The “Big Top” came to Warsaw in a big way! On Friday, March 20, the Warsaw Elementary School’s pre-kindergarten classes used their best outside voices inside the Warsaw High School Auditorium to deliver an enthralling circus performance before a sizeable audience. As advertised, “every act was performed by a preschooler,” making for “fabulous fun!”
Entrusted to keep the entertainment flowing, Theodore, the ringmaster, didn’t miss a beat, joining lead clown, Jared Massey, in keeping the clowns, Aliviya and Braxton in check. Amelia, Bailey and Willow, the elephants, were highly trained and supervised by their trainer, Gatlin. Andrew’s excellent skills as the dog trainer were evident when the dogs– Declan, Emma, Gustavo, and Hayden– took the stage. Tumblers Addi, Klara, Maeve and Wesley, and the tightrope walkers Benny, Hazel, Remi and Zen gave spellbinding performances.
Ember, as the horse trainer, spurred the equines– Brayten, Chevel, Kellyn and Zay– to perform optimally. Not to be outdone, the lions– Asher, Kase and Kasey– were a formidable presence but their tendency for “all things wild” was appropriately reined in by their tamer, Thatcher. It is noteworthy that the other animals were trained while the lions were tamed. Jameson and Oliver performed feats that showcased their considerable strength as musclemen, while Paisley manned the concessions that provided sustenance for family, friends and crew.
This successful, energetic show with vivid costumes and lively stage acts was made possible by the students’ superb teachers, Valerie Heisler and Natasha Hill. Behind the scenes, these stage helpers assisted as necessary to ensure a quality, memorable, enjoyable performance: Mari Pinkston, Bri Newlon, Cass Grunewald, Tami Roskamp and sixth-grade students Adalynn and Hayslee.
According to an article in the Blue Brain Teacher, “The Power of Imagination in Child Development,” (January 2024) “Imagination is intricately linked with cognitive and emotional development in children. It fosters critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and social/emotional skills, crucial for overall development. By engaging in imaginative activities, children develop a range of abilities that are fundamental to their growth and learning. Imaginative play acts as a safe space for children to explore a range of emotions and experiences.” Children’s author, Maurice Sendak, put it well: “Children do live in fantasy and reality; they move back and forth very easily in a way we no longer remember how to do.”
Valerie Heisler commented on the children’s tremendous enthusiasm and joy in producing and performing in the circus and summed it up as she said, “They love it!” She began involving her pre-kindergarten students in the circus 24 years ago, when she was teaching at Nauvoo-Colusa Elementary School, and noted that the Warsaw kindergarten and first-grade classes, and the Nauvoo-Colusa pre-kindergarten students were invited to this singular show. She has meticulously saved the costumes and props through the years and noted that the circus delights students and their families biennially.
Warsaw residents are grateful to Heisler, Natasha Hill, the Warsaw District 316 Board of Education, Superintendent Katrina Nixon, and Elementary Principal Trevor Knipe for their diligence in promoting exemplary creativity and imagination in the classroom and for their insightful recognition of the arts in optimal growth and development.