Ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus?0:27
That's exactly what professional trapeze artist Chun Mi-Sing did when she was just 5 years old.0:31
Taken by her aunt to see a traveling circus which passed through her small town in southwest China early in the spring of 1995, Chun Mi became immediately fixated on the idea of becoming a traveling performer.0:39
The sights, smells, and sounds of the big top attracted me.0:54
Everything just seemed so magical.0:59
The atmosphere was like nothing I'd ever experienced.1:01
Of all the acts, Chun Mi was most captivated by the trapeze artists.1:05
I remember thinking to myself how wonderful it must be to fly through the air for a living, she says.1:11
I couldn't take my eyes off the performers as they spun, flipped, and flew above my head.1:17
Chun Mi laughs as she remembers her 5-year-old self.1:23
By the time the routine was halfway through, I'd made up my mind that one day I too would be a circus trapeze artist.1:27
Chun Mi's road to circus stardom began soon afterwards.1:35
She took ballet classes, acting lessons, gymnastics classes, anything to hone her craft.1:40
At 13, she won a scholarship to Canada's National Circus School.1:47
Her talent at the school was such that she was expected to go on to great things.1:52
At 18, she was headhunted by a scout from Collington Brothers Circus.1:58
Today, Chun Mi is one of their star acts, flying through the air, defying gravity, living the dream she imagined as a little girl.2:03
Trapeze artistry is not a job for the faint-hearted.2:13
When there are 5,000 people watching you, You need to keep cool.2:17
You can't be nervous.2:21
It's like a dream, flying.2:23
When you do a great performance on the trapeze and everything goes well, it's such an incredible feeling.2:25
I do my best to project that feeling to the audience.2:31
To become a trapeze artist requires the right body type.2:34
Only small bodies can bend, twist, turn, and twirl at a moment's notice.2:39
Mental toughness and natural talent are also key.2:45
Chun-Mi had these qualities right from the very beginning.2:49
"I've never trained a more determined child," recalls James Ford, her coach at the National Circus School.2:53
"Her form, natural ability, and willpower to cope with the intense training were remarkable."3:00
However, ask Chun-Mi what it takes to be a trapeze artist, and she says, "Training.3:06
"I'd say, first of all, that trapeze artistry is not magic, it's effort," she states.3:13
"You have to work extremely hard in order to master the stunts and make them look effortless."3:19
"So, what of life under the big top?3:25
Is it as carefree and glamorous as it appears from the outside?"3:28
"Yes and no," says Chun Mi.3:32
"Being in a circus is the perfect job when you're young because you get to travel the world."3:35
Already I've experienced more cultures and met more people than I could ever have imagined.3:40
Chun-Mi also speaks of the thrill of performing in front of a live audience.3:46
Every day I get to hear the sounds of people applauding for me.3:51
I get to see the awe I inspire in people.3:55
It's written all over their faces.3:58
It's a huge adrenaline rush, she admits.4:00
As for the downside, Chun-Mi identifies the long work hours, constant travelling, and aches and pains that are all part of her profession.4:04
Audiences see the lights and the glitter, but few realize the hard work and sacrifices we make, she says.4:12
As entertainers, it is expected that we perform even when sick.4:19
Circus performers live by the motto, the show must go on.4:23
Клик по слову — перевод и «+ в мои слова» (в любом режиме). Клик по строке или таймкоду — перейти к этому месту записи.