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What Circus Has Done For Me ...UPDATED  Submitted by Editor on   10/17/2009 Last Modified What Circus Has Done For Me By: Gabrielle Ment, age 14, Megan Grosmark, Age 13, Amazing Grace Circus, Nyack, NY and, Kole Render, age 21, The Circus Project, Portland, OR In the past 3 years since Circus4Youth has been on the internet, we have heard from trainers, youth circus directors, circus fans, and parents who have all explained the benefits of youth circus programs for the kids who are fortunate enough to be in such a program.   Now, we will hear testimony on the subject from three young ladys, from two different youth circuses located in opposite ends of the country.  In their own words they explain how "circus" has given them talents they never before even dreamed that they had, and a new perspective on life skills to deal with future issues in their young lives...   Editor. 14 year old Gabrielle Ment, with the Amazing Grace Circus! in Nyack, NY.  Photo by Patty Wright-Ferrini Ever since I was a baby, I would watch the circus and be amazed by every trick and routine that was performed.  This inspired me to do gymnastics, go to "magic camp" and finally join the circus itself.   The circus to me is my home:  It has helped me with my self confidence, my stage presence, my awareness, my physical and mental fitness, and much more. Being in circus has encouraged me to be myself.  I never feel like anyone is there to judge me.  In fact, it has taught me that you make the biggest fool of yourself by hiding who you really are. One of my biggest focuses at "Amazing Grace Circus!" is on acting.  Learning all different kinds of skits has built up my self confidence and helped me to be more outgoing.  I now feel more comfortable with crowds of people. A big part of circus training class is waiting for your turn.  In shows and practice there are always times when you need to just watch your peers do their part.  During the shows, even if you are just in the chorus, you always need to think about your stage presence and what you will have to do next.  This increseses awareness of yourself and others. Lastly, circus helps get you in shape.  Always doing excercises and being active keeps the mind and body moving.  For example, juggling actually helped with my reading difficulties.  Before this year I had a 4th grade reading level.  After working on my juggling a little bit every day, I learned how to use both sides of my brain at once.  Now I am reading on my grade level. The Circus has shown me so many life lessons that I will always value, but most importantly, I have fun and enjoy every minute of it.  ~ Gabrille Ment ************************************************************************ Kole Render, age 21, "The Circus Project" Portland, OR.  Photo by: Micheal Schmitt. Circus hurts like nothing I have ever done. Early in my training, I would work myself into a frenzied panic, anticipating the pain that I would feel. In the past, pain was my signal that something had gone terribly wrong; I had stupidly slammed my finger in the door, or been abandoned on Prom night. As an equal-opportunity pain avoider, any source of discomfort such as going to the gym, finishing my homework late at night, visiting new places or meeting new people, was my cue to withdraw. Needless to say, my pain philosophy was profoundly incompatible with circus, and stalled me for the first 6 months of my instruction. It was only through my dire need to train – my love of circus despite the pain, that I came to understand pain as part of the process.  I now realize that not all pain is bad. I train harder now, and honor the pain that I feel.  Similarly, I go out to new places, I work harder in school, and maybe even dare to get my heart broken every once in a while. To be clear, I’m not foolish, I don’t take crazy risks and I don’t cause myself harm, but I have let myself live outside of the bubble wrap, both physically and emotionally.           Circus has given my body a richer purpose. Growing up, I never knew the rules for kickball, I was the chubby kid in the gymnastics class, and on the playground, I hung out next to the water fountain. I considered my body an object, never representative of me, let alone adept. My body was a liability; it was my earthly ball-and-chain. I didn’t get on the “athlete” bandwagon by age 10, so I knew my body would never amount to anything. Learning how to use my body on trapeze has helped me understand how to relate to my body on the ground. I know now that my body has a purpose, and can accomplish many things. I am not as critical of my physicality now that my muscles have work to do and I have a better relationship to my body.           Circus has made me realize the value of art and commitment. Without art, my life lacked meaning; I worked, I attended classes, and I watched movies. I had big dreams, but I certainly didn’t do much, and I was not very happy. Being self-supporting, I considered everything an inappropriate extravagance. Joining the circus undoubtedly appeared reckless but ended up being one of the most sensible “imprudent” acts. Once I committed to circus, I wanted to quit frequently. I was very discouraged, and still get discouraged to this day. However, after applying myself for a year, I can see the fruits of my labor. Becoming a circus performer was the most unlikely of accomplishments. I now know, that when I apply myself, I can do amazing things, no matter how out of the ordinary, bizarre, or unlikely they may seem. -- Kole Render, Circus Project Student ******************************************************************************************      Megan Grosmark, age 13, Amazing Grace Circus! Nyack, NY.  Photo by Deborah Grosmark (her mom) I have learned so much from circus these past three years.  To me, circus is not just a hobby - it's a life style.  I realize that the ring is not just about clowns and silly people in make-up.  Circus performance troupes are made up of devoted artists who love to have fun, but are also willing to dedicate their time and patience to their art.  When you see a show it isn't just about "cotton candy" or "souvenirs" it's about the beauty of choreography and the performer's spririt.  To me the circus is a place for working hard and having lots of fun.  Sometimes, I feel like the circus takes me to a magical place filled with fantasy, mystery and pure imagination. Training with my teen troupe makes me happy.  Even when there are moments that are physically difficult, I try to stay focused.  Later, when I look back on those tough times, I end up laughing and then say to myself "That was really hard to get through.  I am glad that I tried it again".  This fall, I auditioned for my middle school musical.  When they found out that I was in a circus troupe, they created the part of "Circus Performer" just for me!  I can't wait to show everyone at school what circus means to me.  I wish everyone could get a chance to experience the spirit, strength, and wonder of the CIRCUS. "Circus is my life...my heart belongs to it." ~Megan Grosmark, age 13 The Amazing Grace Circus!, Nyack, NY ~ Email This Resource   Copyright © 1999-2010 Circus Fans Association of America and Authors. For more information view our  Copyright Policy & Privacy Policy .

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