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Local performer to bring circus arts training to Kimberley

Local Actor, Comedian and Musician Jerrod Bondy, is applying to Ecole Nationale de Cirque, Montreal in hopes to bring circus arts training to Kimberley.
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Local Actor, Musician and Comedian, Jerrod Bondy

Local Actor, Comedian and Musician Jerrod Bondy, is applying to Ecole Nationale de Cirque, Montreal in hopes to bring circus arts training to Kimberley.

Bondy grew up in Flagstaff Arizona, where he studied theatre, classical guitar and photography. In 2004 he immigrated to Canada and in 2008 he bought a house here in Kimberley, where he has lived ever since.

“I became involved in community theatre [in Kimberley] in 2011, where I was cast in the one-act play, How He Lied to Her Husband by George Bernard Shaw, and starred alongside Bob and Michelle McCue, both long-time supporters of community theatre and the arts,” said Bondy.

The 33 year-old is recently completed his second year in the Teacher Education Program through The University of Victoria and the College of the Rockies, and was recently offered the rare opportunity to receive professional circus arts training as a part of the curriculum.

“I already knew a fair amount about the logistics behind putting on a theatrical production, and I was already planning to use my theatre background to compliment my teaching style,” said Bondy. “I’ve been in numerous productions on stage and off, as an actor, comedian and musician. I also taught myself how to juggle objects and find the practice to be engaging and entertaining. So when I learned that I could receive professional circus arts training, I felt it was right up my alley.”

Bondy says that initially it was uncertain if the training would be available to those enrolled in the Teacher Education Program, as it would require those students to travel to Montreal. However, one of the instructors was able to generate enough interest in the course amongst students and members of the community, that the training will be available through online courses and having instructors fly in from Montreal.

After completing the circus arts and teacher education training, Bondy plans to become involved in the implementation of a new physical literacy program in East Kootenay.

“While I am not entirely certain of the details, I will be working with my former Physical Literacy instructor to build the program from the ground up, by generating interest and delivering quality instruction in recreational circus arts for the purpose of providing youth with quality physical literacy and education,” said Bondy.

“It is also mentioned on the course description that many teachers and social workers use the circus arts to help at-risk youth in their communities. I also plan to host circus arts workshops in Kimberley and Cranbrook for the purpose of continuing to grow and develop our community of performing arts, an aspect which I feel is very important for both social and economic growth.

“Through my teacher education training, I have learned about the numerous benefits behind proving quality physical literacy to youth and adult populations. Individuals who regularly participate in physical activity live longer, are happier, are more socially engaged, and have an increased ability to learn and process information.

“Recreational circus arts, like dance or gymnastics, allow individuals to use their balance, coordination, movement and strength to create art in new and interesting ways. I feel that a physical education program that takes advantage of the circus arts will allow young people to discover a new way of showcasing their talents and physical ability.”

The circus arts training begins June 25, and continues until October 20, which means Bondy will be continuing his circus arts training and teacher education training simultaneously. The training includes how to properly set up equipment and apparatus, and other aspects involved in introducing recreational circus arts to youth.

A majority of the training is delivered through online instruction with two weeks of additional, hands-on instruction from professional circus arts instructors.

Be sure to look out for Bondy upon graduation, and also check him out in Turner and Adler’s production of Deathtrap, this June.

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Local performer, Jerrod Bondy, to bring Circus Arts training to Kimberley (Ecole Nationale de Cirque File)


Corey Bullock

About the Author: Corey Bullock

Corey Bullock is a multimedia journalist and writer who grew up in Burlington, Ontario.
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