My name is Angela, and I am a self-admitted “late bloomer”, having only started my foray into circus arts in my early 30’s. I was an artistically gifted child, but only with my mind and my hands. I excelled at drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, and reading. I never was physically inclined and I didn’t excel at any sports and had zero interest in “girly” things like ballet and gymnastics. I have multiple scoliosis, and I grew up wearing a backbrace which prevented a lot of movement during my developmental years and contributed to a high level of back pain and discomfort. At age 19, I discovered alcohol, and threw myself completely at the bottle, and lost all my desire to create anything artistically. My physical and mental health declined to the point where I could not hold down food or water most days. Just before my 30th birthday, a friend insisted I go rollerskating with her on a Friday night. I reluctantly agreed to go, and I was TERRIBLE at it. So terrible that I got angry, and I got determined. I bought skates, took lessons, and discovered it was possible to learn as an adult, and you do NOT have to be “born” good at things to get good at them. It changed my life. I quit smoking, quit drugs and alcohol, and developed an entire new personality and outlook on life. I started circus arts at age 33. I started performing at age 34 and opened my first studio the following year. I opened my second studio at age 37. I am now 44 and I am making it my personal mission to bring this unexpected joy into as many lives as possible. If I can do it, anyone can! I also aim to advocate for alcohol-free spaces for adults to engage in physical activities.
Never Stop Learning!