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Clowns help Canfield kids stay fit
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Neighbors | Grace Wyler .Boss Clown Dustin Portillo discusses the importance of staying healthy and active during the CircusFit performance at Canfield Public Library Mar. 4. Portillo lost more than 100 pounds to achieve his dream of joining The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
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Neighbors | Grace Wyler .Marcia Rangel (left) and Michelle Silva, Ringling Bros. acrobats from Brazil, demonstrated the athletic talent of circus performers during their show at the Canfield Public Library Mar. 4.
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Neighbors | Grace Wyler .Rudy, a "Zing Zang Zoom!" performer, gives a demonstration on his skateboard at the request of the "CircusFit" audience. The program emphasized the importance of staying fit through daily exercise.
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Neighbors | Grace Wyler .Clowns, acrobats and trapeze artists put on a performance of "CircusFit," an educational program from Ringling Bros., for more than 35 preschool students at the Canfield Public Library Mar. 4.
By GRACE WYLER
gwyler@vindy.com
Canfield kids had the chance to get up close and personal with live circus performers when several Barnum & Bailey Circus clowns stopped by the Canfield Public Library for a special presentation while the circus was in town.
Clowns, acrobats and trapeze artists from the Ringling Bros. “Zing Zang Zoom!” show hosted “CircusFit,” an educational circus show, at the library Mar. 4.
More than 35 preschool students crowded into the library for the interactive performance, which included movement games and activities that the performers use to remain “circus fit.”
The CircusFit program, which was developed by Ringling Bros. Circus, is designed to motivate kids to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
In addition to putting on an awe-inspiring show, the performers talked about the importance of staying fit by eating healthy foods and exercising daily.
Circus performers are athletes, the Boss Clown, Dustin Portillo, said. All of the circus performers in “Zing Zang Zoom” need to remain in top physical condition.
Portillo lost more than 100 pounds so he could achieve his dream of becoming a clown. He was featured on the last season of “The Biggest Loser.”
“When we knew that this program was coming, we thought it would be a great opportunity to teach fitness in a fun way,” Josephine Nolfi, the library’s development director, said. “Everyone had a wonderful time.”