Can you do a handstand while on someone else’s shoulders? Can you walk a thin tightrope 7 feet above the ground? Do you have a fear of heights?
Michelle Mammarella, ISU sophomore nursing student, accomplishes all of these feats on a daily basis. As a member of the ISU Gamma Phi Circus for two years now, she uses her gymnastics background to soar to new heights.
HC: How did you hear about the Gamma Phi Circus and get involved?
Mammarella: I heard about the circus through my sister that also went to ISU. I did gymnastics in high school. Since I wasn’t looking to pursue gymnastics in college, I thought the circus could be something fun that I could use the skills I acquired in high school.
HC: What were the tryouts like?
Mammarella: Tryouts were held in the beginning of the year. I was able to go and just play around, using the equipment to do tricks and feel it out. I was able to tryout for any act that I was interested in possibly performing in.
HC: What kind of acts do you do in the show?
Mammarella: In the circus, I do acrobatic acts and wire acts, as well as hand balancing. The acrobatic acts use a lot of strength, flexibility and balance. On the tight rope, which is 7 feet above the ground, I balance on another circus member’s shoulders. I’m about twelve feet above the ground at this point. They are dangerous tricks but the feeling is exhilarating.
HC: What can the audience expect to see at the upcoming circus show?
Mammarella: The acts and performances you will see are those commonly associated with professional circuses. You will see the Russian swing, trapeze, German wheel, tight wire, teeterboard, Russian bar, juggling, hand balancing, lyric hoop and vaulting. Performers will also be tumbling, skating, swinging on ladders, unicycling and so much more. And of course there will be clowns.
HC: How often do you practice and what do the practices entail?
Mammarella: We have mandatory practices with our two professional coaches on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. Open gym for additional practice is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We start practicing in the fall and practice right up until the show in April.
HC: How many circus members are there?
Mammarella: Last year there were about 50 members in the Gamma Phi circus, including our two coaches that also perform with us. Our coaches have performed in professional circuses all over, including on cruise ships and in other countries. This year there are more than 60 members, so it’s going to be a huge show! Last year, one of our coach’s dogs, a Chihuahua named Scooby, also performed a few tricks.
HC: Are you involved in any other campus activities?
Mammarella: Other than the circus, I volunteer at the Catholic Newman Center. As a nursing major, my course load is pretty tough and circus practices are long, so unfortunately I don’t have much time to get involved in other campus activities. At the end of the day, after difficult classes and grueling hours of practice, I am running low on energy.