Local Teen Sees Circus Dreams Come True

BAITING HOLLOW, NY — Death defying high wire acts, days of clowning around with an excited crowd, wowing audiences with dazzling juggling skills — there's a magic to the Big Top, a siren song that, for years, has had many kids wide-eyed with wonder at the thought of hopping aboard a circus train and heading off on a lifetime of adventure.

And for William Borges, 15, of Baiting Hollow, dreams of the circus became reality recently, when he was chosen to join Circus Smirkus, the country's only traveling youth circus.

Based in Vermont, Circus Smirkus is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year: William, who trains at iFly Trapeze in East Meadow and at his parents' business Gym-Nest Gymnastics in Medford, as well as at the Circus Smirkus Summer Camp this past summer, submitted an audition tape to Circus Smirkus last fall and was called for a live audition in Brattleboro, VT in January.

He and 29 other kids ranging from ages 12 to 18 were selected to spend the summer showcasing their collective skills in juggling, wire-walking, clowning, acrobatics, Chinese pole, hula hoop, aerials, and unicycling.

The kids will kick off the summer with training at Circus Smirkus headquarters in June, then embark upon a 66-show tour that will encompass 16 cities and towns in the Northeast over seven weeks, a release from Circus Smirkus said.

For William, performing has been a dream since he was just a little boy.

When an instructor at iFly Trapeze suggested he send in an audition tape, the teen, who attends Riverhead High School, began preparing in earnest.

His family was thrilled to learn he'd been accepted.

"I'm nervous; it's a big step to go away for 10 weeks. But we're all excited that he can experience such an incredible thing," his mother Dawn Borges said.

William's sister Brielle agreed. "I know he really wanted it, and I'm so excited that he got it."

William's mom and sister both agreed they'd love to be in his shoes — they're a gymnastics family. Dawn Borges and her husband Bill operate Gym-Nest Gymnastics and she, her daughter, and William all love soaring on the trapeze.

Growing up in a gymnastics family, William said, has led him to want to "perform, rather than to compete."

And where better than under the Big Top?

William said he was sad to see Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey closing after this season. "I'm not happy at all," he said.

Reflecting on the magic found at the circus, he said, "There's just something about seeing the circus. There's always something going on. To see the audience interacting is really cool."

That's why he's thrilled to be joining Circus Smirkus, an "amazing circus", he said, that will help to keep the wonder alive for a new generation of kids.

The skills her son will be learning will mean a forever legacy, his mom said.

"It's called a professional circus with amateur performers," she said.

William, who says the trapeze is his strong suit, describes the sensation of soaring high above the crowd and said he loves flying through the air.

"It's exhilarating," he said. "It's so much fun. You feel free."

His mom and sister, who share his passion, are thrilled for his opportunity to take his trapeze skills to the next level.

During the summer, William and the other young people will travel in trailers and do home stays with families along the circus route in different cities.

William said he's fired up about the future, and looks forward to a summer pursuing his dream.

"I'm looking forward to being able to keep up with the intense training, physically and mentally, and about everything that goes into a show and the performances," he said.

Circus Smirkus, with Troy Wunderle as the show's artistic director and Mark Longergan, the creative director, trains kids in all facets of circus production; "Smirkos", in addition to creating a show based on their own collective talents, will also care for props, sell tickets and popcorn, and work with the tent crew, light and sound technicians, equipment riggers, costumers and musicians.

But William is no stranger to hard work.

He took three to four weeks to create his audition video and trained arduously for the chance to win a coveted spot with the circus.

When he got the email telling him he'd been accepted at Circus Smirkus, William said he immediately called his mom, who put him on speaker. "I freaked out," he said, smiling. His whole family was screaming and cheering over the good news, he said.

"There are really no words that explain the excitement I heard in his voice," his mom said.

Although he'll have to miss two to three weeks of school to head off with the show, "His teachers and guidance counselor have been very supportive," Dawn said.

At Riverhead High School, William enjoys gymnastics, track, pole vaulting — and chemistry.

Dawn said she's happy her own love of gymnastics was instilled in her children, but both, she said, "have ventured out into things they can take their gymnastics training to."

The same hand to eye coordination critical for gymnastics is helpful to William, who also has ace juggling skills, she said. "I don't know where he gets that," she laughed.

Looking ahead to his future, William said he'd love to further his performance and circus goals; he'd like to attend Florida State University, which has a circus program, and maybe perform with a circus such as Cirque du Soleil.

William and his whole family said they have a deep love for the circus and the traditional wonder found within the tent.

"It's great entertainment. There's always something you can find in a circus that's amazing and fun to watch," William said.

Despite a world divided by political concerns and prejudice, Dawn said the circus is an equalizer. "Everyone we've met, in all the circus facilities, have been so accepting and supportive of anybody, of any skill level and personality, of any personality and culture. Everyone just feels at home. That's why I think we fell in love with it so quickly."

William agreed and said when you meet a fellow circus performer, even if it's just for a brief time, there are always new skills to learn and talents to share.

The young performer said the being accepted to travel with Circus Smirkus this summer is the most exciting thing that's ever happened in his life. "I'm looking forward to the memories I'll make, and the excitement. I'll always remember this," he said.

To other young rising stars who might be afraid to reach for their dreams, he shares wise words of advice: "Face your fears. Train hard. Do what makes you happy."

Circus Smirkus, known for its "story" shows, will present "Midnight at the Museum!" this season. For information and tickets on Circus Smirkus, click here.

Photos of William performing at Circus Smirkus 2016 by Smirkus; William Borges practicing at iFly Trapeze by Dawn Borges; headshot of William Borges by Robert Sanson; photos of William Borges and family by Lisa Finn.