Circus arts tend to provide a decent workout building up humans’ muscles as well as toning and creating strength. Unlike traditional exercise classes, circus art affords people the chance to exercise different activities. In line with this, in a recent exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ethiopian Circus Association Manager Girmaye Asefa said that currently due to the Coronavirus (COVID -19) pandemic, circus art is not exercised in the usual way.
The activity has cooled down. As a result, most circus association members are forced to stay at their respective homes or villages. As such, they have been engaging in personal trainings. However, previously they had been signing different contract agreements with various circus companies. He further said that Ethiopian Joint Circus Association consist of various states and city administrations’ circus teams. There are nine circus teams in Tigray , sixteen teams in Amhara, one team in Benishangul, twelve in Addis Ababa, four teams in SNNPS, two in Sidama,five in Oromia and one in Dire Dawa. In total, there are 47 circus teams under the Association.
The significance of circus arts could not be gainsaid. Such art enables the youth and children to be mentally active and physically agile. Thus, this undertaking can spare the youth from going to unbefitting places. Also circus artists can help carry across various messages through art. Circus can also entertain and teach the community. It has a huge contribution both in terms of health and mental development. Currently, Ethiopian circus association members are participating in various circus festivals globally, he said.
Consequently, they can promote the country’s culture, music and dressing style. They can build the country’s image, among others. Besides, when they win in circus festivals, they win different cups, medals and certificates. Importantly, the circus members could sign contract agreements with different companies, for six months or from two to three years. They can allow job opportunities for the youth and children. Hence, apart from helping themselves, they can also support their families as well, he said.
Perhaps, the sector has become the main image builder of the country next to athletics. It can generate foreign currency too. It contributes in job creation for different youths and children; they can excel in circus art and could participate in different parts of the world. Noted artists in the field have mainly participated in circus festivals globally like the once held in France, Italy , China and various circus festivals . They could participate in Russia and they could bag gold, bronze, and silver medals. In addition, they could be winners of special prizes.
The sector faces many challenges. The overarching one is lack of a working place. Artists are working in different youth centers. But these centers may be occupied by meetings, seminars and other events. Unfolding of such nature take circus training times. If circus artists could get training centers in sub cities, things will be solved, he said . Besides, there is no appropriate circus show staging place. But the association’s aim is making Ethiopia a hub of circus centers. But as circus centers are in short supply in the country, the art is not well known. Nonetheless, in terms of culture plays ambassadorial role to Ethiopia and Africa as well.
Circus is one of the country’s image promoters. The government and investors should give due recognition to the center. It has to be expanded throughout the country .But it needs working and staging places. Because, it is one of image building mechanisms, he said. For example, one of the association member, Rahel Mitiku is a winner of a spectrum of medals participating in different circus festivals . She won gold, silver, bronze and special praise awards.
Abraham Dereje is Circus artist. He has been engaged in the field for 15 years. He said that circus art can help maintain health, promote mental development and bring attitude change, among others .He has participated in three countries. To show circus art ,he had travelled to 30 countries . He got a special recognition awards in Russia a gold medal in China. He has planned to do more and promote the country at international level, he said .
According to documents, founded in 1991 with very simple means, Circus Ethiopia is the founder of the circus movement now spreading across the country. The circus was originally established within a community center for Ethiopian Jews who had left their homes and villages in the hope of a better life in Israel. Hundreds of families come to the compound every day to work, to pray and to get an education for their children until the day comes to leave for the Promised Land. Already, on a weekly basis, many families were flying out of the country as their application to enter the State of Israel is accepted.
With the massive interest expressed by the children of the community to learn these simple skills auditions were held for the 200 children and youths wanting to participate. The criteria entailed telling a joke, juggling three objects, and demonstrating a physical agility. It took two days to audition until a group of 15 were finally chosen. You can learn that level of skill and control by taking a circus arts class, you’ll learn how to stay in control of your body while performing amazing stunts and, most importantly, having fun.
The whole point of the circus is to impress, dazzle and amaze, so you’re guaranteed to learn some impressive skills at a circus arts’ camp. Whether that’s twisting and spinning high above the audience on silks, performing a daring routine on a unicycle or learning how to contort your body into weird and wonderful shapes. Whatever you decide to specialize in, you’ll be guaranteed an impressive party trick to show off at your next evening event.
Circus arts appeals to anybody. From city bankers to aspiring dancers, students to yoga instructors, circus arts classes can be a real mixed bag. This means you’ll get to meet a varied group of people and have the opportunity to make new friends. Whether you’re learning circus arts to build confidence get fit or overcome a fear of heights, you’re bound to make new friends while you do it.
Besides, people never know what life has in store for them, but the more skills you have, the more opportunities will be available to you. Learn new skills, get fit, enjoy yourself, meet new people and, you never know, you might just find that circus arts lead to a new and exciting career or hobby you never dreamed possible. If you’ve ever fantasized about running away to join the circus, this might be your chance.
BY ALAZAR SHIFERAW
The Ethiopian Herald May 7/2021
