No Age Limit — Functional Juggling with Seniors During Lockdown¶
Odskocznia Studio - Warsaw, Poland
Written by Wiktoria Witenberg
Target Group¶
This project, led by Odskocznia Studio, was designed for adults aged 65 and older. Through an open call, we invited seniors to join Functional Juggling (FJ) classes hosted at the Centrum Kultury Praga-Południe in Warsaw. Participants were independent, active older adults—capable of registering and attending on their own—whom I would describe as functioning at an average to high level for their age.
Origins and Context¶
The idea emerged in March 2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Paulina, founder of Odskocznia Studio, expressed interest in developing a circus-based program for seniors. A few months later, as restrictions temporarily lifted, we began planning. Despite rising case numbers and the threat of a second lockdown, we made the collective decision to proceed—with caution.
Our team of four trainers included:
* Two main trainers (with some experience teaching juggle boards)
* Two support trainers (new to Functional Juggling)
Each group of up to 12 participants was led by one main trainer and one assistant.
My own background included:
* A three-day workshop with Craig Quat in 2017 (before “The Seminar” was formalized)
* A pilot project with seniors in Warsaw (6 sessions / 9 hours)
* Several one-on-one FJ sessions
Kamil, one of the main trainers, had co-led the pilot. Paulina and Julia were new to the methodology. Before launching No Age Limit, I conducted a two-hour training on basic FJ principles and Juggle Board patterns for the support trainers.
Goals¶
Trainer Development
To give new trainers hands-on experience facilitating Functional Juggling, helping expand a local base of confident and independent facilitators.
Participant Wellbeing
To provide seniors with joyful, embodied experiences that supported social connection and physical activity, especially during a time of heightened isolation. Sessions were designed with a focus on emotional safety, sensory play, and flow-state movement, while respecting strict health protocols (distancing, masks, no physical contact).
Setting and Tools¶
Classes took place in a spacious basement of the cultural center. Initially, we imagined a cozy yoga studio, but the open space proved ideal for safe distancing. We divided the room into two zones:
- A seated circle for group reflection
- A Juggle Board area, where each pair had a dedicated table spaced two meters apart
During the first session, all participants chose to remain seated. But over time, more began standing—a sign of growing confidence and physical comfort. We always ensured that chairs were available, allowing participants to begin where they felt safe.
Props included:
* Juggle Boards
* Scarves, balls, rings, clubs, poi
* Peacock feathers
* Hula hoops (introduced in the final session)
For two sessions, we moved into a smaller enclosed gym to explore feathers and hoops. The intimate setting allowed for creative chaos while maintaining group cohesion—something more difficult in the larger space.
Session Design and Flow¶
The program ran for five weeks, with one 90-minute session per week, always scheduled in the mornings (which, as we later learned, was not the preferred time for many participants).
Session Structure:
* Welcome Circle
* Brain Warm-Ups (e.g., bilateral coordination, “pianist” finger exercises)
* First Prop-Based Activity (always the Juggle Board)
* Short Break
* Second Prop-Based Activity (rotating: poi, scarves, balls, feathers, hula hoop)
* Reflection and Goodbye Circle
With this elder group, the opening and closing circles naturally extended longer than in other contexts. Many participants expressed a strong need to share, reflect, and connect—a meaningful response to months of isolation.
Each session was guided by one trainer and one assistant, ensuring individualized attention and supportive pacing.
Outcomes and Reflections¶
Trainer Development
Due to the second lockdown, our capacity to mentor new trainers was limited. As the lead facilitator, much of my energy remained focused on managing the group’s emotional wellbeing. Still, the support trainers gained valuable hands-on experience and a clearer understanding of foundational FJ patterns.
Participant Wellbeing
This goal was fully achieved. The group remained engaged and joyful throughout, and we concluded the program with a room full of satisfied, connected participants.
One key insight involved scheduling. We had assumed that seniors would prefer morning sessions. However, feedback revealed a preference for later times, reminding us to challenge assumptions—even those based in logic or past experience.
To assess outcomes, we used both verbal feedback and a creative tool: the Blob Tree. Participants selected and colored the character that best reflected how they felt. Most chose the figure center stage in the spotlight. Their comments spoke of feeling seen, appreciated, and connected—after just five sessions.
Closing Thoughts¶
In a time of fear and uncertainty, this project created a small but powerful space for community, joy, and presence. Even with masks and distance, even during lockdown, it was possible to cultivate connection.
Functional Juggling and social circus practices provided more than physical activity—they offered a path to resilience, expression, and belonging. The experience reminded us that age is not a limit, but a beginning.
Backlinks:
Lets talk about inclusive circus practice
| Case Study 08 - Poland | Wiktoria Witenberg | No Age Limit | Poland |