Why We Chose the Circus
We
wanted to learn about the circus because we thought that it would be unique and
an experience that you can only have if you live in Sarasota ( like us ) that’s
why we thought that it would be interesting to other people because it is
something they can’t just do anywhere, and there is a special opportunity in
Sarasota because of the environment, and how Ringling Museum of Art is
basically right outside our doors. It’s something not everyone can enjoy and
experience. We thought that it was important to talk about the circus because
it is such a big part of our town, and it was important for people to know the
history and what is behind all of the makeup and clothing on these people, they
are regular people just like you and me. Circus goes back to the very beginning
of Sarasota, because John Ringling, one of the two founders of the Ringling
Museum of Art.
Also in our area, the circus hall of fame is right
at St. Armands Circle. We went there and saw tributes to some of the great
circus performers and what they did to earn their place in the circus hall of
fame. When we started working on this project, we had an idea to go and
interview some circus performers, but we didn’t know how. Then we realized that
one of the group members had gone to a dance school where they had a circus
class where one of the teachers taught kids to be trained to be in the circus.
Thus the interview with Tim Hernandez.
Tim is a teacher for kids who want to be in the
circus. He teaches a class of about 10 kids and is hoping to create his own
circus someday to carry on the traditions and teach newcomers--not just
legacies. When we visited the class, we got to see what it is like to train to
be in the circus. Some kids were balancing each other on their feet, others
were jumping on a trampoline. One little girl was working hard with Mr. Tim to
try to stick a back handspring. One member of our group, Haley, used to go to
this school for dance and took circus acrobatics with Mr. Tim's wife Leslie,
who is also a legacy. Haley's friend, Tyler, is in Mr. Tim's class and was
working on front tucks. She ran across the room, jumped onto a trampoline and
did a front tuck, landing on a mat. It was awesome! We wanted to join the
class, but we couldn't (insurance, liability, etc.). But once we saw how cool
it really is to be a part of the circus, we were so excited to see a show!
