Imagine standing high above a sea of people, with blindingly bright lights focused on you. You take a deep breathe to appease your ever-mounting nerves, and present a jubilant smile to the crowd. Then, without further ado, you leap from the platform with trapeze in hand, and quickly those countless hours of intense training take over, and your mind goes blank.
Needless to say, such a nerve-wracking experience is tough for most people to accurately picture. Senior Tania Nambo-Escobar, however, has similar performances twice a year.
“I do flying trapeze, a little bit of aerial with curtains, static trapeze, and aerial rope” Nambo-Escobar said. “I also do a bit of trampoline and a bit of partner acrobatics.”
Nambo-Escobar began her journey into acrobatics and new circus arts nearly two years ago. After seeing her first circus show, she begged her parents for almost an entire year to let her take circus arts lessons before they eventually caved in and allowed her to take a one-day session.
“I took flying trapeze and I really enjoyed it, so my instructor gave me a deal: a two-for-three package. It was kind of expensive, so I told him I couldn’t really afford it, and he said it’s okay and that he would give me a scholarship,” Nambo-Escobar said.
As Nambo-Escobar progressed towards becoming performance ready in trapeze, more than just her physical prowess developed. Over time, she learned to surmount her own emotions as well.
“I used to be really shy, shockingly, but flying trapeze has really helped me become more confident in myself. I just recently got out of safely lines for one of my tricks, but before when I first started, I thought I’m never going to do this,” Nambo-Escobar said.
Specifically, Nambo-Escobar remembers her first performance.
“It was terrible! When I first took a flying trapeze class I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. The platforms are 25ft high, and I didn’t realize how many people were there until I reached the top… All I remember is blocking everyone out and just doing my stuff,” Nambo-Escobar said.
Today, while many people are still astonished upon learning of her unique talent, Nambo-Escobar has learned, grown and prospered more as a person due to her initial choice to follow her ambitions, no matter how frightening or discouraging things may be. For everyone else who has a dream that they’re not sure they can achieve, Nambo-Escobar has some advice.
“You have to dream big and go for it, or you’re never going to reach your goals.”