Testimonial - Amelia Cavallo

How did you hear about Cirque Nova?
Through Extant Theatre, a company I work for as a performer.

Why did you join in?
I've always wanted to do circus and have never had the chance. I also found the atmosphere very fun and constructive and felt like I was part of a fantastic team. I also really enjoy the physical benefits. I found myself getting stronger by the week and with that more confident. For me as a performer, learning new skills of any kind is always a plus, so having the chance to gain circus skills is also very helpful for my career.

What do you enjoy most?
I enjoy it all. Jean Marie has commented in the past on the fact that it is impossible for me to learn everything, but that doesn't stop me from trying! In particular, I love the aerial work, especially silks. It is great challenging work that is also very freeing. I loved hanging high above the heads of our audience in our show up in the summer air. It was beautiful. As I said before, I also really appreciate the physical benefits. I am missing them at the moment as we are not currently in training.

What are the benefits you have found?
I've mentioned most of them already. Fitness and the confidence that comes with it. The ability to learn something that most other people would never get the chance to. Adding another skill onto my arsenal of skills for my career. Skills like juggling also help with concentration, especially for me as I am visually impaired and have to REALLY focus on where the ball is as I can't see it. I have also been learning contact juggling which is great for building patience as it is very difficult, but very rewarding when a trick is finally learned.

I also feel that I have made some great friends in this company. We all work well as a team because we genuinely love what we are doing. To find that is rare, and to lose it is sad, so we are all very commited to this project.