When the big top comes to town, circus-goers usually revel at the clowns and magicians, the sword-swallowers and lion-tamers.
But the true stars of any of these shows are the acrobats taking to the sky.
Unlike a circus, students at GRC take to the sky, but not alongside clowns and sword-swallowers.
Instead, they put their trust into silks that hang from the ceiling, and create incredible art.
While trapeze and aerial silks are different in their own ways, Brianna Lewis is a GRC senior (now graduate) who is defying gravity. Being a part of an aerial studio, she has truly had the chance to harness abilities in an otherwise ‘unconventional’ fashion.
It’s safe to say that being an aerial acrobat is not a very common activity for someone to undertake, but Brianna wears this title with pride. Having performed for many years at her studio, Brianna has truly learned a lot about herself and her craft.
“I’ve learned to have a lot of perseverance because you don’t always get drops or sequences the first time or they don’t always go the way you want them to,” she says. “You just have to learn from your mistakes and figure out how to fix them. Pick yourself back up again.”
And even though she had to have lots of perseverance for her routines, Brianna has been able to utilize her perseverance in other aspects of her life, including in the hallowed halls of GRC.
Aerial silks take up a lot of personal time, yet Brianna still managed to be an officer of several clubs, including Beta Club, National Honor Society, and even being the public relations officer for Student Council.
Her perseverance has definitely created her to be a leader everywhere she goes, something the people at her studio, SORA, have recognized.
“Older girls, especially seniors, are expected to set a good example for all the younger girls because we have performers as young as nine,” says Brianna. “We just try to show them the culture of SORA and how to work hard and keep a good attitude in class and in shows.”
A lot of students at SORA start at a young age, and continue on through their high school career. Finishing her senior year with an aerial rendition of Alice in Wonderland, Brianna is excited for what her future has in store.
Going to the University of Kentucky to major in psychology, Brianna plans on continuing her journey with aerial silks through UK’s circus club. While the name alludes to a group of magicians and lion-tamers, she is truly going to be amongst other great acrobats.
Just like any incredible performer, Brianna has truly put in the work to make her craft exceptional.
Practicing for almost four hours every day during tech week and nine hours per week during regular season, her entire cast proves that they are truly dedicated performers.
Pull ups, no leg climbs, and flexibility training are just some of the things that aerial acrobats undergo, and these exercises are definitely no small feat. However, all these stretches are worth it in the end, proving that sometimes it’s better to try an unconventional activity.
“It’s still sad that it’s [senior season] over, but I’m glad I got to do it for as long as I did,” says Brianna. “I took a chance on starting even though it’s not something people would normally do.”
Without taking a blind step towards joining SORA, Brianna would have never been the accomplished acrobat she is now. And like the leader she is, she encourages everyone to be like her and branch out.
“Try new things no matter how strange they may be,” says Brianna. “You never know if you’ll find the community you need or the passion you’re looking for.”
Even though her senior year at SORA has ended, Brianna is nothing but hopeful for her future.
Whether it’s at UK, or making a return to her beloved studio, she will surely be a star on the silks for years to come.
