CircusWest Vancouver Haven

CircusWest, the low key circus school of the PNE shines well within its element. The inconspicuous building seeks refuge in the east end of Vancouver. The doors seal the outside world out and windows are nowhere in sight. The old red bleachers still fostering their original center cushion accommodate all proud parents and friends. The hallways are grey, dark and abandoned of any energy as they circle their way around the heart of padded play land. Bathrooms take me back to elementary school. The tacky yellow tiles and large open spaces return my echoed solitary journey to the urinal fountain wall. Enough said!

The scene is active in its own subtle way. Coaches, now veterans of their field, muster with their students passing on their knowledge to the talented and also willing. Each seemingly undivided section of the center arena resonates its own ambiance throughout the evening. Fairies take to the skies as they dance in and around their silk webs. Architects of their deployment, they twirl and contort their way to the top. Their plan is executed as they submit to gravity and thus unravel their art.

The runway calls my name as I redirect my attention back to the tumbling floor. For a moment I could swear those fairies put me under a spell. Anyways, round-off back handspring is harder than it looks! Our intimate class of 6 chatters, mimics and bounces its way across the tumbling floor. The inner child resurrects and the smiles and silliness never cease to run out of energy.

With focus, persistence and fun, regardless of your progression, your body and mind is nourished and you find yourself back week after week. Look up, trapeze artist coming through!

Seattle in 24 hrs

Almost 10 years ago, I used to sneak into the McGill gymnasium and train with my buddies in empty classrooms, squash courts, or wherever the floor and space was suitable. Now in 2011, many of us have parted into our corporate lives in various parts of the world. My friend Nam, dancer at heart, was celebrating his birthday in his new hometown of Seattle. This was of course a perfect opportunity to surprise an old friend and explore an unfamiliar city.

Emilie, my partner in crime, may be quiet at first glance but is always eager for new adventures. With a brief introduction to some new acquaintances, the laughing, smiles, and stories took over every alley.* (bowling alleys…) The Purple Dot Café ensured the night prowlers were not left hungry and their large tables supplied ample room for a quick headrest nap.

The festive and lively market in Ballard welcomed both early birds and late night dwellers. The raw organic scents of real food (unlike 95% of the crap we find in the average grocery store) drifted across the crowds. Both young and old, a valued and unique sense of style was well appreciated. Jake, Emilie and I embarked on a spectacle of personas wearing cobra shirts, vintage jackets, and wildlife sweaters. Beth graced us with her presence at 20Twenty as she witnessed our new creations. The local toy store, Clover, I truly believe was designed for parents trying to relive their past. Their modernized vintage toys tickled the giggles out of me. A glance through a kaleidoscope took me both back and into the future. I took a stance in the middle, no longer the little child, nor father. 

With the celebration of my first Bloody Mary, I embraced my present self with another achievement under my belt!