Conversations with the Inspiring Emma Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Collins.

Emma, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Everyone wants to be a superhero. Growing up, Batman’s sidekick Robin was always my favorite. The former acrobat always amazed me with his flips in tricks. When I found out that there was a circus school near me, I tried it. My mother always jokes about which of my circus skills would translate best to crime fighting, The first time I ever flew on a flying trapeze I never wanted to come down.

My circus training was really able to blossom after I graduated from college and moved back to Phoenix. I was able to pursue not only aerial arts but also dabble in stilt walking and fire eating as well. I have yet to find a circus act I didn’t want to try. On average, I train about 10-12 hours a week.

At first, circus was all about fitness for me. It is much more fun to walk a mile on stilts than on a treadmill. I have always loved to perform. It was a natural next step for me to take my passion for circus and move it to the stage.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think one of the biggest struggles for me was comparing my journey to other people. With how prevalent social media is in our daily lives it is very easy to get fixated on what other people are doing and feeling inadequate in comparison. I think it is important for anyone getting started to remember that progress isn’t linear. You are going to have some weeks where you feel on top of the world and then others, where you feel like your skills, have regressed. It is important to just keep going, the only way to get better is to keep moving forward.

For me, as well as body image was a big struggle. When I first started, I was constantly worried about never being strong enough or flexible enough but I had amazing coaches and community support that has allowed me to peruse my passion. Every time you learn a new skill that you thought was impossible for you, it is such an amazing feeling. It really shows you what your body is capable of when you push it.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in stilt walking and dance trapeze. As a stilt walker, I am a greeter, entertainment, and a living photo opportunity for events. One of my favorite parts of going out to events is seeing the magic in kid’s eyes as they see the circus. The confusion on people’s face when I’m getting in and out of elevators while on stilts is also fun. In everything I do, I try to make people smile and have fun.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I have found that the circus community is incredibility supportive to anyone that joins. When I first got started in aerial arts, I was a lot heavier than a lot of the other girls. I was so nervous and worried that I wouldn’t be able to succeed but found the community incredibly supportive of all body types and working with people where they were at that moment. Most of my mentors have been women.

Contact Info:

• Email: emmacollins1994@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.c.315/

Image Credit:
Tim Brunty, Tiffany Eichelberger

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