American Circus Educators Magazine Summer/Fall 2018 (Issue 2, Volume 13) | Page 12

had to say yes to this chance. I texted her. “Yes, ok, I’ll take it!” PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALOF T PHOTO CREDIT: NANCY BEHALL PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALOF T 12 Sitting in that panel, it was dawning on me that this was an opportunity to give my students something amazing, unique and invaluable. Beginning with this incoming class—the ones who will finish their second year in 2019—they will present their final show in this big top, then tour the show for 4-6 weeks, giving them their first job, a professional line on their resume following graduation, and all the practical experience that comes along with touring a big top show. I think the future of circus in the USA is being created in the US circus schools. I see more and more small companies coming up and I think that tented shows are going to be the wave of the future. I think that we are on the cusp of revitalizing a beautiful part of circus that was on the verge of being forgotten. Nothing is more DIY than a circus show in a tent, and no one is more well suited to that life than people who are passionate and motivated and just beginning their careers--willing to get their hands dirty, swing sledgehammers and give it 100% night after night. I have a year to figure out how to plan a tour. Next summer, Aloft will go out for a few weeks. Then we will pass the knowledge we gain from that on to our students. Each year we will graduate more people with smart, compelling acts, strong ensemble skills ,and the know-how to make circus happen on their own. I can’t imagine there’s not a director alive that wouldn’t want someone like that working with them. Ultimately, my sincere hope is that Aloft’s students won’t have to wait for someone to chose them because they will be creating destiny for themselves. Circus Arts Therapy® Trainings: For those interested in using the Circus Arts to compliment your program or practice to help others Aerial Teacher Trainings: This training, with the potential for certification, is for teachers and students who want to ensure that their studio adheres to the highest safety standards Offering nine-month programs in contemporary circus artistic creation and skill development in Portland, Oregon. Visiting artists always welcome. All trainings are led by Carrie Heller, MSW, LCSW, RPT, co-founding member of AYCO, Author of the Aerial Circus Training and Safety Manual in Atlanta, GA We are proud to be the first Teacher Training Program in America to be recognized for our excellent standards. celebrating 10 years thecircusproject.org www.CircusArtsInstitute.com Live Teacher Trainings Aerial Silks ~ Sling ~ Trapeze ~ Lyra ~ Rope Bungee ~ Aerial Yoga Locations USA ~ UK ~ Europe ~ Australia/New Zealand Certificate Program Circus Peg Stilts for Kids & Adults Handstand Training Blocks Stilt Costumes Circus Camp Equipment Online Mentorship ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ www.borntoflyteachers.com www.PegStilts.com Woman Veteran Handmade in the USA since 2008 13