A CIRCUS-OBSESSED Pontypool teenager says he was “blown away” after receiving offers from two senior circus schools, and has accepted a place abroad.

Oliver Park’s dream of performing in the big top started when he saw Cirque du Soleil perform in Florida eight years ago.

Now, he has achieved a BTEC extended diploma in contemporary circus skills after a two year course in Bristol’s Circomedia and has accepted an offer to go to Holland to further his career.

Mr Park, 18, explained that he went to a three day audition process in April for a place at Fontys in Holland on a Circus BA course, where he was put through his paces along with 65 other hopefuls.

He explained: “I chose to perform a static trapeze routine and then we had strength and flexibility tests and demonstrated our acrobatic skills.

“Then people were sent home and I kept expecting my name to be read out. But I got through to round two and then had to demonstrate dance and theatre skills.”

Mr Park, from Tranch in Pontypool, said he has progressed so much at his two years at Circomedia.

He said: “I didn’t expect to get any offers as they are senior schools, so when I was offered a place at both I was blown away.

“It took me about a week to decide, but I accepted the place in Holland as I wanted a new experience.”

In 2012, Mr Park couldn’t even do a forward roll, but his love for the circus grew when the former Croesyceiliog Comprehensive School pupil took part in a circus skills workshop at the Riverfront in Newport.

Mr Park now has hopes of travelling the world with circus companies and the former Congress Theatre Cwmbran member has dreams of starting his own circus school where he can bring his love for theatre and circus together.

Speaking of his new skill set and how he has developed, he added: “I was sloppy and only really knew the basics and didn’t really like anything aerial. But I have progressed so much and really glad that I went."

He also completed a training programme with No Fit State Circus in Cardiff, as part of their youth circus.