Manda Hutchinson

Academic learning was never able to be my strong suit as much as I tried to fit in in school. It seemed I was born to stand out, Thankfully I was able to soak up all my spare time in the theatre doing improv, shows, dance routines and monologues. 

 My first introduction to circus came at 17 years old fresh out of home, ready to learn on my own two feet. I discovered Pole fitness in Wellington, New Zealand. What a vulnerable sport to choose at the age of 17, pole requires strength through your bare skin which is a mental, physical and emotional challenge. Pole gyms held me and my mental health for 7 years, this sport allowed me access within; to love my body, conquer my negative thoughts and pain and allow a community to support me. I was constantly working towards a competitive level. Performing is a whole other challenge, however it teaches us to be proud of our challenges, to be vulnerable enough to display ourselves and to be witnessed. 

I went on to learn silks, trapeze, hammocks and acro as I travelled around, eventually able to cover as a coach. I have been a part of Salt Spring Island Circus and Gymnastics since 2018 as both a coach and a volunteer. 

Teaching the art of gymnastics and circus are what I believe to be the healthy foundation of how we can learn to be brave, be confident, trust and be kind. The skills and community I found when I joined the circus are what helped shape the human I want to be today. Today I choose to be a teacher in what I have learnt to help others develop into whoever they wish to be.