Off to join the circus: Winnipeg youth audition during national tour

Winnipeg youth are contorting, swinging on trapezes, and putting all their acrobatic skills on display for a chance to join one of Canada's best circus schools.

Those who dream of running away to join the circus have the chance to audition for internationally-renownedcolenationalede cirque (ENC)Sundayas part of itsnationalpre-selection tour.

"They are looking for budding artists, people who have lots of creativity, energy, who like to try new, different things and circus might just be the outlet they're looking for," said MonicaGoermann, director, Momentum Aerial and Acrobatic Troupe and atMonica'sDanzGym, which is hosting the pre-selection tour during its stop in Winnipeg.

During the auditions the young people will have their potential evaluated and get a chance to meet the Montreal-based school's teachers.

"They'll check out their gymnastics skillsand also there's an element ofimprov, what is their theatrical ability?" she said.

If their skills impress at pre-selection, the youth have the option to attend the school's summer camp or audition to join the school.

LillianBorgerhas attended ENC's summer program two years in a row.

"I've been to this camp and it's actually an incredible chance to go and meet with other youth who do circus," she said.

Borgerperforms in aerial silks, Cyrwheel, and general acrobatics.

"You kind of just have to go for it. It can be kind of scary, but when you have good teachers, and you know what you're doing and you have the strength built up, you can just go for it with confidence."

The 2018 pre-selection tour also had stops in Calgary, Disraeli,Gatineau, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Toronto, Vancouver, and St. John's.