Young Vietnamese embrace high-risk circus careers despite challenges

Without stage lights or applause, the only sounds are strained breathing and the creak of ropes as trainees repeat movements designed to build balance and strength.

Among them are sisters Nguyen Khanh Vy, 16, and Nguyen Hoang My, 14, from northern Vietnam, who spend hours learning to steady themselves in mid-air, where even a small mistake can lead to falls.

Circus performance has long been regarded as a high-risk profession requiring years of training, often starting at a young age, with artists pushing physical limits to reach the stage.

Vy began later than many classmates, entering her second year while others had started at age 11, forcing her to work harder to catch up.

Her interest began after watching a circus show at age 12, leading to a prolonged effort to persuade her family to allow her to leave home for training in the Vietnamese capital.

She recalls initial fear upon entering the training hall, doubting her ability to perform difficult routines before gradually improving through persistence and guidance from instructors.

Her training involves repeated practice of basic skills such as balance and tumbling, often performed hundreds of times, with falls and exhaustion common.

“The hardship and homesickness sometimes made us want to quit, but the dream of performing on stage kept us going,” Vy said.

Nguyen Minh Chinh, a lecturer at the school and deputy director of a performance theater, said students must undergo intensive physical training and develop endurance and courage, with flexibility exercises often causing visible pain.

Students follow a five-year program combining academic study and professional training, including two years of foundational skills such as balance, acrobatics, juggling, and physical conditioning, before specializing based on aptitude.

Those with strong flexibility and limb strength may train in aerial acts, while others focus on different performance disciplines.

Nguyen Le Thang, the school’s principal, said the institution recruits about 50 students annually, typically aged 11 to 15 for girls and 11 to 18 for boys.

Despite broad career prospects after graduation, recruitment remains challenging as the profession requires early, full-time training and boarding, which can deter families.

School officials said outreach efforts target hundreds of schools each year, but many children interested in circus careers are unable to pursue them due to parental concerns.