Application to Cirque Submitted!

I'm a day late on my blog, but the important news is....I made my submission to the cirque du soleil website! It's entirely terrifying. A few years ago, I was sitting in the audience of Cirque du Soleil's Varekai only dreaming about doing what they do. Now, I am applying to their company. Even if I never land the audition, it is still a big moment in my life to even try for it. For some people, leaps like these might be common place in their world, but for me It takes a lot of courage.

In other news, I performed for Showboat Shazaam on Sunday, a circus show on a barge on Pier 6 in Brooklyn. It was day of sweltering heat and rocky waters, but the boat had a beautiful view of Manhattan. All in all, it was really fun to perform. The cast of characters included a darling clown from Paris named Steffi, who I befriended and met for drinks last night in a garden bar on the Bowery. We had documentary film makers follow us at this show, and I was interviewed. I've never been interviewed like this before...I can only hope they edit out any asinine remarks that might have spilled out of my mouth when I was put on the spot.

Next week, stayed tuned for a blog on aerial bar tending... I got a gig next Monday pouring drinks from the air. I'm an aerialist, but I'm no bartender. Should be interesting!

New Workout: 3,2,1...Blast-off!

It's a new week, and I finally kicked that pesky virus. There's no better time than now to launch my new structured work-out. I hired a personal trainer who works remotely and had a long career with Cirque du Soleil. I couldn't have found a more perfect mentor to take me to the next level. She wrote me a program that includes core training, strength training, shoulder conditioning, flexibility exercises and even conditioning on silks and rope. I dabbled with it last week while I was sick, but yesterday, I really got it going. Already, I feel pretty darn sore - which means it's working of course. To help track my progress, and discipline myself, I bought a work-out journal. I strongly recommend this to anyone trying to go after a goal. Writing it down and checking off boxes along the way, helps keep you on track.

It's only Day 2 and I am fighting excuses..."I'm tired, it's too early for a workout...I have friends coming over for dinner...I ran out of time..it's 90 degrees outside....I'm knee-deep in work..." I did, however, drag myself out of bed this morning to rehearse my trapeze act for an upcoming show. But I still have to squeeze in one more workout before the day is over. I better sign off now, and hit the gym. Let's see how successful this week will be....

Sick-week

Last week was quite a loss for me. I spent just over 7 days completely grounded with a virus. For me (a workaholic) taking one day off is difficult, never mind a whole week. It was a daily struggle to enjoy life without being productive. It makes me realize how strongly happiness is tied to productivity. And therefore, unproductiveness breeds depression. Last week, I really tried to fight that cycle, accept the fact that my body needed a rest, and try to look at life in a different way. It was a good lesson for me. As much as my work is an expression of who I am, it can also be a distraction from certain parts of me that I would rather not face. In the stillness and silence of being sick, there lies a completely different way of life. We are really not in control at all. Viruses and other natural forces disrupt our plans and humble us. All of life is fleeting and changing, and for that reason it is essential we lead a life that holds true to our values and feeds an inner peace. Because in those moments when life shakes us to our core, it is all we will have left.

Operation: Audition for Cirque du Soleil

I'm blogging today on this lovely 4th of July with a raging cold, or quite possibly a flu. That really put a wrench in my workout routine. I'm not off to a productive start this week. But I will make my blog!

So, I'm 30 years old...not a spring chicken in the world of performing. But, as I prove to myself day by day that I can do things that I never thought possible, I realize that I should no longer listen to the voice of self doubt. It's time to get some big names on my resume...and I'm shooting for Cirque du Soleil! Cirque du Soleil is cranking out shows like a factory these days and they need more performers than ever to support them. There is no better time than now to go for the golden egg.

How will I get there? Train, train, train, and train some more. It's time to up the anty on my workout routine. I'm talking weight, cardio, endurance, and flexibility training, dance, and floor work. And it's time to get inventive with my acts. Before I am even considered for an audition, I have to submit my profile to the website. That means I need an act that will really set me apart...doing whatever it takes to avoid ending up in the reject pile. So, this summer is all about developing my act and getting myself into tip top shape. That means, 6 days a week I will be moving in some shape or form.

Regardless of where the journey takes me, it is an exciting one, and I am happy to chronicle the process with you all. I'll be sure to share all the struggles, the doubt, the good, and the bad as I give it all I got and try to go after another dream.