When I began my circus career, all I wanted was "to be in the circus". I admit, I didn't really understand what that meant. I knew I liked to flip and fly. I knew I liked to perform. The circus seemed like the perfect vehicle for that. After one week of school, I injured my shoulders to the extent that I had to sit out of the majority of my classes for a month and a half.
In other words, I quickly learned it's not all sequins and applause. The work is physically demanding and takes it's toll on the body. A lapse in concentration, not getting enough sleep, a "stupid mistake", and any other number of things could result in an accident. Not only is it not all sequins and applause, it can be downright dangerous.
The more time passed, the more I saw my classmates get injured. Since graduating, I have had a few of my friends suffer very frightening and serious accidents. And even then, there's a part of you that tries to forget that, if only to make it possible to continue going on stage yourself.
I'm a big chicken and incredibly demanding when it comes to things that most find quite trivial. The state of the floor is vital to my ability to work safely. Water, debris, and or an uneven surface can be very dangerous for me. I've always insisted even though people make fun of me or roll their eyes. But I know what can happen. Safety first. And while I sometimes feel a little ashamed to insist on a mat for something like static trapeze, as though it makes me less of a real aerialist, I know that it only takes one fall...
Be it traditional, modern, or contemporary circus... Whether you're from the world of burlesque, a former world champion gymnast, or a small town kid who made their dream come true... It doesn't matter. From the tiniest big top in the middle of nowhere to the biggest spectacle in a theatre on the Vegas strip, we're all a part of the same family. Once you start on this journey of circus, you forever become a part of something greater than yourself and you gain a family in every corner of the world. The joy, hardship, passion, dedication, and audacity of living the dream... all of this and more connects you more powerfully and profoundly than I could ever hope to express. It can't be helped. And were it not for that connection, that unspoken understanding that you are family, I don't know how any of us would survive.
Today we mourn the loss of one of our own. My heart goes out to her family, her children, and the cast and crew of KÀ. And my heart goes out to you, too. May we all keep a little extra courage and light in our hearts on this sad day.
Read about the accident here and here.
A memorial page for Sarah (Sasoun) can be found here.
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