While many of his classmates are applying to professional programs and postgraduate studies, or looking to the career world, Aaron Charbonneau is dreaming about running away and joining the circus.
You would never think after graduation one would expect to run off and join the circus – think again. Following convocation, fifth-year King’s University College student Aaron Charbonneau will be auditioning for the world-famous Cirque du Soleil. The Power Cheerleading Team captain continues to pepare for his June trip to Hamilton.
The History and English major has always seen pursuit of his degree from King’s University College as a means to a somewhat unconventional end – performing with Cirque du Soleil.
“I don’t want a desk job,” he says. “I’m using my degree to run away to the circus.”
Ever since he was a youngster the Mustangs cheerleading team captain has dreamed about joining the world-famous acrobatic troupe.
Set on his path to Cirque du Soleil, Charbonneau applied and was accepted to L’École Nationale de Cirque after finishing high school. The National Circus School teaches students “how to live life in the circus,” including honing acrobatic skills, balance, aerial, manipulation and clowning arts, as well as language, acting and dance lessons.
At the time, Charbonneau was a member of the Power Cheer Gym Vipers in London and was recruited by The University of Western Ontario cheerleading team to compete in an open, non-collegiate competition in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Although prepared to begin studying the art of circus performance, head coach of Western Mustangs cheerleaders and Vipers gym owner and manager, David-Lee Tracey (or Coach Trace), suggested mixing academics and athletics at Western.
“Basically I said to him, ‘enjoy college while you are young. Yes, you can go do Cirque now and complete a degree anytime down the road, but you will never get to live the full rigor of college if you come back as a 27-year-old,” says Tracey.
Faced with a difficult choice, Charbonneau decided to defer his acceptance, and his dream of joining Cirque du Soleil, for a few years.
“When I came to Western, it (cheerleading) enhanced my performance skills,” he says. “I’ve always been comfortable in front of people … but it taught me how to put on a show.”
Last year at a cheerleading competition in Atlanta, Charbonneau met Cirque du Soleil talent scouts and this chance meeting reinforced his ambition.
After submitting a video showcasing his talent, he was invited to a June audition in Hamilton.
However, a successful audition does not guarantee immediate placement in one of the spectacular shows. Matching performers with shows, currently in more than 200 cities across five continents, can be a lengthy process.
Having been the top pick from his audition to L’École Nationale de Cirque, Charbonneau has more confidence the second time around.
Charbonneau also has the skills to match. He has been the national cheerleading champion in tumbling for the last four years and he has 19 years of gymnastic training.
“I would like to travel the world and see things,” he says. “I’ve basically trained for my whole lifetime … I would hate to throw that all way and say, ‘I’ve gone this far, OK that’s the end.'”
If a career with Cirque du Soleil is not in the cards, “I always have my degree to fall back on,” he adds.
Charbonneau hopes to attend an open audition in Las Vegas in May.
“Put me on stage, I am ready to go now,” he says.