Circus Bellla - Behind The Scenes
Circus Bella is a San Francisco-based troupe: clowns, acrobats, jugglers, aerialists,
live music, the whole deal. I've been photographing the circus for some years as a
self-assignment. During the winter of 2023-24 I documented the entire process of
getting a show up on its feet: two days of raising the tent, weeks of rehearsals,
opening to closing night performances, plus extensive behind-the-scenes
documentation where I was allowed backstage, a privilege I did not take for granted,
since that's a private space for any performer. I recorded stills, video, and audio.
Following are a collection of stills: BEHIND THE SCENES.
I was struck by the automatic camaraderie among performers and crew - even when
they had not met before - as they built the tent and developed and perfected the
show. Everyone pitched in on every aspect, including performers who helped
raise the tent and swept up between shows: they depend on each other for safety,
emotional and physical. There are so many ways to get hurt! When people fly up in
the air, there is a team on the ropes lifting them up and letting them safely down;
"pulling" for them - the exact term they use. Performers and crew enjoyed - even
reveled - in each other's work and companionship. Circus culture is amazingly
convivial and supportive, a lesson for us all.