Circus life tough, but rewarding
Aqua The Aussie Circus Spectacular has set up camp in Richards Bay over the past two weeks and the ZO caught up with some of the performers to share with readers what life in the circus entails
LIFE in the circus requires huge dedication with demanding hours of intense training, dieting and honing one’s skills.
But for acrobatic and horizontal bar gymnasts Yuiry Prokhvatilo and Luiza Galiulina this lifestyle is all in a day’s work, as they are European and two-time Olympic gymnasts who have dedicated their lives to being the best at what they do.
Prokhvatilo (31) was born in the Ukraine and started training as a gymnast from age five before joining the circus when he turned 17.
‘I always dreamed of travelling the world and performing on big stages in front of massive crowds. The circus gave me this opportunity.’
He met his performance partner, 25-year-old Uzbekistan citizen Luiza Galiulina – also a professional gymnast – while working for another circus.
The two of them combined their act and have been wowing crowds as a duo for the past five years.
‘We train seven days a week, focusing on strength, flexibility and core work.
The pair are freelance performers who have signed a one-year contract with Aqua The Aussie Circus Spectacular which is in Richards Bay until the end of the month..
‘Life in the circus is tough at times, as we only see our family and friends between contracts.
‘Being on the road can get lonely, so you form very close friendships with the performers you work with.
‘It is our first time in Richards Bay and we think it is beautiful. We really love South Africa.’
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