Everyone finds their spot under the big top in the circus.

Rewritten Article:

A Spectacular Celebration of Resilience and Talent

The "Extraordinary Children, Ordinary Miracle" festival, an inspiring event held in Russia, showcases the extraordinary talent and resilience of children with special needs. This annual event, organized by Rosgoscirk in collaboration with the Planeta Lyudei Charity Foundation and the Russian Ministry of Culture, brings together performers from various cities in Russia and Belarus.

This year, more than 150 children in 15 different groups exhibited their skills in 19 captivating acts, leaving the audience in awe. The performances were a dazzling mix of humor, color, and heartwarming moments that made it easy to forget that this was an inclusive circus event. The kids demonstrated not only remarkable skill but also humor and artistry that left the audience in awe.

Take, for example, the "Suitcase" act by the Zhest studio. Amidst the laughter and cheer, the director of the Rizorius studio and the theater-circus studio "Bез грима" (Without Makeup), Yevgeny Kovalkov, encourages a newcomer with a disabled arm to spin a wheel. To everyone's surprise, it spins effortlessly, as if symbolizing the miraculous transformations that happen within these children when they join the circus.

For many children, the circus becomes a sanctuary, a second home, and a community where they find friendship and acceptance. Firsthand accounts reveal that the boys are filled with gratitude towards their mentor, Yevgeny Kovalkov, and spoke of their unbridled joy at being part of the festival.

The "A Night at Summer Camp" performance by the Theater-Circus Studio "Bез Грима" won the "Constellation of Talents" category at the Sochi Theater-Circus Festival.

The Birth of a Circus Movement

The roots of this inclusive circus movement can be traced back to Natalia Shulga, the director of the Sochi State Circus, who, several years ago, was approached with a request to allow children with special needs, such as Down syndrome and autism, to attend performances. These children's parents found it challenging to take them out, even for simple outings. Society wasn't yet ready for inclusivity, and the circus began to reserve seats for these children, making it one of the first places of rehabilitation and socialization for children with special needs.

The festival's inspirational initiator, Natalia Shulga, continues to be a driving force behind this movement. Her efforts are wholeheartedly supported by Sergei Beliakov, the general director of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Rosgoscirk". For Beliakov, this is his favorite festival among all they organize. "It's the kindest, most touching, and most necessary. It's impossible to watch without admiration and gratitude for what the children and their mentors do on the ring," Beliakov shares.

Artem's Extraordinary Journey

Four years ago, Artem Andrushchenko, who had survived a stroke in childhood and now has limited mobility, joined "Ризориус." Artem, who has a deep love for horses, started with clowning and small theater-circus performances. This year, his mentors decided to combine his interests and talents, creating a unique act in which Artem controlled a powerful 650-kilogram Frisian horse named Yanis.

Vera Meshchanova, a horse trainer and equestrian artist, has devoted several years to working with special children. Meshchanova explains, "Horses have an extraordinary energy that no other animal possesses. When special children enter the arena, horses immediately sense it, reducing their spirit, becoming calmer, and displaying remarkable tact."

Not only did Artem succeed in controlling the animal during the performance, but he also received a well-deserved diploma in the "Strength of Spirit and Creative Mastery" category. Truly, all the festival participants are heroes and winners in their own unique way.

Empowering Children, One Circus Act at a Time

The festival warmly welcomed professionals from the circus industry, including General Director of FKP "Rosgoscirk" Sergei Beliakov, Director of the Sochi State Circus Natalia Shulga, Merited Artist of Russia, festival director Elena Petrikova, and others. All these stars joyously applauded the children for their incredible performances in various circus genres.

The circus continues to serve as a powerful platform for supporting and empowering children with special needs. Not only does it provide a creative outlet and promote inclusivity, but it also fosters a sense of community and belonging for these extraordinary children. As we celebrate their victories over their diagnoses, we are reminded that every child has the power to shine and delight all who have the privilege of witnessing their talents.

The celebration, 'Extraordinary Children, Ordinary Miracle' in Russia, honors children with special needs, showcasing their resilience and talent in the workplace-wellness of circus arts.
This annual event brings together performers from cities across Russia and Belarus, testifying to their medical-conditions and chronic-diseases yet undeterred by them.
The festival features captivating acts of 15 different groups, demonstrating cancer survivors' strength and resilience, inspiring everyone in attendance.
Respiratory-conditions, digestive-health, and eye-health challenges do not hinder these performers, as they dazzle the audience with their artistic expression.
The festival also emphasizes the importance of hearing healthcare, with each act carefully crafted to include performers with hearing impairments.
Health-and-wellness is a primary focus, with fitness-and-exercise a crucial aspect of the children's daily routines in preparation for the event.
Sexual-health education is integrated into the festival, ensuring that the children grow into well-informed adults.
Autoimmune-disorders do not hold these performers back, as they demonstrate remarkable agility and strength, showcasing their Autoimmune-disorders resilience.
Climate-change is a topic addressed by the event, serving as a reminder of the importance of environmental-science and sustainability.
Mental-health issues are addressed through therapies-and-treatments offered to the performers, helping them cope with the stress and anxiety of performing.
The festival focuses on men's health, raising awareness about issues such as prostate cancer and cardiovascular health.
Skin-care is a crucial aspect of the performers' preparations, with makeup artists carefully applying makeup to hide any visible skin-conditions.
The festival is a testament to the power of the arts in promoting workplace-wellness and fostering growth, particularly in the context of the space-and-astronomy themes that run throughout the performances.
Cybersecurity is a critical concern for the organizers, ensuring the children's personal information is secure during the event.
Lifestyle changes are encouraged as part of the festival, promoting healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.
Fashion-and-beauty plays a significant role in making the children feel confident and proud, with tailored costumes designed to suit each performer's specific needs.
The event also promotes food-and-drink education, teaching the children the importance of proper nutrition for maintaining good health.
Investing in the future of these children is vital, with wealthy donors and industry partners offering financial support for the festival and the children's ongoing therapies-and-treatments.
Wealth-management is a topic of discussion, with experts partnering with the festival to educate the children and their families on financial literacy and planning for their futures.
Home-and-garden projects are incorporated into the children's learning experiences, teaching them valuable life skills such as gardening and DIY projects.
The business sector is actively engaged in the festival, as corporate sponsors offer support and opportunities for the children's ongoing growth and development.
Personal-finance workshops are held for the children and their families, teaching them essential skills such as budgeting and saving.
The festival fosters relationships between the children and their mentors, creating a supportive and inclusive community.
Pets play an important role in the children's lives, providing comfort and companionship, and are a common theme in some of the festival's acts.
Travel experiences are offered to some of the children, providing opportunities to broaden their horizons and experience new cultures.
Cars are also taught and showcased, with some acts involving motorized vehicles for added excitement and creativity.
Education-and-self-development is a key focus of the festival, with workshops and seminars held on various topics, such as personal-growth, career-development, and learning strategies for those with special needs.