Air Date: Monday, November 10, 2008
Circus Art School
Cirque du Soleil opens their new show Corteo in Miami Thursday, and now you can learn what it takes to be part of the show. Belkys Nerey shows us how in today's Style File.
WSVN -- With their amazing acrobatics and body-twisting moves, it's no wonder why many of us dream of having our own starring act in troupes like Cirque du Soleil.
Laurie Allen, Director, Florida Circus Art School: "We have a lot of people with the dream or the idea of running away with the circus."
At the Florida Circus Art School in North Miami, you can learn everything you need to thrill and entertain under the big top.
Laurie Allen: "We offer a full compliment of aerial. We do the silk or the tissue. We have the Spanish web, which is the long rope. We do the static trapeze, which is the stationary trapeze."
The ringmaster of the school is Eugene Baranok, and he teaches both kids and adults.
Eugene has 35 years of circus experience and has even trained white tigers, and he's got the scars to prove it.
Eugene Baranok: "This here, this is my white tiger mark."
Some of the people who come to train with Eugene have big dreams.
Ashley: "To join Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, perform."
While others are looking to boost their resumes.
Danielle Tabino: "I'm also an aspiring actress. I think this looks great under my special skills."
And since we know all those circus performers have the best bodies, some people just come for the workout.
Oneiell Espinal: "Balance, strength from the core, more discipline."
But the show stealers are definitely the kids.
They learn how to ride unicycles, roll around in the German wheel and do some high-acts. Good thing kids don't have a lot of fear.
Serafima Fedorova: "Yes, it does get scary, but I never doubted if I slipped Eugene would be there to catch me."
You don't have to have any experience to enroll in a circus class. There are group lessons and private sessions, and from there you figure out what act to master, so go ahead, make your big top dreams happen.
Classes cost $15 and private lessons are $50 an hour.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Florida Circus Art School
15381 NE 21st Ave.
North Miami Beach
831-254-4464 or 954-540-1344
eugene@floridacircusartschool.com
