Edinburgh Festival Fringe: What I learned from running away to the circus – Kate Malone - The Scotsman - CircusTalk

Circus News

Edinburgh Festival Fringe: What I learned from running away to the circus – Kate Malone – The Scotsman

You know when teenagers find school too boring or their parents too annoying and they say that they would like to run away to the circus? Well when I was 15, I had had enough of education and that is exactly what I did.

I didn’t have the performance skills to appear on stage, but I could work with the amazing people who could, and I experienced some pretty incredible things. I never saw myself being a teacher, a lawyer, nor answering a telephone in a call centre, but I felt at home at the circus.

I may have left school at that young age, but I didn’t stop learning. Spending time with the circus taught me life skills that have stood me in good stead ever since.

When I saw the performers leap from one another in stomach turning twists, I discovered that trusting those you work with is of paramount importance. I realised that you are only ever as good as the support of those around you. Working with circuses for the past 17 years has taught me a lot about how to get the best out of life.

Do you have a story to share? Submit your news story, article or press release.