Amanda Panda - Hula Hoop Circus

Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Homebase: Edmonton, Alberta
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 40% AIE

Circus artist, author, and entrepreneur, Amanda Panda, will leave you smiling with her bright colours and exceptional talent. Larger than life and a natural kid magnet, this multi-talented artist has been sharing her journey and skills using a growth mindset approach for over a decade. Amanda's the author of a children's book that inspires following your dreams and has shared her circus story across Canada both in person and virtually. Her business, Hula Hoop Circus, is where education meets entertainment by providing circus performances and workshops to encourage discovery learning and self-confidence. Nominated as Canada’s Top Hula Hooper and Most Influential Canadian Flow Artist, Amanda inspires people of all ages to work hard, play hard, and dream big!

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Performance(s)

Shine Your Light

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 9
Duration: 45 minutes + Q&A
Capacity: 600
Tech Requirements: In-person performances require the use of the gym with 1 electrical outlet near the performance space. Virtual presentations will be done using Zoom.
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

Success begins with believing you can! Amanda Panda gets students excited about trying new things, embracing who they are, and shining their unique light in the world. A solo performance to inspire passion, play and perseverance while showcasing a variety of creative athletic feats involving hula hoops, juggling, spinning plates and humor. Amanda Panda playfully engages students and staff with her skills to demonstrate the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing your mistakes, and that practice makes progress. During the show Amanda shares how using a growth mindset helped her succeed in her dream of becoming a professional hula hooper. She also talks about the process and obstacles she overcame while publishing her book. The performance will include a reading of her book and schools will receive a signed copy plus a coordinating activity book.

Workshop(s)

Circus Workshops + Performance

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: Full day of 30-60 minute workshops, 30-45 minute performance
Capacity: 45
Tech Requirements: Access to the gym for the day. Virtual will be done over Zoom.
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

A full day of workshops with the option to include an assembly performance by Amanda Panda. The most fun you’ll have in gym class! Specializing in hula hoops, Amanda uses an engaging growth mindset approach to teach amazing and attainable hoop tricks for all ages. The workshop is designed to encourage positive thinking, self confidence, and creative expression through fun and unique physical activities. With a focus on play, not perfection, students will learn techniques to increase coordination, spatial awareness, mindfulness, creativity, and more. Workshops can be booked in 30 minute to 1 hour sessions with groups up to 30-45 students per session. Option to add additional circus skills such as plate spinning, juggling and poi spinning for workshops 45 minutes or longer. A full day of workshops can begin with a 30-45 minute assembly presentation by Amanda Panda. All equipment is provided for in-person workshops. Schools will have to resource their own materials for virtual workshops.

Classroom Residency(ies)

Contact Me: Email, Web

Circus Residency

School Year: 23-24

This residency would take place in the gymnasium for 1-10 days. Give students the opportunity to try something new and improve their physical literacy with a circus residency. Using a growth mindset approach this circus residency will encourage positive thinking, self confidence, and creative expression through fun and unique physical activities. With a focus on play, not perfection, students will move through the course learning hula hooping, poi spinning, juggling and plate spinning to increase coordination, spatial awareness, mindfulness, concentration, creativity and more. By using both instruction and discovery learning, students will have the opportunity to think for themselves while being encouraged to embrace their struggles and mistakes. It’s time to replace the word failing with learning! A circus residency can be anywhere between 1 - 10 days long and can include a 45 minute + Q&A assembly presentation by Amanda Panda. Workshops can be booked in 30 minute to 1 hour sessions with groups up to 30-45 students per session. All equipment is provided for in-person workshops. Schools will have to resource their own materials for virtual workshops.

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Testimonials & Reviews

I really liked the growth mindset approach. Amanda was engaging, the session was well paced, and the activities were interactive and provided an excellent virtual learning opportunity. Hornby Island Community School

Ms. Amanda Panda is instinctively adept at modifying her circus skills workshop to accommodate a range of ages and abilities. Her picture book was also a highlight during our Literacy Week festivities. Wembley Elementary School

Amanda was entertaining, energetic and had a great message for all our students. Our whole school wanted to try hula hooping for days after she left. Sara Lai, Westwind Elementary, Richmond, BC

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