The circus life — a Northeast girl flies high

Northeast teenager Aubrey Larson is on a journey of self-discovery through the circus and daring aerial feats. 

As part of Circus Juventas’ “Jangala,” the local company’s big 30th-anniversary summer production, she’ll appear in one of “14 jaw-dropping performances.”

Larson started talking classes at Circus Juventas (CJ) in 2016, when she was eight. Now at age 16, she will be a junior next year at Edison High School and has worked her way into one of CJ’s high-level acts. This is no small feat. 

“I’m super excited about the summer production,” Larson said in a recent phone interview. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was little.” 

Larson has five siblings and the family, lifelong Northeast residents, discovered CJ by attending performances. Her mother, Cristina Larson, said that when Aubrey, her older sister, and two of her brothers started introductory classes, it was Aubrey who ultimately fell in love. She soon had her heart set on being in the more advanced acts. She also realized there was a path to follow and hard work to get there. 

Cristina said, “Last year, Aubrey was taking 11 classes for 11 hours a week. She can be there from one to five hours a day.”

The work paid off when she earned a part in “Jangala,” which started July 26 and runs to August 11 at CJ’s big top in St. Paul. The organization describes the show as set on a secret island featuring characters from The Jungle Book, Tarzan and Swiss Family Robinson in a “circus jungle adventure mashup.” The story follows three adventurous school girls as they reclaim their power and save the island.

Aubrey will appear after the intermission in the aerial straps act which requires extreme strength, flexibility and precision. Using what looks like two ribbons attached in the rigging above, performers wrap the strap ends around their hands and wrists to hoist themselves up to do aerial twists, rolls and other tricky maneuvers. It’s similar to men’s rings in gymnastics.

But there was a time Aubrey felt Circus, which is how she refers to CJ, was just another thing she had to do. 

“During COVID when I was stuck in the house,” she said, “I asked my mom and dad for a mini hammock, which we set it up in the living room. I used it as a beginner apparatus, spending all afternoon trying to figure out tricks, like flips and splits. Once, the knot that I’d tied to hold it up broke, and I fell and broke my finger. I had to stop training for a month or two.”

When Circus opened up again, she said, “I went back and doubled my classes. I like going there and learning different things. I work on them over and over. It feels really good when I get it, and I want to do it some more. I’m an extrovert, so I also missed the people.

“I like that I can see how far I’ve come and being strong and flexible. I’ve put a ton of work into it and I’m happy with myself. It feels really good to get up there and show people what I’ve learned.” 

Training with Circus Juventas

What began 30 years ago as a part-time recreational program has now evolved into a formal, circus training school for youth with 819 students, 325 classes and 37 coaches specializing in aerial, acrobatic, juggling, balance, theater and dance. CJ’s intensive classes progress from exploratory to intermediate and beyond, with optional work in skills including trapeze, hoop diving and wall trampoline. For those who make it that far, there’s a professional program. 

Classes are $230 for one class with discounts for multiple classes, and scholarships are available. The array of public performances features the most advanced students complete with extensive sets, custom costuming and professional lighting. 

Aubrey said coach Chimgee Haltarhuu has had the most significant impact on the circus performer she is today. Haltarhuu has been teaching at CJ since 2002. She began her training in gymnastics at age 11 in her native Mongolia and gained one of two coveted spots at the Mongolian State Circus College. In 1991, she came to the U.S. when her act was selected by Ringling Brothers Circus. 

 “I love Aubrey,” Haltarhuu said. “She always says ‘OK’ and smiles. She is an amazing girl, really determined, focused and very committed to being a good performer. She is a good influence for others in the class. This is hard work paying off. By next year, she’ll be doing even more. I’m very happy to work with her.”

Aubrey has gained more than aerial skills through the process. “The community makes me feel good about myself. It brightens up my day and gives me a break from the stress of schoolwork.” 

Her mother Cristina said, “I think it’s a way for her to decompress. She gets out of her mind and it’s her happy place.”

The future

Aubrey hasn’t decided yet what she wants to do after graduating in 2026. When asked if she wants to be a professional circus performer, she said, “I’ve thought about it. But it might be more of a side thing, probably not my whole career. For the longest time I wanted to be a vet, so maybe something medical.”

Cristina commented, “If she wanted to be a circus performer, I’d be happy to support that. It’s been such a love of hers for so many years that I wouldn’t be surprised if she ended up doing it in some form.” 

Ironically, Aubrey hasn’t been to other circuses. She said when she tells people she’s with a circus they always ask, “You mean like with elephants and monkeys?” And she laughs. 

Meanwhile, Aubrey still manages to run cross country and track at Edison, visit Northeast parks and stop by Sarah Jane’s Bakery or The Coffee Shop Northeast. 

She cannot wait to perform everything that she has worked so hard on at Circus. “I love the feeling of performing and the costumes, makeup, lights, sounds, and even the smells,” said Aubrey. “It smells like popcorn and hot dogs — it’s very nostalgic.”