Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Leach.
Hi Victoria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I originally connected deeply with flow arts as a form of physical therapy. It actually helped me avoid a 4th wrist surgery after a series of bad breaks in my late teenage years. With guidance and encouragement from close friends in the circus community, I found strength I didn’t know I had and went from barely being able to drive with my left hand or hold a full glass of water to spinning props and training with both. One of those inspirational friends, Heather Putnam, and I eventually founded a fire performance troupe named Hypnotix with 6 other amazing women. It is truly an honor to be surrounded by such overwhelming support and feminine power in our troupe. We recently performed at Burning Man and even got to do a fashion show in Las Vegas. I am forever thankful for the places fire performing has taken me and for giving me a sense of confidence I never thought possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. The hardware in my wrist still aches every time a storm is brewing even keeping me from spinning at times. I have PTSD from the nature of how my wrist was originally broken that gets in the way as well. My social anxiety also keeps me from trying new things in performances quite frequently. And sometimes my insecurities get the best of me, as I compare my progress to others which keeps me from sharing the art I’ve worked on all together. However, this community is so special because it combats those intrusive feelings in such a wholesome manner. Flow art events are typically one big skill share where everyone builds each other up and celebrates others’ successes especially ones I get to attend with the Hypnotix troupe.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I spin a multitude of props both LED and fire. I was a classically trained cellist and dancer growing up and I love to fuse these passions together. I am actually working on a flaming cello act as we speak, where I set the bow aflame as I play.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I recently graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in journalism with a minor in marketing and a concentration in public relations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.victoriancirque.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/victoriancirque
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriancirque?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Jeremy Wing ( Wingtip Studios) Xander Betts Steven Goodwin Illumin8 Photography
