Vancouver Circus School Blog

VCS in the New Westminster Record

March 23, 2009

The local paper stops by to try out the trapeze

A few weeks back we were featured in the New Westminster newspaper with an article on our classes in New West. Reporter Niki Hope writes:

At a Vancouver performance of a Cirque du Soleil show a few years ago, I saw a breathtaking aerial ballet performance that made the physical act of flowing between silk ribbons look effortless.

The contortionist pulled and streamed her almost naked body along the cherry red ribbon as if gravity didn’t exist.

The out-of-this world theatrical and physical performance was like a moving meditation on womanhood.I now have an even greater appreciation for that Cirque performance after a recent visit to the Vancouver Circus School, which recently opened in New Westminster.

Curling up and lumbering my way into the belly of the silk ribbons, I tried a little aerial ballet myself.

And, I have to admit, it was no meditation – the ribbons are harder to manoeuvre in than they appear and require incredible core strength.

But I did manage – with guidance from circus school owner Aaron Johnson – to hold my body parallel to the floor for a few fleeting seconds. Rocking back and forth, I – almost – felt weightless.

Click below to read more

Despite my moves on the aerial silks, I don’t expect to hear from the Cirque du Soleil people anytime soon – even with Johnson’s connection. Johnson, a New West resident, was a coach for the world-renowned circus prior to opening his first Vancouver Circus School location in North Vancouver, which he opened along with his son, Travis.

Now the father/son team have brought the circus to our town, with the opening of their second location at the River Market at Westminster Quay.

While the Quay building is under construction, the Johnsons have been operating their school on the top floor of the waterfront building. They are hoping to sign a long-term lease with the Quay’s management.

A circus-training centre now sits where the Quay’s food court once was. The space has been set up with trapeze bars, acrobatic gear and aerial ribbons – all hanging high from the roof above.

While I might have managed a few moves on the ribbons, I fell flat when it came to the trapeze. I could barely keep my grip on the bar and had to solicit Johnson’s help.

My upper-body strength is lacking.

But over time, it’s clear that circus skills will help develop core strength, balance and hand-eye coordination.

“If you came once a week, for six weeks you’d be way stronger,” says 57-year-old Johnson, whose muscular build proves that the training pays off.

But it’s not all about hard work and sweat.

“You’re not exercising, you’re just having fun learning stuff,” Johnson says.

Along with his teaching time at Cirque, Johnson is a former Canadian national trampoline coach. His wife, Valerie, was a Team Canada trampoline coach and is the founder of the well-known Shasta Trampoline Team, based in New Westminster.

At the school’s North Vancouver location, they also offer trampoline lessons. But given their close connection and tremendous respect for the local trampoline program, the Johnsons have opted out of having trampoline training at the Quay location.

As well as recreational programs, the school has a Circus Performance Troupe and supports a professional division of circus performers called the Inner Ring, which performs at public events and corporate functions.

For more information about the circus school, visit www.vancouvercircusschool.ca.

© The Record (New Westminster) 2009

* An audio commentary/photo slideshow can be found HERE

Filed under: Press