Testimonial - Jonny Whitwell

How did you hear about Cirque Nova?
By word of mouth, through Amelia Cavallo.

Why did you join in?
I have always loved performance - musical, theatrical and movement based. The opportunity to work with a company aimed at the disabled community was too good to miss as my visual disability has made my performance work very stressful in the past when trying to work in a less accessible environment.

What do you enjoy most?
The first thing I ever did with CN was aerial silk and I haven't looked down since. It is an art form that many people know of and see but few have the genuine opportunity to learn and pursue, especially with such excellent instructors.

What skills and benefits have you gained?
The obvious ones would be increased strength and coordination. Physically I am fitter and more flexible and generally have a better awareness of my body, which has helped me outside of circus training in my martial arts practices. The performance side has given me a fresh boost of confidence, better timing and focus. In addition to this there are new skills in balance, juggling and dance just to name a few. The instructors are always teaching us new things, trying to find out where our strengths are.

Has Cirque Nova had an impact on your life?
Before Cirque Nova I had very little contact with the disabled community. Working together has given me confidence that my disability does not make me any less capable than anyone else. I use my cane a lot more where getting around in the dark (where previously I would just move a lot more slowly and hope!) because it is not something I need to hide to try and 'blend in' anymore. I believe this is true of the other performers as well. We have all accepted the strengths we have because of the various physical/social impairments we carry.