How to Become a Circus Performer
After reading our site, you've got to be excited about
the circus! You’re probably wondering "how do I get started?" Well, you may be
surprised to know that most circus stars are just born. What do we mean by
that? Entire families are in the circus. The parents are in the circus, and
then the kids grow up in the circus. They start learning circus acts when
they’re really little (and they probably get to watch the circus--free!).
But, even if you're mom and dad, grandma or grandpa aren't in the circus,
there's still a chance for you to get started. Here's a little more about how
it works.
Legacy Performer
These are the stars who continue in the family
business. Most of the circus stars we talked to are "legacies." And most of
them have children who are also learning about the circus. When we went to a
show at Circus Sarasota, we saw a whole family of trapeze artists - including a
little girl only 6 years old! There was the mother and father, two older
children, the little girl, and even an uncle or two.
Tim Hernandez is actually a legacy, along with his
family: wife, Leslie, who used to teach one of the team members dance and her
daughter, Leona, who is a circus performer. Tim's young daughter, Summer,
has also trained in circus. She's not sure she wants to be in the circus. Her
mom was also a trapeze star in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey
Circus. Mr. Tim said that his passion is to continue the traditions of the
circus, but "he's torn as a father." He wants what's best for his daughter, but
still would love to see her in the circus, continuing the family circus legacy.
How to Start Your Own Legacy
Yes, you can be a star! There are classes all over
Sarasota where you can learn circus acts like tumbling, juggling, trapeze and
even clowning around!
Even if you don’t want to join the circus, the classes
look like soooooooo much fun! And if you’re stuck on where to go for classes,
you could take a class from Tim Hernandez! He teaches private and public circus
classes--all ages--on whichever topic you choose (clown, trapeze, hoops, etc.).
Our team member Haley has even taken a circus tumbling class. She learned some
roping and tumbling with circus supports that are usually hooked from the
ceiling and help you learn back flips and other acrobatics. She performed her
act in a dance recital a couple of years ago!
Becoming a legacy isn't easy, but these classes
are a good place to start. Take some classes, become a performer, grow your
family, teach them everything you know -- become a LEGACY!!!
Here's where to go:
Circus Sarasota
Ellen Meade Studios, Circus Classes and Summer Camps
Tito Gaona Flying Trapeze Academy, Venice, Florida
Sailor Circus, Sarasota, Florida
