In 2021, I started my journey at the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne, where I met Asha, a talented newcomer in my class. From our initial ballet class, where we shared a barre, a friendship blossomed. Our bond remained platonic until our final year when Asha invited me to train together in acrobatics, sparking a deeper connection.
During those training sessions, which were filled with laughter and attempts at various tricks, I realised my feelings for Asha were evolving into something more profound. Despite being physically mismatched—I’m considerably larger than Asha—our playful practice sessions were marked by joy and encouragement. It was during one particular exercise, where we attempted different methods of climbing onto each other’s shoulders, that I recognised not only our physical compatibility but also our emotional support for one another.
By the time spring arrived, our friendship officially transformed into a romantic relationship. Shortly after, Asha secured a contract with Circa, an esteemed Australian circus group. During her one-week show with them, I felt an overwhelming longing for her, which intensified my desire to join Circa.
Post-graduation in late 2023, I was thrilled to be accepted into the troupe, only to face a challenging separation from Asha due to casting decisions that kept us apart for six months. Our reunion came mid-last year, leading us to thrive together in the difficult touring lifestyle. Although touring can be tough, having Asha by my side has made every challenge easier to handle. We have learned to rely on one another, supporting each other both literally and metaphorically. If one of us stumbles, we know we can laugh off the mishaps and try again, cementing the deep bond we’ve formed.
Our journey has transformed through circus training into a testament to our partnership, revealing that love is not only about admiration but also about mutual support and shared experiences.