Circus Love: A Journey of Passion and Partnership
In 2012, I made the move from the Sunshine Coast to Melbourne to pursue my passion for circus arts at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA). Being surrounded by like-minded individuals was a refreshing change, especially since I didn't have a strong circus community where I grew up. At NICA, I quickly bonded with Cal, my assigned buddy, who had a vibrant personality and a knack for making everyone laugh. Despite our different specialties – he excelled in teeterboard and balance ladder, while I focused on hula hoops – we formed a strong connection.
Our friendship evolved over time, and we found ourselves spending more time together outside of school. While there was a mutual attraction, we decided to take things slow to avoid complicating our professional relationship. However, during a study tour in Paris in our second year, Cal confessed his love for me, and we officially became a couple. Despite the challenges of our demanding schedules and long-distance relationship, we were committed to making it work.
After a brief separation due to work commitments in different countries, we rekindled our relationship during a chance encounter in London. Our shared love for circus arts brought us closer together, and we decided to give our relationship another chance. Over the years, we toured extensively, often in separate locations, but we made a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship and support each other's careers.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to pause our touring activities and led us to settle down in Queensland. During this time, we embraced a more settled lifestyle and built a home together on my parents' property. This period of stability allowed us to appreciate the simple joys of everyday life and strengthen our bond. Despite the challenges we've faced, our relationship has only grown stronger, and we continue to support each other both on and off the stage.
Today, we have created a sanctuary in our shipping container home, complete with amenities like a sauna, ice bath, and Jacuzzi. It serves as a peaceful retreat where we can recharge between tours and enjoy quality time together. Cal remains my biggest cheerleader, both on and off stage, and his unwavering support reminds me of how far we've come as a couple. Our journey together has been filled with ups and downs, but our shared passion for circus arts and mutual respect for each other have been the foundation of our enduring relationship.