While most students play soccer, run track, and swim laps, junior Zora Blade strives in a different field.

Hearing the word “circus,” my mind jumps to lions, flamed torches, and bodies that make me feel blatantly inferior because I can’t touch my toes. For Blade, this word means full-out way of living.

Blade is a well-rounded girl. She knows the answers to the questions in class; her pleasant demeanor allows her to make friends easily. However, these qualities are not the only things that make her unique; she is part-time student, part-time circus star.

At age six, an energetic Blade spent her days doing cartwheels around the living room.

“My parents decided I should do something productive,” said Blade. “So I started gymnastics.”

After experimenting with the sport, Blade was not entirely impressed. She was twelve when she discovered the circus.

“We found a business card from the Wenatchee Youth Circus, and I went to audition.” said Blade.

Although gymnastics failed to win her undying affection, Blade found her true passion in circus.

“I love circus,” she said. “I love the freedom; I love the supportiveness, which the competitive nature of gymnastics doesn’t nurture. I love getting new tricks, I love training, I love performing. It is so much fun to be out in front of an audience. I love everything about circus. Except getting hurt. That isn’t very fun.”

Although encouraging, Blade’s parents are not acrobatic themselves.

“I’m a first-generation circus performer,” she said.

As her new career boomed, Blade toured with the Wenatchee Youth Circus and trained with the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts during the off-season. She branched out further, traveling with Circus Smirkus on the East Coast.

“I do partner acrobatics,” said Blade. “I am the one on top; I am the flyer. I also do hand balance.”

After devoting so much time to this hobby, Blade sees a definite future in circus.

“I would love to go to the National Circus School in Montreal,” said Blade. This renowned circus school has harbored and taught many Cirque Du Soleil artists. “I love what I do. After circus school, I hope to do circus professionally.”