Beverly Thomas
June 2, 2015
Weekend Catch
June 2, 2015Kaely’s dream job requires that she flip and tumble 30 to 40 feet above the ground. “There’s so much adrenaline pumping through your body,” she said.
While the trapeze requires physical strength and agility, Kaely said “a lot of it is mental – being smart and making good decisions in the air.”
She swings using a 30-pound trapeze, which allows more airtime but requires additional strength to keep it moving.
“It’s very different from competitive gymnastics,” Kaely explained. “There, you have a team and plenty of rules and you have to strictly follow those rules or you lose points. But the circus world awards you points for individuality. Here, you are encouraged to be unique.”
Kaely loves the attention her dream job attracts, but is a realist when it comes to career longevity.
“1 have friends in their 40s who are still doing gymnastics,” she said. “It really depends on who you are and how you maintain your body. 1 expect to have a few more years on the trapeze.”
Afterward, she hopes to go to college, where she’ll probably pursue a degree in the medical field. Prior to going abroad to pursue a circus gig, Kaely was a full-time trained EMT working on ambulances.
She continues to volunteer on ambulances in the various cities “Built to Amaze!” visits.
“Like 1 said, 1 have a hard time sitting still,” she said, laughing. “Besides, it’s one more opportunity to meet people in the community.”
Locals can meet Kaely and the entire “Built to Amaze!” cast at a free all access pre-show, which begins one hour prior to each show at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The audience – young and old alike – is invited to come onstage, meet the performers and learn to juggle, hip dance or try on custom costumes.
The Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey’s “Built to Amaze!” runs June 11-14 at the civic center.
Tickets are $10 to $40, and are available at the civic center Box Office or through Ticketmaster.
