The acceptance of eternal failure
For Olivia (Brussels, 31), the Summer Course Clowning was a dive into the unknown. “As a child I did theater and I wanted to revisit that experience. The concept of clowning was completely new to me. But when I stumbled upon the course online and read the description, I felt it was exactly what I needed. On different levels. The summer course provides a safe space to try new things. You work intensively here in a group that accepts and supports you, throughout the process. That’s beautiful. Because sometimes everything falls together and you feel that what you are doing really works and you will be funny forever. And at other times, nothing works at all. That gives you food for thought. I believe that, the acceptance of eternal failure, is the most important thing I got from this Summer Course.”
The essence of clowning
“That’s totally it!”, adds Jorn (Antwerp, 33). “Learning to fail and accepting the vulnerability that comes with it, so that a certain lightness can emerge. That and learning to listen. To yourself, to others on stage and to the audience. Things that are also useful in everyday forms of communication. How do I feel? And how can I express that in a controlled way? We worked on very concrete themes and basic techniques that really go to the essence of clowning. These are all things that I can immediately work with as an acrobat with Cirque Du Soleil. After all, acrobatics is not a job you can do for lifetime. If I want to keep growing, I have to find new ways of doing so. Clowning offers me a chance to evolve toward the next step in my circus career.”
Always remember to breathe
Tavi (Romania, 28) also learned new ways of looking at his work as an actor during the Summer Course. “For me it was quite a challenge to be on stage, do nothing at all and go from there – without preparation. Staying calm, not panicking, always breathing. In addition, I learned to distance myself. For example, there was an exercise in which we had to proclaim a very strong statement or feeling. But with that red nose on. This immediately creates an absurd kind of distance between yourself and what you are saying. Thered nose ensures that you do not take yourself too seriously. In fact, I believe everyone should have one. During the Summer Course we also explored how we can learn to play again, as an adult. With all your baggage and everything that’s in our heads and in our bodies today.”
The rediscovery of play
“True,” web builder Marc (Netherlands, age 58) agree. “The rediscovery of playing is something I also take with me. Furthermore, I remember above all that it is better to slow down than to force humor. And that clowning is much more than a set of techniques or tricks. It is a way of discovering the world around you. Something you can apply in everyday life, by the way.”
Is this someting for you?
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