SARASOTA, Fla. -- It's the first of its kind in the nation, Sarasota High School is offering a circus performance program where students earn school credits.
"I was a gymnast when I was younger and my parents told me about the circus and I fell in love with the idea," said Rylee Roulette.
Roulette says she wants to be a circus performer when she grows up.
She’s been part of the Sailor Circus in Sarasota for six years.
But now, the Sarasota High School sophomore doesn’t have to wait until after school.
"I love the circus so much and to have it as part of my school course is so much fun," said Roulette.
Sarasota High is teaming with the Circus Arts Conservatory for a new circus arts program.
"There’s really nothing like it. It's the first in the nation where students are able to earn credit hours toward their high school diploma and study in the circus arts," said Jennifer Mitchell with the Circus Arts Conservatory.
They say the program teaches teamwork, communication and determination; skills needed for any career.
"The circus is part of the arts, it's part of fitness, it's part of all things that are life, and we want to keep that history alive and young people will do that," said Mitchell.
Roulette says she hopes the program inspires her classmates.
"The circus is such beautiful art and we want more people to be in on this experience," said Roulette.
