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!