The National Circus School, 19 Years ago Already?

Nineteen years?! Could it really be? No!! Yes? Daaaang!

That was my honest reaction walking back through the doors of l’École Nationale de Cirque in Montréal a couple weeks ago. ENC had invited me back to teach a Clown Intensive with a couple other Clowns, and sit on the jury for the graduating class.

I first stepped into ENC in 2006. At the time, I was just a passionate bright-eyed goofball with a trunk full of Clown dreams, fresh off the street, and trying to wrap my brain around what exactly I’d gotten myself into.

What followed were three wild years of training 50–60 hours a week,  in everything from acrobatics, trampoline, juggling, artistic bike, dance, acting, flexibility… and, of course, Clown. 

It was a crazy intense period, and I was constantly sore, but I was also artistically full to the brim. Maybe even a little overflowing. ;)

Watching this year’s students throw themselves into the deep end in front of audience and jury was refreshing, and wildly inspiring. It reminded me of a younger clown Mick: curious, fired-up, a little uncertain, and totally obsessed with Clown. 

After fifteen years in the industry, everything has changed, and some things are the same. My belly is bigger, I have less hair, my body aches, I have more wrinkles, got two beautiful children, and a whole lot more responsibility, but the calling towards Clown burns on. 

When in the presence of Clowns, all worries disappear. The present moment takes over, and laughter bellows. This crazy oddball craft is mysterious, surprising, ludicrous, and cathartic.