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| | A Blue Team Summer
Posted on 08/27/2008 by Flame
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Hello Aerial Angels' fans! Flame here. You may remember me from such events as King Richard's Faire 2007, the Alaska 2008 extravanganza and the Spring 2008 Southeastern Tour de Force. Up until now, you have known me as the number 3 - the shadow, the cheerleader and the support (secret weapon, perhaps) behind the Isabella/Spike powerhouse.
Well, this summer I threw away the pom poms and joined forces with the graceful and talented Mimi and the live action hero, Duke, to form a new team ready for the Summer 2008 tour. We traveled in the US and Canada learning the ropes and earning our wings (yes, the puns are intended). And now, thousands of miles, several pairs of ripped tights, and three cans of fuel later, our tour has come to a close and I find myself reflecting back on the summer... And, what the heck, I'm dragging you along for the ride.
Our story begins in Kalamazoo where Duke, Mimi and I began blue team rehearsals, or what we like to call "a crash course in Aerial Angels." In the span of a week, we not only perfected our routines and tricks, we introduced Duke to eating fire. We took down and put up and took down and put up the rig. And, tied it to the roof rack. All while being timed by Isabella (no pressure). We learned the art of the sound system and a few spells to cast on it just in case. We learned what goes in and what does not go in the team gear suitcase. Note: this is very important - A place for everything and everything in its place, a place for every.... *ahem* We learned our lines. We learned our lines in the park while passersby interrupted with political petitions. We learned our lines in Spike's living room while she quizzed us with questions. We learned our lines in Spike's backyard while playing tag as guerrillas underwater (don't ask). Let's just say we did, eventually, learn our lines. At which point we were ready to be on our way. So, we packed up the car and, with a kiss goodbye, Spike and Isabella waved and teared up a bit as we pulled out of the driveway. Okay, it didn't ACTually happen that way, but that's how I'd like to remember it...
Over the summer, the blue team traveled to Cobourg, Brockville and Milton, Ontario as well as Sterling, NY, Centerville, Ohio and Holland, MI. Sometimes our crowds were small. In Sterling, NY when the rain wouldn't let up, there were only a few people remaining at the faire. A handful of people stood out in the woods in the rain to see the fire-eaters close up. They were grateful for the entertainment and we were happy to give such an intimate show to such a great audience. Other times our crowds were huge. In Centerville, Ohio we were the preshow for the regionally famous fireworks display. 6,000 people were in the bleachers of the stadium and several hundred more were outside the gates peering in. We learned what it is like to perform with the adrenaline from the deafening music over the loud speakers and what it is like to have 6,000 people laugh on cue. Needless to say, we were instantly addicted. Through all the gigs we met some amazing performers and fans that we can't wait to see again down the road.
Now, summer is coming to a close and the blue team is going their separate ways. Duke has gone to Texas to start grad school in Theater. Mimi and I have one last hurrah at the Pennsylvania Ren Faire this weekend, then she's off to Maryland and I'm on my way to King Richard's. The blue team tour may be over, but it gave us all experiences we'll never forget. Mimi did her first pull up. Duke wore his first codpiece. And, Flame had her first wardrobe malfunction, Janet Jackson style, on the streets of Holland. Ah, memories. |
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