Friday, December 16, 2011

The Ooky Spooky Circus

Everyone else is getting a good number of posts in their blogs, and I feel a bit left out.
So, a topic I've been thinking of talking about for a while, the circus.
Now, when I say circus, what comes to mind depends on who you are. I've found that most people's brains go instantly to "Clowns! Cotton candy! Barnum and Bailey's!". If you are someone who thinks the way I do, however, you think "Aerial silks! Fire spinning! Cirque Berzerk!"
I will, of course, be shunning you Barnum folks, and talk about the shows that I love :]

I've wanted to run away to the circus for some time now. But when I dream my runaway dreams, I want to spin fiery hula hoops. The circus I dream of has aerial acrobatics done on silks hanging from the ceiling, fire-breathers, contortionists, red velvet curtains, vertical stripes, brocade, and the smell of dewy grass. My circus is in a patch-work tent, not an arena. Everyone looks a little unnatural, and maybe even a little magical. That's what I think a proper circus should be. It should make mundane people a little nervous, it should be a little risque, and it should be unforgettable.
But how on earth does one get into this kind of circus? Same as anything else, really. Schooling. As it turns out, there is a place with novice- to advanced-level classes on hoop dancing. At the advanced levels, you learn how to dance with your hoop while it's aflame. Your hula-hoop will be on fire. Yes. You can bet that I'll be signing up as soon as I'm feasibly able to. I would have never known something like that was around if I hadn't looked for it. So, if you like your circuses with a touch of burlesque, and a pinch of freak show, try doing a search. Find your favorite act, and look up classes. You just might find something just laying about. Between my imminent fire-spinning, and the belly-dancing classes my local community college has, I'll have enough alternative pastimes to keep me strange and happy for a good long while.
Happy hunting!