cirque Amongus, an educational facility based in Livonia, offers hands-on programs designed to build self-esteem, develop motor skills, and promote teamwork by teaching students the basics of the circus arts, according to the company’s website.

Blanche Sims PTO President Erica Lentz said the students learned 10 different circus acts throughout the day. At the end of the day, they showcased their new talents during the Circus Show.

“The Blanche Sims PTO has fundraised throughout the year, from our Fun Run to Spring Fair, and has funded the expense that is our circus,” Lentz said.

The school typically holds a smaller party at the end of the school year, but decided to go for a greater show this year.

“We had heard from other schools that is was a really fun program and that the kids absolutely loved it. We have never done it here before, so we wanted to give the kids a pretty cool once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Lentz said.

The show-worthy undertaking included all the school’s students and required parents to pitch in and help with the event.

“It takes a huge number of volunteers. It took 110 volunteers on top of our staff pitching in,” Lentz said. “We’re so thankful for our volunteers who took time out to help with this.”

For photos please see June 19 issue of The Lake Orion Review.