Bet You Didn’t Know: Coach Connie!

Hello everyone and happy Sunday!

This week it’s time for Coach Connie! She’s the other instructor who will be helping with Tawni’s classes while she is out of town, and she is absolutely amazing!!

What is your name, position, and how long have you been working at Akrosphere?

My name is Constance but my friends call me Connie!  I am a guest instructor at Akrosphere covering for Tawni while she is away on her big adventure!

What is your apparatus of choice?

I am a multi-disciplinarian and perform on silks, pole, lyra, rope, spanish web, and loop straps.  I also work on duo trapeze, duo rope, and duo lyra.  My favourite apparatus is rope, but I definitely waver back and forth as to what I’m doing most depending on my work and inspiration.

What is your background?

I grew up as a dancer specializing in ballet, and when I was 18 I met a magician by happenstance.  I became his assistant performing gigs, big and small, around the southeast.  I learned a lot about the stage as well as began working as a fire performer.  From there, my circus career grew fairly organically and in my 20s I discovered my love of aerial arts.

What was your first circus job? 

My first circus job was as a magician’s assistant.  I don’t recall the exact performance, it’s been so long now, but I was the girl in the box that was to be cut in half.  As not to give away any secrets and keep the magic alive, I will just say that I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to do my part quickly enough and would ruin the whole show, but I did it and we worked together for many shows!

Any difficulties in your training/working?

The biggest difficulty is that there is never enough time, but I think that’s true for any career.  It’s hard to fit in all the training, nutrition, recovery, administrative work, etc. especially once you’re working.

Despite difficulties, why do you love it?

I love the challenge and I like to see how far I can go.  I love connecting with an audience and sharing that big exciting moment.  You can feel it in a room!  I also love to be on the road and travel; with this work I see so many awesome places and meet so many interesting people.

Words of encouragement for our students?

Just remember why you are doing this.  There will be days when you’re tired, and sore, and just don’t feel like it, but if you remember the joy of why you started and what you are in this for, you will enjoy the journey.

A magician’s assistant! I didn’t know I had a dream job, but apparently that’s it! We’re back for classes this week, and I can’t wait for everyone to meet Coach Connie!

Catch you next week!

Mar