While most high school students are juggling homework and sports, Sylvia Faulk is literally juggling in the circus. Faulk, a sophomore at B-CC, spends the majority of her free time training and performing with the Capital City Circus, a youth troupe for young circus artists in D.C.
Her circus journey began when she was just seven years old. She lived near the Navy Yard and described her experience with the beginning of her circus journey: “I always pass by this big white circus tent.” One day, she decided to sign up for classes and see what it was about. What started as a mere interest quickly evolved into a passion. Just a year after signing up for classes, Faulk decided to audition for the youth troupe and made it. She has been a part of it ever since.
The program was once known as the Trapeze School of New York Youth Troupe but is now the Capital City Circus. They offer classes for all people, no matter their skill level. Sylvia encourages people who might be interested to give it a chance. “If you’re thinking about joining, I definitely recommend taking a few classes first,” she says. “It’s a commitment, but it’s worth it.”
Being disciplined is nothing new for Sylvia. The troupe practices several times a week and prepares for months before each show. Every performer gets to choose their apparatus, theme, music, and costume. “We rehearse, rehearse, rehearse-and then rehearse some more,” Sylvia says.
Each performer normally has two acts per show: one aerial act and one ground act. Sylvia’s favorite aerial discipline is silks, which is where long and flowing fabric hangs from the ceiling. “You climb, wrap, drop, and dance in the air-it’s like flying with ribbons,” she explains. She also works with a steel hoop known as a Lyra, which she can spin on and pose midair. Other aerial acts include sling, static trapeze, flying trapeze, and Spanish web — a skill that Sylvia is super excited to try out for the first time in her December show.
Their last show drew a huge crowd and was completely sold out. Although the circus is more than just a hobby for Sylvia, “It’s the one place where I feel like I can really be myself…nobody judges you and everyone supports each other.” Through the circus, Sylvia builds confidence and is a part of a very special community.
“Being part of the Capital City Circus youth group has taught me so much about movement, teamwork, and stage presence,” she states. It’s about “finding joy through movement and community.”
