By: Kassahun Chanie
The invitation was unassuming, a simple message from a contact I had met while exploring the vibrant arts scene in Addis Ababa: “Come see a local circus show, you might enjoy it.” I had pictured something small scale, perhaps a few amateur performers in a park. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the explosion of energy and talent that awaited me at the Sheger Circus and Gymnastics Club. Nor was I prepared for the fact that I wouldn't just be a spectator, but a participant, an unexpected cog in this captivating machine.
The venue itself was a surprise. Not a grand theatre, but a repurposed warehouse, its corrugated iron roof echoing with the sounds of laughter and pre show chatter. Colorful banners, hand painted with bold designs, adorned the walls. A makeshift stage had been erected, framed by stacks of old tires and draped with vibrant fabrics. It was raw, authentic, and brimming with a palpable sense of anticipation. The air crackled with energy.
I found a spot among the crowd, a mix of local families, curious expats, and a handful of wide eyed tourists. The show began unceremoniously, no dramatic introduction, just the sudden eruption of drums, and the beat insistent and infectious. Then, the performers spilled onto the stage.
They were a kaleidoscope of skill and physicality, lithe gymnasts soaring through the air, contortionists bending into shapes I didn’t think humanly possible, and jugglers manipulating brightly colored objects with a dizzying grace. I was immediately captivated. There was a raw, unpolished quality to their performance that made it all the more compelling. They were not just executing tricks; they were telling stories with their bodies, their faces alight with passion and focus.
The sheer athleticism was breathtaking. I watched, transfixed, as young men and women effortlessly flipped, tumbled, and balanced on each other’s shoulders, creating human pyramids that seemed to defy gravity. The movements weren't just impressive; they were imbued with a grace and fluidity that spoke to countless hours of dedication and training. It wasn't the polished perfection of a professionally produced Western circus. It was something far more authentic, something that resonated with the heart and soul of Ethiopia.
I found myself smiling, then laughing, then cheering along with the rest of the crowd. The energy was contagious, an almost tangible force that pulsed through the space. I started to feel a shift within me, a loosening of my own inhibitions, a desire to become more than just an observer.
Then, something unexpected happened. Midway through a particularly mesmerizing routine, one of the performers, a young man with eyes that sparkled like obsidian, noticed me. He paused, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He pointed directly at me and, with a theatrical flourish, beckoned me towards the stage.
Panic, then a surge of adrenaline, washed over me. I looked around, hoping he was gesturing to someone else, but no, he was clearly looking at me. The crowd chuckled, a collective murmur of amusement and encouragement rippling through the audience. I felt a flush of heat rise to my cheeks. I was, to put it mildly, completely unprepared for this.
He hopped down from the stage and, extending his hand, pulled me up with surprising strength. Before I could even process what was happening, I was standing center stage, blinking under the makeshift spotlights. I glanced at the crowd, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.
Then, the young man spoke to me in heavily accented English, a wide smile never leaving his face. “You! You like circus?” he asked. I managed a nervous nod. “Good! You join us!”
I won’t lie, I was terrified. I have never considered myself a particularly athletic or coordinated person. I’ve never been one to seek out the spotlight. But in that moment, fueled by a cocktail of adrenaline and pure, unadulterated curiosity, I found myself agreeing.
I was quickly ushered into a chaotic but exhilarating world of improvised routines. They handed me a brightly colored juggling ball, and before I knew it, I was attempting to keep it in the air, my hands trembling and my coordination utterly abandoning me. The crowd roared with laughter, and so did I, unable to help but find the humor in my awkwardness.
Then came the tightrope. Well, not a proper tightrope, more of a thick rope slung between two sturdy poles. My legs wobbled as I attempted to traverse its length, each step tentative and shaky. I fell off, of course, several times, but each time I was met with cheers and encouragement. The performers, with their boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, were more than patient with my fumbling attempts. They were guides, mentors, pushing me to embrace the absurdity and find the joy in it.
Over the course of the next thirty minutes, I found myself contorting my body (badly), throwing balls in the air (mostly successfully), and even attempting to balance on a performer’s shoulders (with much support and laughter). I wasn’t graceful, I wasn't skilled, but I was having the time of my life.
What struck me most was the complete lack of judgment. There was no pressure to perform perfectly, only encouragement to participate and embrace the experience. The circus wasn’t about showcasing individual brilliance; it was about creating a collective moment of joy and connection. I wasn’t an observer anymore; I was part of the story, an active participant in this shared human experience.
The show continued, punctuated by my increasingly less clumsy, but still fairly hilarious, attempts at joining in. By the time it drew to a close, I was breathless, sweating, and grinning from ear to ear. I was exhilarated in a way I hadn't been in years.
As the applause subsided and the crowd began to disperse, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. I had stumbled upon something extraordinary, a moment of unexpected magic that had completely upended my expectations. The Sheger Circus and Gymnastics Club wasn't just a performance; it was a testament to the power of human connection, to the universality of joy, and to the transformative potential of stepping outside one's comfort zone.
I came to Addis Ketema Sub City, District 05 Youth Center, seeking new experiences, but I never imagined that I would find myself on a makeshift stage, juggling balls, and wobbling along a tightrope. But that, I realized, was the beauty of it. The circus had claimed me, drawn me in with its vibrant energy and uninhibited spirit. The experience of being coached by the legendary Behailu Yosef was nothing short of transformative, a crucible in which my aspirations were refined and my potential truly recognized. His celebrated reputation as the esteemed Coach and Manager of the Sheger Circus and Gymnastics Club precedes him, yet witnessing his dedication firsthand reveals the depth of his influence. He embodies a unique blend of meticulous expertise and an infectious passion that permeates every training session, setting him apart as a true titan in the world of athletics.
His profound understanding of athletic performance, honed over years of experience, is not merely theoretical; it’s a lived wisdom, translated into practical techniques and personalized strategies tailored to each athlete's needs and limitations. It's this ability to see past the surface, to identify the hidden potential, that makes his coaching so profoundly impactful. Under his mentorship, I found myself not just receiving rote instruction, but embarking on a deeply personal journey of growth. It felt less like a training program and more like a masterclass in holistic personal development, where physical progress was intertwined with mental fortitude and self-discovery.
His unwavering support, delivered with both the necessary rigor and genuine empathy, provided the foundation for me to surpass boundaries I never thought possible. His insightful guidance wasn't just about perfecting techniques; it was about cultivating a champion's mindset, pushing me to question limits and embrace the challenges inherent in the pursuit of excellence. This transformative period, far beyond simply enhancing my athletic skills, left an indelible mark on my pursuits, shaping me into a more resilient, focused, and ultimately, a better version of myself, both inside the gym and in every aspect of my life beyond it.
The invitation to a local show had opened the door to an unforgettable adventure, a reminder that life's greatest joys often lie in the moments we least expect. I left that warehouse with the echoes of laughter and the rhythms of the drums still ringing in my ears, and a burning desire to return and maybe, just maybe, perfect my juggling skills.