Well hello there!
I haven't written in (over) a month and I'm sure you must be puzzling your puzzler about what I've been up to. Well, up until a week ago, the answer was nothing. I was still on vacation, still without a wheel, and pretty darned bummed about the whole of it.
To break up this monotony during this time off, however, I started having mad back pain for no reason at all. Just the Universe's way of keepin' it real, I suppose.
Also, I'm back in France.
As you can imagine, these things combined have not amounted to anything terribly good. The repercussions on both the show, my mental and physical health, not to mention my wallet, have been many and not usually good.
But all these lovely stories will come to light in due time. After a four day stint in Dole, we now have another two weeks off. And as much as I'd love to start to fill you in on the latest trials and tribulations of this saltimbanque, I'm afraid I have yet another doctor's appointment to attend.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Break's Over
Once again, I've fallen off the blogging bandwagon. In a lot of ways, I suppose its understandable. This blog is supposed to be about my experiences working as a circus artist and I'm somewhat on the underemployed side of circus these days. However, that is a reality of the modern day circus artist.
Some days (or months), there's just no work.
So it looks like I'm going to need to refocus the blog over the next month to reflect that.
Normally, in a situation like this, I would be training at the circus school, keeping my wheeling abilities up to scratch. However, as I am without wheel at the moment, that's not exactly in the cards. The good news is, a new wheel has been ordered! Its a real Zimmermann wheel from Germany too! They're the Cadillac of German wheels, if ever you're in the market to get one.
So, what's an acrobat to do? I've made up a work out (which I have been doing a very poor job of following), go for lengthy walks (more on that later) and will be participating in some fun classes!
In the end, it is just a month off. I figure I can keep fit and give myself a little vacation at the same time. I'm pretty sure that's how normal people do it.
Some days (or months), there's just no work.
So it looks like I'm going to need to refocus the blog over the next month to reflect that.
Normally, in a situation like this, I would be training at the circus school, keeping my wheeling abilities up to scratch. However, as I am without wheel at the moment, that's not exactly in the cards. The good news is, a new wheel has been ordered! Its a real Zimmermann wheel from Germany too! They're the Cadillac of German wheels, if ever you're in the market to get one.
So, what's an acrobat to do? I've made up a work out (which I have been doing a very poor job of following), go for lengthy walks (more on that later) and will be participating in some fun classes!
In the end, it is just a month off. I figure I can keep fit and give myself a little vacation at the same time. I'm pretty sure that's how normal people do it.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Flashback II: Thank Heavens for Little Girls
No matter how frustrating things got in California, no matter how head-smackingly unbelievable; one thing made it all worth while. And while this is going to sound horribly cliché, it was the children. Specifically, little girls.
I used to work at a girl's clothing store and let me tell you, there was a considerable amount of clothing that was hardly appropriate for little girls. Fish nets, crop tops, satin nighties, open back shirts... all these items were available for girls as young as five! Can you imagine a five year old girl in a triangle string bikini? What exactly is going to keep that top in place? Especially on a wiggly little kid?
But I'm getting a little off topic. The point is, it seems to me that there aren't many options out there for little girls. I see so many of them who appear to be dressed way older than they are, and let's face it, its not like there are that many positive, strong role models out there for young girls.
When little girls would come up to me after a show, full of questions and awe, it made me feel really good. I don't imagine they often have the opportunity to see a young woman who is strong, dynamic, elegant and fierce. I could see on the faces of these young girls that this was entirely new to them.
Yes, there are Olympic gymnasts, but typically, the ones who make the presses are the cutesy little darling types. The emphasis tends to be put on their sweetness rather than their skill. Think Dominic Moceanu or Shawn Johnson.
I know that when I was a little girl, seeing a strong young woman, without ribbons and ruffles, living her dream and actually earning a living from it would have been a tremendous experience. I may not have known it at the time, but often, it only takes a second for a seed to take root, and a single instant can remain with us for a lifetime. I was 10 when I saw Quidam. And the only acts I remember from that show are tissu and German wheel. Not banquine (everyone is shocked that I don't remember the incredible banquine act from that show), but German wheel. Now, I do wheel for a living and the first Canadian to compete at the German Wheel World Championships.
It only takes an instant.
And it's instants like that, where a child looks at you and sees limitless possibilities before them, that they can be more than what popular culture dictates... that doesn't just make the job worthwhile. It reaffirms that this entire career path was the right choice and that it's a very important job to be doing.
I used to work at a girl's clothing store and let me tell you, there was a considerable amount of clothing that was hardly appropriate for little girls. Fish nets, crop tops, satin nighties, open back shirts... all these items were available for girls as young as five! Can you imagine a five year old girl in a triangle string bikini? What exactly is going to keep that top in place? Especially on a wiggly little kid?
But I'm getting a little off topic. The point is, it seems to me that there aren't many options out there for little girls. I see so many of them who appear to be dressed way older than they are, and let's face it, its not like there are that many positive, strong role models out there for young girls.
When little girls would come up to me after a show, full of questions and awe, it made me feel really good. I don't imagine they often have the opportunity to see a young woman who is strong, dynamic, elegant and fierce. I could see on the faces of these young girls that this was entirely new to them.
Yes, there are Olympic gymnasts, but typically, the ones who make the presses are the cutesy little darling types. The emphasis tends to be put on their sweetness rather than their skill. Think Dominic Moceanu or Shawn Johnson.
I know that when I was a little girl, seeing a strong young woman, without ribbons and ruffles, living her dream and actually earning a living from it would have been a tremendous experience. I may not have known it at the time, but often, it only takes a second for a seed to take root, and a single instant can remain with us for a lifetime. I was 10 when I saw Quidam. And the only acts I remember from that show are tissu and German wheel. Not banquine (everyone is shocked that I don't remember the incredible banquine act from that show), but German wheel. Now, I do wheel for a living and the first Canadian to compete at the German Wheel World Championships.
It only takes an instant.
And it's instants like that, where a child looks at you and sees limitless possibilities before them, that they can be more than what popular culture dictates... that doesn't just make the job worthwhile. It reaffirms that this entire career path was the right choice and that it's a very important job to be doing.
Flashback I: It's the Apocalypse!
It was the last show of the week and we were all aching for our first days off since arriving in California. As we waited for our cue in the depths of the park basement, an unknown force was about to unleash total chaos.
Without warning, the lights went. Our immediate reaction was "Hooray!", quickly followed by "um... it's really dark down here..."
After about thirty seconds emergency lights came on and park employees started scrambling about trying to figure out what the hell had just happened, and also, to keep customers (and their wallets) in the park.
By this time, we had left the basement as it was time to start to show. Some measly power outage wasn't going to stop us! That, and we didn't really know what else to do. Almost as soon as we were back above ground we were told to head back to the basement. The power outage was park wide. Rides stopped and people were stranded. The folks on the roller coasters actually had to get out of the cars and climb down! Only one generator was operational and all its juice was going towards getting people off the stranded cable cars before they fried in the afternoon sun.
Meanwhile, in the basement, we were all very excited about the possibility of having the afternoon off and heading to the beach. After all, there was no music. And no music means no show! However, before we could get our hopes to high, a messenger came to tell us that yes, we would be doing the show, there would be no music, and for the love of god, make it longer and keep people in the park!
In other words, no pressure.
What followed was an extremely enriching experience that left me feeling very proud of my fellow acrobats and I.
I have never been one for street performing. I have huge amounts of respect for those who do it, and greatly admire those who do it well. Its just not something that I want to do myself. Fortunately, the opening act in the show is performed by a diaboloist and seasoned street performer. He set the mood brilliantly, working the crowd and setting the pace for the show.
Quick whispers between artists on stage meant improvised group scenes so that no one would be left alone on the silent stage. Songs were started randomly and the rest of the group joined in.
Most acts were extended and all seemed to somehow be upgraded.
The most impressive act of ingenuity would have to have been the improvised drum accompaniment to the simple wheel act. Using nothing but junk in the dressing room, we managed to put together a full out percussion section that flat out rocked it.
Then, during the big romantic moment of the show, the music miraculously came back on! Its true what they say, love overcomes all! Outstanding!
I don't think we ever did a more energetic show, nor were we ever more committed than we were that afternoon. And if the music coming back on right at the love song wasn't enough, the rides began to start up again just as the show ended. Incredible.
Needless to say, I learned a lot about thinking on my feet that day and working with what you've got. My only regret is that the music came back before my number. I didn't have a chance to pull off any skin-of-my-teeth showmanship. But judging by my experiences in circus thus far, I'm sure the opportunity will present itself at some point.
Without warning, the lights went. Our immediate reaction was "Hooray!", quickly followed by "um... it's really dark down here..."
After about thirty seconds emergency lights came on and park employees started scrambling about trying to figure out what the hell had just happened, and also, to keep customers (and their wallets) in the park.
By this time, we had left the basement as it was time to start to show. Some measly power outage wasn't going to stop us! That, and we didn't really know what else to do. Almost as soon as we were back above ground we were told to head back to the basement. The power outage was park wide. Rides stopped and people were stranded. The folks on the roller coasters actually had to get out of the cars and climb down! Only one generator was operational and all its juice was going towards getting people off the stranded cable cars before they fried in the afternoon sun.
Meanwhile, in the basement, we were all very excited about the possibility of having the afternoon off and heading to the beach. After all, there was no music. And no music means no show! However, before we could get our hopes to high, a messenger came to tell us that yes, we would be doing the show, there would be no music, and for the love of god, make it longer and keep people in the park!
In other words, no pressure.
What followed was an extremely enriching experience that left me feeling very proud of my fellow acrobats and I.
I have never been one for street performing. I have huge amounts of respect for those who do it, and greatly admire those who do it well. Its just not something that I want to do myself. Fortunately, the opening act in the show is performed by a diaboloist and seasoned street performer. He set the mood brilliantly, working the crowd and setting the pace for the show.
Quick whispers between artists on stage meant improvised group scenes so that no one would be left alone on the silent stage. Songs were started randomly and the rest of the group joined in.
Most acts were extended and all seemed to somehow be upgraded.
The most impressive act of ingenuity would have to have been the improvised drum accompaniment to the simple wheel act. Using nothing but junk in the dressing room, we managed to put together a full out percussion section that flat out rocked it.
Then, during the big romantic moment of the show, the music miraculously came back on! Its true what they say, love overcomes all! Outstanding!
I don't think we ever did a more energetic show, nor were we ever more committed than we were that afternoon. And if the music coming back on right at the love song wasn't enough, the rides began to start up again just as the show ended. Incredible.
Needless to say, I learned a lot about thinking on my feet that day and working with what you've got. My only regret is that the music came back before my number. I didn't have a chance to pull off any skin-of-my-teeth showmanship. But judging by my experiences in circus thus far, I'm sure the opportunity will present itself at some point.
Epilogue: Part II
I've been back home in Montreal for a few days now. Things seem to be in order, and it looks like I can begin to leave California behind me. Those with whom I had unfinished business have been spoken to, and any remaining issues have been resolved. I really do try to be professional and I wanted to end this debacle on a positive note. Not to mention tie up any loose ends. I feel really good about conversations that took place with the higher ups, as well as those I had with those in my circus community (they were all very supportive).
All that's left to do is write about two events during my brief run in CA that were particularly moving. So without further ado...
All that's left to do is write about two events during my brief run in CA that were particularly moving. So without further ado...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Epilogue: Part I
There is nothing I would like more than to wash my hands of this entire California ordeal. However, there are two points I wanted to write about before certain events left me unemployed. I feel I owe it to... something... to write those two posts. There's also a very good chance I'll have updates on post wheel-death activities.
I'll keep you posted.
I'll keep you posted.
The Dramatic Climax
For those who've been following, its no secret that the contract here in California has been less than stellar. Well, it looks like after an unexpected plot twist, this story has reached its peak.
I've been fired!
But before that happened, my wheel was destroyed!
Isn't life grand?
Normally, my number ends with me doing a front salto out of the wheel. My wheel is then caught by a fellow cast member and the show winds down. Only yesterday, said fellow cast member forgot to go out and catch the wheel.
Hearing the groan of the crowd, I turned just in time to see my wheel plummet from the stage. The freakishly high stage. A vision that will likely haunt me for some time.
As you can imagine, after seeing my wheel drop 2.5m, I was somewhat full of rage. White, blinding rage. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I just knew I needed to get out of there before I killed someone.
I stormed off.
I really think that just about anyone in this situation, having their livelihood destroyed, would have done the same. Once I calmed down, I returned and apologized for my behaviour. I believe in maintaining a certain level of professionalism, but I really blew my gasket. That wheel is my source of income, my first major purchase, and a highly specialized and expensive piece of equipment. Now, it is a piece of junk that I can't even work on.
That evening, I was called in by the producer and told that because of the stir I had caused (for some reason the park decided to call in security), I would be let go. Personally, I think security was called in more because they realized that if my wheel had landed on someone, they'd be in far deeper doo doo.
So there you go. I've been given my out. I can leave this godforsaken place and go home. The company I was working for will cover a certain percentage of the cost of a new wheel and cover the fee for changing my flight. I just hope I can get all this shit sorted out quickly. I have no desire to stay here any longer than absolutely necessary.
Of course, now I can't train between now and September and will be horribly unprepared to continue the tour in France.
Somebody get me out of here.
I've been fired!
But before that happened, my wheel was destroyed!
Isn't life grand?
Normally, my number ends with me doing a front salto out of the wheel. My wheel is then caught by a fellow cast member and the show winds down. Only yesterday, said fellow cast member forgot to go out and catch the wheel.
Hearing the groan of the crowd, I turned just in time to see my wheel plummet from the stage. The freakishly high stage. A vision that will likely haunt me for some time.
As you can imagine, after seeing my wheel drop 2.5m, I was somewhat full of rage. White, blinding rage. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I just knew I needed to get out of there before I killed someone.
I stormed off.
I really think that just about anyone in this situation, having their livelihood destroyed, would have done the same. Once I calmed down, I returned and apologized for my behaviour. I believe in maintaining a certain level of professionalism, but I really blew my gasket. That wheel is my source of income, my first major purchase, and a highly specialized and expensive piece of equipment. Now, it is a piece of junk that I can't even work on.
That evening, I was called in by the producer and told that because of the stir I had caused (for some reason the park decided to call in security), I would be let go. Personally, I think security was called in more because they realized that if my wheel had landed on someone, they'd be in far deeper doo doo.
So there you go. I've been given my out. I can leave this godforsaken place and go home. The company I was working for will cover a certain percentage of the cost of a new wheel and cover the fee for changing my flight. I just hope I can get all this shit sorted out quickly. I have no desire to stay here any longer than absolutely necessary.
Of course, now I can't train between now and September and will be horribly unprepared to continue the tour in France.
Somebody get me out of here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
