I know it’s a cliché, but I always wanted to run away with the circus. Entering Te Auaha to watch Pulse and being accosted by a female sword swallower, though, I’m not so sure that I’d want to run away with this one! That’s not only because it’s missing lions, clowns and a ringmaster: I’d just never make the grade. 

Billed as “an unconventional circus” and involving twenty Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 students from the Whitireia Circus Course, Pulse is under the accomplished direction of ex-Cirque de Soleil trainer/performer Rosalie Ducharme.

Here is a tour de force of physical prowess and showmanship, achieved with the air of practised ease which comes with – well – practice. Indeed, the varied acts vie with each other for daring, technique, precision and happy confidence. Though recognisably ‘circus’ in nature, they’ve been given modern twists.

We see a juggler who pretends to bungle but recovers himself, a female tightrope walker going backwards, a series of imaginative gymnastics, a particularly impressive hoop dance, and several intriguing rope climbing acts.

There are also a number of beautifully devised ensemble numbers, including one danced to ‘Mr Sandman’ (bring me a dream …)

Music, humour and unexpectedness all contribute to an evening of polished performance. Adults and children alike will marvel. 

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