Marietou Thiam’s slim body bends and twirls while suspended in mid-air by a hoop during the very first circus festival held in Dakar. Observers at the festival are completely transfixed by her performance.

Thiam is one of only two female members of Sencirk, which is Senegal’s top circus group that organised the event. She also serves as the creative director of the company.

The 29-year-old woman first travelled to Dakar for her education, but she later decided to pursue a career in the circus instead.

The choice was never supported by her family in any way. However, Thiam does not feel any remorse for her performance in the circus.  She seems to enjoy the enchantment of the moment as well as the significance of Sencirk’s goal.

This is due to the fact that the circus business also serves as a place of education for youngsters who are orphaned or come from homes with poor incomes.

It gives students the opportunity to gain new skills, discover a feeling of community, and have some fun all at the same time.

Malick, one of the instructors claims that Sencirk has transformed his life.

The man, who is now 30 years old and originally from Guinea, arrived in Senegal in 2015 and had been living on the streets until he stumbled onto the firm.

He is now in a position where he can afford to rent an apartment in Ngor, a neighbourhood in Dakar that has the characteristics of a hamlet.

Malick takes a running jump into the air on Ngor beach in the middle of a sunny day in May. He seems to be about to take flight, head over heels, with his feet giving the impression that they are touching a brilliant white sun.

After one incredible acrobatic performance leads to another, Malick and the rest of his troupe find themselves unexpectedly constructing a human pyramid.

He is an artist as well as a teacher, and he shares his enthusiasm with children who are less fortunate. These are youngsters who have the potential to one day carry on the legacy of Malick and Marietou.

They will soon have the opportunity to scale the heights of the pyramid and strive for the heavens.