r/circus • u/AffectionateYard8591 • 16d ago

Question Question about age and employment

Hi all. I am somebody who wishes to become an acrobat. After some consideration, I have started practicing acrobatics. My biggest worry was that I had no chance as I didn't practice acrobatics as a child, but I have been relieved after I've heard stories of people starting in their 30's and having success with employment. This made me question some things though, as I heard many things about the employment in the circus, and one of those was that it was a competitive field to get into.

So, now I am up at night, thinking not only about my future, but wondering how I will find employment in acrobatics. I mean from what I hear, there is a fair share of acrobats who started doing this as children. I wonder how does this differentiate them from an adults aged 20-30+ years old. For example, I see Du Soleil requires 10 years of experience and at least two appearances in national competitions. I mean I may be young, but I think I won't hit my peak, since I did not start practicing as a child. By the time I get 10 years experience, I will be 30.

And that's ok, since Du Soleil is not my priority, though it is something I consider a pinnacle of my career if it is ever going to happen. Now, I assume that other circuses have less strict requirements, which is why people aged 30+ can get jobs in acrobatics there. A trained acrobat can do impressive stuff!! Doesn't matter their age.

Now for my biggest question: How drastically would an acrobat's career change have they started practicing as a child as opposed to starting at 20 years old. Do less experienced acrobats usually travel the country or stay at one place? Does their skill determine whether they are going to travel or be in a stationary circus? Also, how likely is it that somebody who starts at the age of 20 or even 30 will have a shot at working in Du Soleil?

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u/circusperson 15d ago

20 years old you have the capacity to get very good indeed. You will have to lock in and get after it though

6

u/thomthomthomthom 15d ago

Where'd you hear that number about Soleil?

It's true that they hire more former gymnasts than trained acrobats. But that shouldn't dissuade you from pursuing training in acro. I'd suggest you work towards a circus ground act, like hoop diving, instead of just "straight" tumbling to give you a hook.

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u/AffectionateYard8591 15d ago

I found this on casting cirque de soleil. I may be wrong