Circus is a niche skill. It’s not one that is usually in school curriculum \u2013 so Phare artists have some pretty special talents that others don’t possess.<\/p>\n
Of course just because the students are talented, skilled and experienced in a unique skill doesn’t mean they have an easy ride into employment outside of Phare. There are only so many places that one can drop into the splits, or contort in hanging silks.<\/p>\n
More and more students from Phare are graduating from school with incredible skills and a passion for their art. The curriculum is strong and the professionalism of the artists is growing. And while there are some opportunities in Cambodia to secure a long-term career, greater opportunities exist abroad.<\/p>\n
![\"Contortion](\"\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/B2_0563-300x184.jpg\")
Cirque du Soleil is a goal for some, but there are many companies around the world creating productions that could use an artist with circus skills. Xavier Gobin, formerly the Director of Operations at Phare, has switched roles and is now in the process of researching these opportunities, contacting the right people and organising auditions (in person or by video).<\/p>\n
This is a huge and complex task. If Phare artists gain a position overseas, they have to deal with moving, visas, learning a new language and a completely new way of working and living\u2026 it can be incredibly daunting, and almost impossible to achieve without some level of support from Phare\u2026 that’s where Xavier comes in.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we launch the international careers for many of our artists <\/span>Phare becomes like a springboard… it’s a launching pad for our artist to <\/span>become r<\/span>epresentatives of Phare around the world. <\/span>This <\/span>in turn has impact for our reputation worldwide. <\/span>It shows we have a <\/span>very good training program, Phare artists can compete on a global stage <\/span>and that <\/span>they\u2019re that well-trained… we <\/span>are here to <\/span>give <\/span>them<\/span> a push.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Xavier use to be a professional ballet dancer in France and so has a wide knowledge of the industry to help him in his quest. \u201cI know many dance companies because of my previous career and over the past eight years working at Phare I’ve gotten to know many circuses in Europe. I can also go through other contacts through friends of friends and of course looking out for auditions and creating relationships with well-known circuses like Cirque du Soleil. They often have auditions all over the world, as well as Cirque du Monde who are always looking for trainers… I’m going to knock on every door.\u201d<\/p>\n Like many sectors of the arts industry the global market for circus performers is quite competitive, \u201cbut I think Phare Ponleu Selpak is a great school for it’s polyvalence.\u201d<\/p>\n Phare artists not only are skilled in the physical circus acts but they are also \u201cvery spontaneous on stage, which is a huge quality in the performing arts. They are very theatrical, likeable and have incredible stage presence as soon as the enter a stage…\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Sequence](\"\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Sequence-01.png\")
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