Cirque Wonderland Premier Student Showcase

photo by: Danny Carman

On Saturday, November 3rd, Cirque Wonderland hosted its premiere student showcase. Split into two separate evening performances students and coaches alike were able to display the skills they gained over the months and years.

“Students work so hard in class and we want to give them a chance to showcase their work while also challenging them to go beyond the comforts of the classroom. We also want them to have the rewarding and fulfilling experience of performing and provide them with a creative outlet for their skills,” said Cirque Wonderland owner Felicia Coe.

It was an absolute high to perform in front of such a supportive crowd, everyone was amping each other up and it made me feel like a superstar to have the crowd hooting and hollering for me.
     - Student/Performer,  Hannah Cave.

Hannah Cave

The first show of the evening featured performances from Audra Hartwigsen, Grace Griesheim, Shasha Delight, Claire Welk, Mara Welk, Hannah Limke, and Francesca Geis. The later performance showcased Pascal Isosceles, Hannah Cave, Jessica Duffy, Shasha Delight, Dalton Cave, Brandon Griffis, and Francesca Geis. Both shows also featured Cirque Wonderland coaches Allison Voshell, Amanda Marie Cory, and Erin Poindexter.

When asked why she chose to take part in the showcase, Audra said, “I am a bit shy with movement and acting and I want to change that so that I'm a bit more comfortable overall out in the world. Even though this showcase was early in my lyra experience, I think I would have thought that I missed an opportunity for growth if I would have skipped it.”

She went on to say, “I have not been involved with theater or dance in the past, so performing seemed insurmountable. But at Cirque Wonderland, they made it seem possible. Even though I had only been learning the lyra for five months, I was encouraged to participate and given the knowledge and help necessary to perform.”

Performances included the lyra, trapeze, silks, and hammock. Sasha Delight performed two flow routines and ballet instructor, Kristin Gall, performed a dance piece. The experience was powerful for both students and coaches alike.

“It was an incredible experience. It was rewarding to put together and act and get to show off what I've learned. It was exciting to get to dress up in crazy makeup and create a character. It was an absolute high to perform in front of such a supportive crowd, everyone was amping each other up and it made me feel like a superstar to have the crowd hooting and hollering for me. It was all around fun and I can't wait to do it again,” said student Hannah Cave.

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My heart grew 10 times bigger and it brought tears to my eyes to see them in their moment. Their passion, dedication, creativity, and excitement shining through in their performances were wonderful to experience. 
    - Coach, Amanda Marie

Coach Amanda Marie

When asked about her experience as a coach, Amanda Marie said, “This was a personal experience I had not thought about or even had considered. I was so excited the students perform and have fun like I had my first time performing. I hadn’t considered myself a coach until watching them at rehearsals. My heart grew 10 times bigger and it brought tears to my eyes to see them in their moment. Their passion, dedication, creativity, and excitement shining through in their performances were wonderful to experience. I am so lucky to be a part of this side of aerial. I never imagined my aerial adventure would take me here and I’m so glad Felicia has given me that opportunity.”

​While a focus is often on the performances in a student showcase, a lot more is happening behind the scenes.
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“A less obvious perk of student showcases is the team bonding.  From the late night practices and rehearsals, to backstage nerves and cheering for your classmates as they take their turn on stage; you build these unique connections through support along the way. Don’t get me wrong, what you see on stage is magical, but it doesn't hold a candle to all the magic that happens behind the scenes. I am forever grateful that I get to hold that space and be a part of that journey,” said Felicia.

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photo by: Danny Carman