Not how they move, but what moves them
17 October 2013
A lot of people are surprised that there is so much theatre and dance on my timetable, but the course is after all a conservatoire degree, and one of the best things about being here is not only learning the circus arts themselves, but being given help, time, and professional support to develop your theatrical and movement abilities as well. Learning how to translate tricks and moves into meaningful pieces of work is really challenging, but it is precisely that (in my opinion) which sets circus apart from gymnastics or sports; the ability to communicate meaning and make human connections through the performance of the actions you are undertaking.
Movement and ballet are great foundations for understanding how to move your body, and how posture and slight intonations can change the whole energy of a stance. Allan, our ballet teacher has a great eye for this and explains it so well, I think I’ve learned more about performance from his classes than I have actual ballet (sorry Allan!) Our movement classes with Ella are some of the most challenging on the course for me, especially since I don’t really have much of a dance background. The choreography is fast and really demanding, and I’ve had to push myself so far physically and emotionally to try and keep up. I’m beginning to see dance as a whole other discipline you needed to have at a professional level to be a good circus artist, and trying not to let it get me down that I feel so far behind. Still, one step at a time, if I can only remember which leg it was I started on!
About Vendetta
Vendetta is a Scottish aerialist curently studying at The National Centre for Circus Arts in London. This site is where she shares her experiences on training in one of the worlds top circus schools.
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