With a distinct feeling of light hearted childlike excitement the performers of the Circus Kathmandu busy themselves with the last preparations before their first Dubai show at the Dubai British School located in The Springs.
The school gymnasium doubled as the big top for this event. Converted into a make shift stage with black curtains and LED stage lights created a story telling space for this very enthusiastic young cast of nepalese performers.
The cast, who have all been rescued from either human trafficking or other vulnerable situations, practise aspects of their routines before the show starts. Acrobatic manoeuvres, bends and flips are all seen back stage as the anticipation builds and the audience take their seats.
What struck me the most about these kids was not their previous circumstances or their possible lack of skills due to missed education or opportunities. But rather the incredible bond they share as performers. Taking full ownership of their show and the incredible routines that they perform. The smiles they share and dedication they have to what they do together. A sense of camaraderie permeates even past the language barrier. They are not broken down by their past but embolden by the future they will surely have.
* Antonie Robertson