STUNTS ARE CHILD’S PLAY
ED GLEAVE KIDS as young as two are entertaining crowds in UK circuses.
Twins Esmerelda and Scarlett have become lasso artists after just six months of training and they’re learning to juggle, ride a unicycle and hang on a trapeze.
Their family has been working in the circus for 16 generations – since 1648.
One family member said: “That’s what happens to circus kids…they copy their grandparents or their parents. They’re born into a performing family so it’s almost 100% guaranteed they will be performers too.”
Other youngsters are trained to do the death-defying stunts that make the circus popular with punters.
At 17, Peter is the youngest stunt rider in Europe and he puts his life on the line every day.
His act sees him perform in a “globe of death” on a bike.
Meanwhile Edward, 14, is a knife thrower.
He started training when he was just 10 and his act these days sees him fling blades at his mum.
Edward, who has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, said: “I don’t get scared. I’m up for anything. If you put something in front of me, I’ll have a go at it.
“I’ve never had anything go wrong.”
He added: “Being in the circus can be dangerous. But I love performing. There’s such a great atmosphere. I’d never choose to leave.”
Then there’s the Faltyny family which includes performers Vanessa, 10, Emile, nine, and Adriana, seven.
All three of them are fully trained in acrobatics, aerial stunts, juggling and even unicycling.
The youngsters let cameras follow their lives for a new telly series.
Circus Kids: Our Secret World starts on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5.