Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Blue Sky Circus

Life is returning to normal. I actually made dinner last night. D and I figured out that we spent about 65 hours at the circus gym last week for the big spring show Blue Sky Circus. It was amazing, inspiring, fun and tiring. She is definitely suffering withdrawal from her circus peeps - seeing these 38 kids bond so tightly over the past week was really heartwarming.  We can't wait until next year!

Blue Sky Circus 2012
The Centre Stage girls ball dance

The tumbling coach calls kids like D her little 'gymnastics refugees'. Many young athletes are willing to work hard, but don't enjoy competition; they would prefer to perform and entertain an audience. Circus school is the place for them! The kids  train 10-12 hours/week on unicycle, juggling, aerials (silks, trapeze, lira, German wheel, straps), hand-to-hand (think human pyramids, handstands), acrobatics, trampoline, movement/dance and clowning. They do it all and they are a wonderful family. 

Blue Sky Circus 2012
Centre Stage girls

For all of these girls (aged 12-14), it was their first experience in the production. They performed in 3 or 4 group acts including a dance, a 5' unicycle act, tumbling routine and poi act (under black light!).  It was fantastic to have many friends attend the show and learn more about this amazing school and the talented kids that train there. Most people have no idea about the calibre of athleticism and performance that happens right here in Vancouver!  I helped out with costumes; sewing, mending, washing and other general back-stage stuff that went on throughout the 8 shows over 4 days. Five shows were completely sold out to an audience of 340 and people were even searching tickets on Craigslist and Kijiji: incredible! I have a couple of videos but need help from my I.T. department to edit and upload them.

I'm ready to get back to some Poppyprint sewing now; straight line quilting on a queen sized quilt is almost complete and I'm anxious to share it with you. Off I go!

14 comments:

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

A wonderful experience that you all will remember for a along time.

Katy Cameron said...

That sounds like so much fun for all involved!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Oh bravo! Cirque du Soleil here she comes!

shannon said...

that's so cool!!

Sana Saroti said...

That sounds so cool! Would love to see the videos! But what is a German wheel (Mercedes?, BMW?) Did I miss something?

Margaret said...

How awesome! I think my daughter would love that. Too bad we're nowhere near Vancouver.

Tracey Jacobsen said...

SO COOL! I've said it before -- you're a great mom to a great daughter. :) I hope Scarlet and I have this much fun when she's that age!

Dianne said...

Devan and her Center Stage Girls were amazing!! We so enjoyed the show and I am looking forward to next years perfomance as well. Great job on the costumes, they were outstanding!

felicity said...

I totally agree with Dianne - the show was FABULOUS and my normally-squirmy 4-year-old didn't move a muscle for the entire 90 minutes. She was absolutely transfixed.

dutchcomfort said...

It must be wonderful to be so involved in your daughter’s love for the circus.

PinkGranny said...

What a nice opportunity for your daughter! I imagine she has been on cloud 9. Great costumes and makeup too. You must have been proud!

Pétra said...

Wow that looks so amazing what a special experience!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Sounds amazing! I'm looking forward to see the video!! Happy straight line quilting day to you, Krista:)

Nicola said...

I can just imagine life in your house this past week - my girls love to perform too and I love helping behind the scenes with costumes even though it's always ridiculously hard work! My eight year old twins will be spending next week at Circus sleepaway camp here in France. They can't wait!