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Submitted by Editor on 8/27/2006 Last Modified
FREEDOM on the HIGH WIRE
BY
BRITTAINY WALLICK ( AGE 17)
Freedom on the High Wire, 2006.
For most kids a typical summer includes trips to the park, swimming at the community pool and maybe playing sports in a summer league. Then again there are the kids living in my hometown of Peru, Indiana. While there are those kids in my town that only come to watch the circus, there are roughly 250 performers ranging in age from seven to 21 taking part in the "Greatest Amateur Show on Earth."
Many of the younger performers go out for as many acts as they possibly can, but myself on the other hand, I have found my niche, The High Wire. Our wire act, trained by my own father, Randy Wallick, is suspended about 22 feet in the air. This past year, we had an all girl act with tricks ranging from a simple turn around on the wire to the very difficult seven person pyramid.
Three high Pyramid, on the low practice wire. front: Samantha Crone, back: Brittainy Wallick, second level: Leanne Jaminson, and top, Alexys McLay. photo by: Rob Edwards, Peru Tribune
Being able to perform these tricks in front of hundreds of eyes each day wasn't exactly an easy task, especially with only three practices per week. It took a great amount of effort, patience, and skill to pull off the routine we created this year. There were moments when our group was in doubt of one another. I, myself was very hesitant about performing a three person pyramid while riding a bike. I thought that if I fell, then I would be not only letting my team down, but letting my trainer, my dad, down as well. I had to tell myself that no matter what, I was good at what I did and that I was able to accomplish my goal without fear or doubt.
Bicycle Pyramid, Brittainy Wallick, Jessa Smith, and (top) Tessa Brunner Jim Cole photo
There were times that we didn't all get along. No matter how close people are, when they are placed under stressful and dangerous situations, they are bound to argue. There weren't just disagreements between the performers of High Wire, but there were some disagreements between the trainer and the performers, including myself, as well. Even though everyone didn't get along with each other all the time, we were still able to band together like a family, and bring to our audience one of our greatest performances yet.
The incredible triple shoulder jump Jim Cole Photo
There were even questions as to whether or not our routine would actually look and be as spectacular as it was. For a short while our seven girl pyramid looked a bit shaky, and for the sake of our safety, our trainer thought it might be best to knock it down to a mere six girl pyramid. We had done a six before and we all knew we were more than capable of a seven. None of the girls thought it right to sell ourselves short of being the best we could be. After we heard that if our pyramid didn't improve within the next couple of practices, we got our heads back in the game, regained our focus towards our ultimate goal and in the end, we were able to once again become one of the best acts of the year.
All in all, this past year has been one my greatest experiences performing in High Wire. We even received standing ovations from the crowd after several of our performances. I can't wait until next year so I can once again take part in the "Greatest Amateur Show on Earth," and "May All Your Days be Circus Days."
7 all girl pyramid, photo by: Rob Edwards, Peru Tribune
SEVEN PERSON PYRAMID
PERU YOUTH CIRCUS
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