Never would I have believed that at the age of 24 one could embark on a career as a circus artist. Nonetheless, it was at this age that I entered the NCS, my only baggage an undergraduate degree in chemistry, some memories of an acrobatic past, and especially, an overwhelming desire to discover a world which had fascinated me since my tender childhood. Over 4 years, the School gave me not only a passion for an art which was completely unknown to me, but also the tools to undertake a professional career in the world's leading circus institutions. The National Circus School is made up of a team devoted to promoting and evolving the circus arts, and a teaching staff whose approach equally encompasses tradition and the quest for new forms of expression. It also provides the chance to encounter artists coming from the four corners of the world. The creative confidence that the School inspired in me still stands me in good stead today with my own circus company.

We met at the school and have worked together ever since. Our first rate instructors taught us good technique, good work ethic, how to put an act together, how to be on stage, and how to work with a group. The school gave us our first experiences in the world of theatre and dance and nurtured a desire to delve more deeply into these disciplines. We have been lucky enough to participate in many diverse types of contracts during our careers, enabling us to continue the development of our artistic abilities and sensibilities.

September 1984, and I discover quite by chance the National Circus School at the Centre Immaculée-Conception, I was then 19 years old. Upon penetrating this foreign territory, my reaction was as immediate as unexpected. I was absorbed, mentally and physically, by the presence of the jugglers and acrobats, by the training environment, the magnesium dust used for the hand-to-hand, the strange noises that seem to ensure the saltos on the trampoline, and even the "hops" and "attentions" when using the springboard. I had the strange feeling of being very much at home. As if the fog of my long adolescence were lifting with the movements I was observing. The daydreams in this room all appeared so surreal to me and so different. I imagined the voyages, the meetings, the challenges and the spectacles. After these few minutes which seemed like hours to me, I had the inner conviction that I was finally going to discover myself through this fantastic world. It was to some extent a meeting with myself.

Discovering the NCS was for me the beginning of an adventure, I would say even a quest. From student to entertainer before an audience, from artist to artistic director, and finally to founder and director of Cirque Éloize, the exciting world of the circus infuses me with its magic.

Hats off to the School for all the dreams it has helped come true.

It all began at the age of 13 when I decided to organize gymnastics courses at my high school. The teacher I found was Belgian and knew a great deal about the circus world. From my very first course I discovered I was much more flexible than average ... I then decided to ask the Cirque de Soleil if a circus school existed in Canada, and was referred to the National Circus School. After filling out an application I was invited to attend auditions, only to learn a few weeks later that I had been accepted. The 4 years spent at the National Circus School completely changed my life. I learned so much there. I had extraordinary professors who believed in me and who encouraged me, supported me... I have so much respect for both the School and the people who work there.

The National Circus School has given me the opportunity to live a passion, to liv e a dream. What other profession allows you to travel to the greatest cities in the world, perform before an audience of circus enthusiasts and be paid? This program has prepared me for many adventures and challenges on this circus journey. The school gave me skills in my chosen speciality, a solo Chinese pole act. The intense program also gave me the ability to really perform - to have the physical and emotional skills to truly communicate and touch my audience. This capacity stems from the program's rare mix of acrobatics with dance, movement, and theatrical training. No other school provides this important mix of performance training. I was also prepared to navigate the circus industry from any vantage point, be it negotiations, in contracts, understanding stage management, or moving towards a creative director role. In addition, the superb training facility and professional staff made the entire learning adventure fun, safe and unforgettable.

The National Circus School was very enriching introduction to my career as a circus performer. The school is a melting pot of all forms of circus, from traditional to modern to contemporary. "The teachers and students, coming from such different backgrounds and nationalities, create a very rich atmosphere for exploring circus. Being presented with diverse methods of training, artistic outlooks and ways of appreciating circus provoked and pushed me far further that I expected and have since installed in me a drive to keep experimenting with different ways of presenting a circus trick."

Geneviève Gauthier

Cirque Alfonse - Canada

I am 25 years old and my speciality is the aerial hoop. I entered the NCS at the age of 16, without full realizing what I was getting into. The School enabled me to discover the vast and diverse world of the circus. What is so brilliant is the way it attracts such different people, how each individual has his own strengths. As a teacher at the School told me during my first year of studies when I experienced a moment of weakness: "Take your strengths and use them, rather than getting discouraged about what you are not." The main thing I learned from this is that when you really want something, you must fight and work very hard to obtain it. This perseverance and commitment to the work are still very useful for me 9 years later. Over the past several years I have worked for Quebec and European companies such as Cirque de Soleil, Cirque Éloize and Circus Cirkor. I am now working on a creation with Cirque Alfonse a company I co-founded. The National Circus School is undisputedly the first step in the life of a circus artist, but far from the least.

I left the National Circus School in 2000 as a generalist and a soloist on the German wheel. What I appreciated most about the School is the generalized teaching of all disciplines during the first year of studies, because they can be so useful in the future. Circus companies generally look for artists who are generalists and who also have a high-quality number. My 3 years at the National Circus School taught me perseverance and to exceed myself. Because if one wants to make a mark in the circus, it's not enough to love the circus, you must eat, sleep and drink it! After having worked 4 years with the Cirque Éloize, I worked for a Swedish company, Circus Cirkor and I am now working with Cirque Alfonse, a company I created with other circus artists. I credit my training at the NCS with fully preparing me for my professional life.

Nicolas Roche

Cirque du Soleil - Las Vegas

The National Circus School is a door opening into the worlds of movement and performing arts. Initiation into the circus is assured by not only the technique and philosophy acquired at the School, but by the contacts made there, the solo or group projects, with side doors leading to dance, theatre and music - For those who are ready to invest 100 percent to training, the discipline engendered by instructors and management will help provide a springboard to a great career. There is no other secret of success, other than work and being open to this world. Although one enters along with those of different abilities, all start at the same level and with the same opportunity for advancement. And certainly, no one enters by chance. After which, it is a question of believing.