Flying High
Jacob loves performing acrobatics in the circus. Sometimes he hangs up to 30 feet in the air!

Maxim Tarasyugin/Shutterstock.com (Background); Courtesy of Circus Smirkus (Jacob); Courtesy of the family (performing)

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The Circus Changed My Life

Jacob, 17, used to have a hard time talking to other kids. Then he joined a circus troupe—and found the confidence he needed to truly be himself.

December 2020-January 2021

By Jacob Crow, as told to Joey Bartolomeo

troupe

a group of actors, singers, or performers who work together

I’m excited to perform with my dance troupe tonight!

photo credit Kozlik/Shutterstock:

intense

very strong

The rain is pretty intense, so I think I’ll need a bigger umbrella.

photo credit: Nelson Antoine/Shutterstock

acrobatics

difficult or dangerous acts (such as tumbling and balancing) done by a performer

I’m not sure I would enjoy acrobatics because I’m scared of heights!

photo credit: Novena Audrey/Sutterstock

self-conscious

nervous about what other people think of you

Maya was feeling self-conscious about her new braces.

photo credit: fizkes/Shutterstock

outgoing

friendly; comfortable being with and talking to people

I was really shy when I first came to this school, but now I’m a lot more outgoing.

photo credit: Syda Productions/Shutterstock

Courtesy of Circus Smirkus

Performing in the circus is an unbelievable feeling. Sure, I get a little nervous right before I start. But once the lights go on and the music begins, my body feels calm. I’m ready to put on a show and connect with the crowd.

What does that look like? As I do a split, I’ll make eye contact with someone in the front row. I’ll even wink at a little kid while balancing upside down.

It feels really good to see people respond by clapping or laughing. It’s how I know I’m making them happy.

And it’s why I typically spend my summers traveling with a circus troupe made up of kids just like me.

Fear Factor

It might sound like I was born to perform. But I haven’t always been this comfortable in front of a crowd. That’s because I have something called social anxiety. It’s a mental health condition that makes you worry about doing and saying the right things. I usually feel extra nervous around other people.

Having social anxiety isn’t the same as being shy. When you’re shy, you might not like dealing with strangers. But after a little time with them, you relax and can be more comfortable.

With social anxiety, the feelings are more intense. I’ve been afraid to go into a store by myself or place an order at a counter.

Even introducing myself to new people can be really hard. My heart rate goes up. I sweat and shake. I worry they’ll notice I’m struggling and think I’m weird.

Play Time

Using my body has always been easier for me than using my words. That’s why sports have been a big part of my life. Gymnastics used to be my favorite. I liked the challenge of learning different moves and skills.

Then a friend joined a circus studio, and one day I went to one of his shows. I liked what I saw. Circus is a combination of gymnastics and acrobatics. I love moving my body in different ways, so I decided to try it. The people I met were very friendly. When I was around them, I felt less self-conscious than I did at gymnastics. I decided to make the circus my focus.

Some circus performers are clowns, but I’m not good at doing silly things. I prefer acrobatics. I love to balance on one hand or on top of other people. I also like spinning from a rope and straps that hang about 30 feet in the air!

Big-Top Benefits

Courtesy of Circus Smirkus

Circus Buds
One of the things Jacob likes most about his troupe is how friendly everyone is!

The troupe I usually perform with during the summers is called Circus Smirkus. During my first summer, I was unsure of myself and didn’t speak much. But I learned to push through my fear. When you perform balancing moves, you have to work as a team so no one falls. And if something goes wrong, you have to talk through what happened.

When we tour, people let us stay at their homes. That used to make me nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. Every few days I’d have to meet new people, eat new food, and sleep in a different place.

But the more I did it, the easier it became. And that affected my performances. After a while, I was able to go into the audience at shows! I could introduce myself and pose for pictures. I’d remind myself, “You can do this.”

Calm and Confident

I don’t think my social anxiety will ever go away completely. But thanks to what I’ve learned as a circus performer, it has settled down. I’m more outgoing now, and it’s easier to make friends.

I’ve even started to say “thank you” to my dance teacher after class. When my mom noticed, she went, “Wow!” That was the moment I realized how much better I’m doing. And it feels great.

ACTIVITY:
Cause and Effect

You’ve just read “The Circus Changed My Life.” Now it’s time to do this activity.

Tip: A cause is what makes something happen. An effect is what happens as a result.

What to do: To help you understand how one cause can have many effects, fill in the effects for each cause below. Use the questions in the hints to help you.