It’s never too late to try something new—this is a motto I live by now, but it wasn’t always the case. For most of my adult life, I had followed a predictable routine: work, social obligations, and occasional workouts to stay in shape. I never thought much about stepping out of my comfort zone until one day I stumbled across an ad for Circus Arts Workshop. Something about the vibrant images of aerial silks and acrobats caught my eye, and without even fully understanding why, I decided to sign up for a beginner’s class.
I was in my 40s at the time and, to be honest, I felt a little out of place. The idea of performing circus arts at my age seemed almost laughable. Circus performers were young, fit, and graceful—traits I thought I had left behind in my twenties. But something about the idea of trying something completely different intrigued me. Little did I know, stepping into that first class would be one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
The Beginning: Feeling Out of My Element
The first few classes were a bit of a shock to the system. I was immediately humbled by how physically demanding circus arts can be. Aerial silks, trapeze, and even juggling seemed like tasks that required more flexibility and coordination than I had in years. I remember my first attempt at climbing the silks—my arms were shaking, my grip wasn’t strong enough, and I felt like I was out of my depth.
But here’s where Circus Arts Workshop truly stood out: The instructors were patient, kind, and encouraging. They didn’t treat me like an outsider or make me feel like I was “too old” to join. Instead, they met me where I was at, offering guidance and support to build my skills. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the community of students was incredibly supportive. It didn’t matter that I was in my 40s; what mattered was my willingness to learn and grow.
Overcoming the Challenges
Circus arts aren’t just about physical strength; they’re about trust, perseverance, and creativity. In the beginning, I felt awkward and out of place, but as I started to gain confidence, I realized the mental and emotional growth that came with it. I learned how to trust my body in ways I never had before—how to push past fear and embrace the unknown.
One of the biggest challenges for me was overcoming self-doubt. I often found myself thinking, “This is too hard for me,” or “I’ll never be able to do this.” But the instructors consistently reminded me that circus arts are about progress, not perfection. They taught me that failure wasn’t something to be afraid of—it was part of the process. Slowly, I began to see improvements, and those little victories, like mastering a small aerial trick or improving my balance, gave me a sense of accomplishment that I hadn’t felt in years.
The Transformation: Physical and Mental Growth
As I continued attending classes, something amazing happened: I started getting stronger, both physically and mentally. I could feel my body becoming more flexible, my core muscles stronger, and my endurance improving. What amazed me most was how quickly my body adapted to the new challenges I was presenting it. It was as though I had unlocked parts of myself that I hadn’t used in years.
But the physical benefits were only part of the story. Circus arts forced me to confront my fears and overcome them. I had to trust in myself and my abilities, and that mentality carried over into other parts of my life. I became more confident in my decisions, more willing to try new things, and less afraid of making mistakes. This newfound mindset was a life-changing shift for me—circus arts had become a powerful tool for personal growth.
The Joy of Performance
One of the most unexpected pleasures of my journey was the chance to perform. I never considered myself an artist, let alone someone who would perform in front of an audience. But at Circus Arts Workshop, performances were an integral part of the experience. Participating in a showcase was a daunting prospect at first, but with the encouragement of my instructors and classmates, I took the plunge.
When I finally stepped onto the stage, I was nervous—of course—but also incredibly excited. The energy of performing was electric. It felt like I was part of something bigger than myself, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly alive. That performance gave me a sense of accomplishment that words can’t capture. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about embracing the joy of movement and the thrill of sharing that with an audience.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
Looking back on my journey, I can honestly say that discovering circus arts has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has taught me so much more than just new skills; it has shown me that age is just a number and that it’s never too late to try something new. The lessons I’ve learned in the circus ring—trusting myself, overcoming fear, and pushing past limitations—have impacted every aspect of my life.
If you’ve ever thought about trying circus arts, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. Whether you’re 20, 40, or 60, the Circus Arts Workshop is a welcoming place for everyone. It’s not about age; it’s about the willingness to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you step outside your comfort zone and embrace the circus arts.
It’s never too late to discover something new. Circus arts have brought me strength, confidence, and a sense of fulfillment that I didn’t even know I was missing. And now, I can’t imagine my life without it.