Equilibrium

bal·ance

noun \ˈba-lən(t)s\

: the state of having your weight spread equally so that you do not fall

: the ability to move or to remain in a position without losing control or falling

: a state in which different things occur in equal or proper amounts or have an equal or proper amount of importance

*Source Merriam Webster online dictionary

In conversation, when you hear someone using “balance” or “balancing” in a sentence they are most likely referring to something like a balanced diet, balancing the checkbook, balancing day-to-day life. But for these cohort members, specializing in equilibrium means literally balancing themselves. Whether on the tightrope, the rolla bolla, the unicycle or the ladder, they aim to achieve master status when it came to finding equilibrium.

Not only are they tasked with understanding the skills and techniques on how to balance themselves, they must also keep an element of play open so that they can incorporate their artistic creativity into their balancing act for the final show.

 

Aaron

Specialty: Tightrope

Any prior experience? No

What drew you to your specialty?: I had made the most progress with the tightrope when it came time to pick a specialty.

Favorite Trick: Walking through a hoop that I’m carrying while on the tightrope.

 

Sarah

Specialty: Rola Bola

Any prior experience? No

What was it about this specialty that stood out?: I originally was going to pick aerials but I found that I would rather be silly and playful on the ground instead of being graceful up in the air. When I jumped up onto the rola bolla it just clicked for me and it’s what I stuck with and I liked it.

Favorite Trick: Doing as many different dances as possible while on the rola bola like Single Ladies, The Wobble, Walk Like an Egyptian, XO, Macarena, Jump On It, Drop It Like It’s Hot, Cupid Shuffle, Robot, …you name it.

 

Sam

Specialty: Equilibrium and manipulation

Any prior experience? Yes, I juggled and unicycled in high school.

Why did you choose this specialty?: I was drawn to the inter-disciplinary aspect because I’m balancing on an object while balancing an object and manipulating an object at the same time.

Favorite Trick: A trick I just learned where I scissor kick the club in the air while sitting on the ground.

 

John

Specialty: Ladder

Any prior experience? No

What drew you to this specialty? I liked the idea of climbing a free-standing ladder to the sky.

Favorite Trick: Hobble

 

Anastasia

Specialty: Tightrope and juggling

Any prior experience? No

Why did you choose this specialty? I liked being close to the ground and the tightrope frustrated me so I wanted to do it. There is also a quality about it that reminds me of a type of dance that I do (Flamenco). I also can easily step down off the tightrope and put my feet on the ground as opposed to being in the air like the trapeze or aerials. With juggling it was about finding a balance that I liked.

Favorite Trick: Balancing on the wire while someone is shaking it.