Beverly Wan’s journey to become a circus artist in Singapore is highlighted, defying the skepticism of those who doubted her aspirations. Beverly Wan’s determination led her to establish her own circus, Frisque SG, despite the challenges she faced.
“Watching cartoon characters and pop stars alike performing flips and stunts, a young Beverly Wan could see herself pulling off the same acrobatics,” showcasing her early fascination with circus acts and acrobatics. Growing up in a family where she and her siblings picked up parkour from their father and Chinese dance from their mother, she found herself drawn to combining these skills into a circus art form. “I had the parkour experience, the dance experience, you put it together and you have a circus artist,” she shared, reflecting on her unique journey to realizing her dream.
Ms. Wan’s determination and perseverance are evident in her relentless pursuit of training and development to refine her skills, from attending acrobatics and flying trapeze courses in the region to co-founding the Circus of Altrades company. Despite facing skepticism and doubts from others, Wan’s dedication and passion for circus arts not only led to the establishment of her own circus group, Frisque SG, but also garnered the support of 36 performers, including acrobats and musicians.
Despite the challenges of showcasing their talents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Wan remained resolute in her pursuit. “A lot of people doubt what they are going to come and watch, they don’t know what we can do, they don’t know what it’s going to look like, they don’t know what to expect,” Ms Wan shared, acknowledging the misconceptions about circuses and the difficulty in selling tickets to defray production costs.
Ms. Wan’s unwavering determination to build a circus community in Singapore, despite discouraging comments from others suggesting her dreams would only be achievable abroad, showcases her resilience. “I don’t want to leave the country. Something needs to grow. If everyone that has a talent leaves, then Singapore will always be the place you don’t come (to) if you want to chase your dreams,” Ms. Wan stated, emphasizing her commitment to creating opportunities for others in Singapore’s performing arts industry.
Ms. Wan’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals in pursuing their dreams, and her unwavering dedication to establishing a thriving circus community in Singapore serves as an inspiration for aspiring performers and artists.
