HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2015-08-05, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, August 5, 2015
World-class circus school chooses Seaforth girl
The summer program at the National
Circus School in Montreal is one of the
most competitive programs of its' kind
Shaun Greory
Huron Expositor
In the living room on a hard-
wood floor Rachel Gras jumps
in the air extending her legs
while somersaulting and lands
back on her feet. "I learned that
in ten minutes," she said.
Gras, 10, from Seaforth, is
on an exclusive list, the dancer
made the cut to take part in
the world-renowned summer
program at the National Cir-
cus School in Montreal. The
NCS accepted auditions from
200 applicants and 60 of them
were chosen. NCS travels to
cities like Toronto, London
and numerous other places in
Canada with the intent to find
talent. That is one way chil-
dren can audition or they can
send in a video with 30 sec-
onds of dance movement.
Another requirement essen-
tial for the video is that you're
capable of performing right
splits, left splits and several
other demanding
movements.
Her mother, Liz Gras,
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laughs hysterically, "she's got
a six pack."
According to the NCS, the
program requires rigorous
physical training from the
beginning. Aspiring young
circus artists are invited to
see if the preparatory pro-
gram is appropriate for them.
WDS has been in the circus
arts training industry for dec-
ades. The school jumped into
the world of circus arts in
1981, before any professional
circus school "in the western
world." The program Gras fin-
ished last week taught her in
specific areas like aerial hoop,
silks, trapeze, Chinese pole,
juggling, dance and trampo-
line. Liz said she is flabber-
gasted that her daughter
made the illustrious program.
"When we first heard she
was going to Montreal, we
were so excited," said Liz.
"We never thought she
would make it, it's a very
hard industry to get into
because it's the kind of thing
all kids want to do."
Gras is no newbie to phys-
ical activities, she's been in
shape since the age of six,
starting off in gymnastics
and now the 10 -year-old has
shifted towards dancing. She
said she plans to be studying
circus arts for many years to
come.
"I'm going to make it to the
7 to 8 elementary school, 12 to
17, after that College and then
I'm going to be a Cirque du
Soleil performer," said Gras
Cirque du Soleil is recog-
nized all over the world.
Some of it involves theatrical
operas, world-class acrobats,
synchronized swimmers,
divers and character
performances.
"She's lucky because she has
natural inclination," said Liz.
Every year the WNC gives
children all over the world
the opportunity to try out,
Gras said she is confident
she will be making the cut
next year also.
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Shaun Gregory Huron Expositor
Rachel Gras performs an aerial somersault in her front yard.
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