five days , were meant to provide a forum for community-building , as well as a showcase for new research and best teaching practices , and they lived up to the host institution in both quality and variety — presentations , panels , research , discussions , and workshops . The workshops themselves covered a broad range of topics , including safety , rigging , pedagogy , research , and social-adaptive and performance techniques .
The keynote speakers focused on various types of cutting-edge research . Dr . Dean Kriellaars presented the concept of Physical Literacy as it relates to circus education . Dr . Michael Unger discussed the the concept of resilience as it relates to working with youth who are deemed “ at risk .”
Another conference highlight was ACE ’ s featured Safety Recognition program .
This program , designed by ACE , involves an extensive examination of safety policies and resources to help teachers minimize risk with and among their students . It also recognizes participating educators and institutions who have completed the rigorous review process and demonstrate a continued commitment to safety and compliance with the advised guidelines . This exciting program will bring a greater safety level to our industry and allow professionals to be recognized for their standardized expertise . Additionally , it provides a mentoring and development path for emerging teachers , which satisfies a desperate need for better safety resources within an exploding industry .
There is always room for improvement . Some of the session topics veered from what was listed in the schedule , and I would have appreciated more time to engage directly with others and to play and move with the international group of artists that surrounded us .
Nevertheless , the 2014 conference completely lived up to my high expectations . From the the support , logistics and inspiration brought by ENC and the Edcon committee , to the cutting edge research and mind-blowing performances , it was an incredible event .
Attendees from around the world who want to contribute to the development of circus arts and their unique passion and energy electrified both the environment and the experience . I left with a batch of new friends and colleagues , and inspiration to last year ’ s . Circus arts is clearly exploding in popularity , and EdCon is on the leading edge .
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