proud parents

my latest entry into the trouper parent blog:

As a youth organization, Smirkus is a thrilling place to be a kid:  we travel, we play, we watch movies, tell secrets and learn new things.  As a circus, Smirkus is world class: we have 70 shows in 7 weeks, hit 16 cities, play to sold out crowds, and we have some of the world’s best coaches.  It’s when you put these two things together, however, that Smirkus is really unbelievable.  We have 29 troupers away from home for 10 weeks traveling outside of their cities, states, and countries.  We have 10 year olds dangling from triangles and teenagers doing handstands in the most unlikely of places.  We ask them to wake up early, work harder than probably any other kid in the country, perform two shows a day, and we even make them wash dishes! 

In Essex, a huge storm came through that had us all taking shelter, and the troupers’ actions had me feeling incredibly proud.  As the wind blew and the rain pounded the roof, they spent the time passing juggling clubs and working on the tight wire, not complaining about the lack of sunshine.  During the second show, it came to light that the aerial fabric had gotten wet, and our coach made the call that it was not safe to perform on.  Only minutes before the act was supposed to begin, we had to rearrange the show order!  I have never seen performers act so quickly and so calmly to solve a problem together!  One trouper even went up to the bandstand and informed the musicians so that they knew what was going on!  Hula hoop girls scrambled to gather props, the hat boys raced to places early, and everyone rallied together to help wherever possible.  It was a muddy, yucky, potentially problematic day, but these kids made me SO proud with their positive attitudes and professional efficiency.  I shouldn’t be surprised I guess, because they impress me so often.  My heart swells with pride every time they nail a new trick, improve an old one, come up with a silly gag, or even gracefully cover up a dropped ball or imperfect tumble.  I got teary eyed on opening night, I clap wildly at each act I'm lucky enough to watch, and I eagerly look forward to the improvements in every show.  My heart is full of joy when they excitedly call my name and show me the one armed handstand or tough hoop trick they’ve been working on since training.  They are fun and silly and hard working and so wonderful to be around.  I am so immensely proud of them, and I’ve only known them for a month.  I can scarcely imagine how you feel.  Thank you for sharing these  amazing young people with me, I am so privileged to know them.