Few lockdown routines involve swallowing swords or back garden acrobatics, but for out-of-work circus performers it is a necessary part of their week.
Dozens of trapeze artists, contortionists and acrobats and have been forced to find other forms of temporary employment or survive on Government grants after circuses closed during the Covid-19 lockdown.
And with gyms shut, performers have had to get creative in order to maintain their unique talents.
Anastasia Sawicka, 33, and her 49-year-old sword swallowing husband Hannibal Hellmurto would normally be touring across the UK with the Circus of Horrors at this time of year.
Instead, they are having to practise their routines from inside their home in Northampton.
Story County Community Foundation
A vehicle for charitable giving designed to benefit the needs of Story County.
Funding for cultural projects at KHOI comes from a generous donation from Ames Commission on the Arts.
Books, Butterflies, Christmas Season
Cari McPartland, site administrator of the
Salvation Army of Ames and Story County, told about the work of the Salvation Army as it centers around the 2020 holidays, from red kettles to food boxes and a Toy Store at the North Grand Mall, where people can find practical help and donated toys and books for their children. The books are donated through
Raising Readers in Story County, an extensive program throughout the county linking children 0 to 8 years old with volunteers who provide both readers and virtual experiences to develop pre-literacy.