Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues with two circus history makers in the making: Nigerian hoops artist Ekpoawan Edem and Spanish hair-hang artist Elena Sudrez Pariente. Answering our questions, the two weigh in on what it is to be a woman in the global circus industry— and how female performers can lift each other up.

The journey through circus can be a bit like walking on a highwire. In many parts of the world, female circus artists often make this walk without a safety net… but even so, they keep their eyes ahead and brave the obstacles along the way. Helping them find and keep their balance is their family and friends, and other women, there to catch them if they fall. On two different continents, Ekpoawan Edem and Elena Sudrez Pariente have both found their way across that highwire and helped others do it, too. Now they’re reflecting on how they got there, people who inspired them, and how women can help each other navigate the way across. Without further ado, let’s hear from them both. ...