Children’s festival brings the magic of the circus

 

By Rechell McDonald

 

On May 26 and 27 the Whitecourt Children’s Festival will bring a host of activities and performers to the stage for the whole family to enjoy. On top are an improv show, magic act, and a juggling performance, residents will also get to see the fun, acrobatic performance put on by Firefly Theatre & Circus. Aerialist Lyne Gosselin explained what we can expect to see from the circus group.

 

“Celebrate! by Firefly Theatre and Circus is a fun, light-hearted show that welcomes the pleasures of summer. You will see a group of acrobats having fun and celebrating what they love to do like a hula-hooper who plays human ring toss, a juggler who will surprise you with his bouncing ping pong balls, and acrobatic gardening! For the adrenaline lovers we have a unique flippy aerial hoop act and we will top it all off with an upbeat and exciting aerial silks act.”

 

Acrobatics and the circus arts seem to be filled with whimsy and mystery – after all, how does one decide that this is what they want to do as a career? How exactly do you train for this sort of thing? As Gosselin explained it, it was a simple love of the trampoline that developed into a summer street performing job – and later evolved into a coaching career at schools like École National de Cirque – and eventually, Firefly Theatre and Circus.

 

At the root of this interesting, adrenaline-filled career is the same passion that you would find with anyone who gets to do what they love for a living.

 

“My favourite part of my job is working as a team with friends and family. I enjoy creating acts with my husband and integrating my daughter into some of the shows. Creating new work keeps my brain stimulated, and always believing that there are no limits and thinking everything is possible. Traveling is, of course, another great part of this job, seeing new places and performing for new audiences!”

 

If you plan to attend the festival this, be sure to catch the Firefly performers and Gosselin herself, as they set out to dazzle and amaze, not just the kids, but the whole family!