For more than a decade, New Heights' becca Pawling has worked with youth through art, subtly teaching--and modeling--how self-empowerment can result from creative endeavors. Some refer to self-empowerment as "walking tall," which is a phrase that takes a literal meaning with her Stilting program where students routinely walk at elevations approaching 15 feet.
"It's a big hit with the kids and at events where we participate," sad Pawling, who noted the group, which is comprised of up to 10 students at any one time, will perform next month at the York Hospital Fun Run on June 4th and the Kittery Block Party on June 18th. "I really enjoy the program and have a great time teaching the kids to literally 'walk tall.'"
As for how long it takes students to generally learn the art of stilting, she said if varies from student to student with some learning in as little as ten minutes and others requiring several sessions of 90 minutes or more. The experience for some, however, is quite literally cathartic.
"This one girl last year liked the idea of stilting, but when she got up for the first time she not only physically froze, but she cried and hyperventilated," she said. "I kind of forced her to make it to the tree, and then after several times around the lawn with me by her side she walked solo. All in the same day, she went from being petrified to doing a cheer for herself—it was pretty incredible."
For participating students, the program provides a unique opportunity not available anywhere else.
"I love being able to walk around and talk to people about something I am really passionate about,” said Freshman Maya Campbell. Stilting isn't thought of as something everyday people can do, and it is really cool that I can give a whole new perspective for people on stilting and circus arts being something that is within their reach."
In continuing to offer the program and participating in public events, Pawling said the subtle message is that kids—or anyone for that matter—can achieve their goals.
“It takes perseverance and hard work, of course, but society is very quick to tell us what we cannot do, so it is important to send out a different message through the creative arts,” she said.
To learn more about New Heights and its art programming, visit www.newheightsonline.org.
