I think I always liked the idea of running a business. My dream job was always to have a gymnastics club, and once I began aerial arts, that dream became to have an aerial & acrobatic school. I love the coaching side of things, but I also love the management side of things.
For coaching, traveling is not a necessity. I’m quite settled in Toronto and it would be tricky to travel and run the school. For performing, it definitely opens up more options. If you can travel, then you can do touring shows, cruise lines, work abroad, etc.
I enjoyed traveling for shows. When you travel with a group of performers, you get to spend a lot of time with the same performing group. I liked the friendships just as much as the traveling part. I’m happy I got the chance to travel and perform, but I don’t miss it. I’m happy living in Toronto and taking the odd vacation here or there.
Advantages: Not too many early mornings. It’s a social job and you meet a ton of great people. It’s amazing to hear a student tell you that since taking classes their confidence has improved or that class is the highlight of their week. You enable people to set goals and accomplish them. You have the opportunity to learn through your coaching and challenge yourself to become a better coach.
Drawbacks: You’re usually working evenings and weekends (when most people have time off).
People think that you’re super active the whole time you’re instructing. When you’re coaching, you’re instructing others to do the tricks, you demonstrate here or there, but you stand around more than you exercise. Most people have been exposed to Cirque du Soleil and now understand what modern circus is, but there are still people who picture a circus tent, animals, and clowns. We only instruct athletic circus arts at Cirque-ability.
I don’t think there have been too many surprises lately, but when I first started coaching, I was surprised by the strength and flexibility gains that adults with no experience could make.
At this point more of a teacher. I am a good performer, but coaching is where I excel. I really care about all my students and want them to do well. The passion for coaching, along with patience, a desire to learn and an ability to break skills down into progressions makes me successful at what I do.
I see programs continuing to grow and new coaches entering the picture. I see more student performances in the community. I see some of our students going on to become professional performers and many staying to enjoying the recreational aspect.
I would say Montreal. They have professional training schools, world class performance companies and an amazing circus festival every summer. 