A group of artists showed Bushwick kids you don’t have to run away to join the circus by way of a park performance on Tuesday.
The troupe Hybrid Movement Company put on the free midday show in Maria Hernandez Park as part of the City Parks Foundations’ Summerstage series. The act was meant to motivate youngsters to pursue their dreams, an organizer said.
“Our goal in this performance was to inspire the kids and make sure they are not scared to challenge themselves,” said Hybrid Movement manager Joanna Duncan. “We want them to know that art changes people and people change the world.”
The performance featured aerial acrobatics, classical ballet, breakdancing, and gymnastics.
The Summerstage series is meant to bring the arts to youth who do not have access to them, said City Parks Foundation programming assistant Chris Saddler, claiming that the Bushwick gallery scene does not have a trickle-down effect for area youngsters.
“Bushwick is a hot area right now, but the people who have recently gentrified Bushwick are not doing a lot of public performances for the kids,” said Saddler. “This is a chance to show kids how much there is to New York City and that they can do anything they want to.”
The free children’s shows will continue around the city throughout the summer.
