Sophomore Shaylee and senior Mia Weicht show off their athletic skills on the soccer field, track, and swimming pool, but much of their athletic prowess has to do with having a remarkable knowledge of circus performance.

Mia and Shaylee completed their circus training at their old school called DaySpring Arts and Education. They started at the age of nine for Mia and six for Shaylee.

“The classes we took offered us everything, acrobatics, tumbling, like partner acro, and even aerial stuff,” Shaylee said.

Mia and Shaylee were originally there for theater, but they saw classes for circus while signing up and thought it would be fun. While they were enrolled at DaySpring Arts and Education, the circus classes were through Kinetic Tapestry Physical Theater as a special program.

Their mother, Katie Harmon, loved watching them and seeing them grow over the years.

“I love the self-confidence, teamwork and the positive atmosphere. I love the excitement around nailing a stunt or sticking a landing. I love the determination it takes to overcome obstacles. I love the creativity it takes to choreograph a routine,” Harmon said.

Harmon was unsure at first, but has grown to enjoy the skills that her children can learn in the program.

“I thought it would be really neat for them to learn such a variety of things like juggling, acro, balancing, silks, trapeze, stunts, and unicycling,” Harmon said. “I really put my trust in the teachers. They are excellent, give detailed instructions, and create a safe environment for the kids to learn! I had peace and confidence, so I felt comfortable with the girls doing everything the classes offered.”

Mia and Shaylee may not be doing circus anymore, but they still use some of the things they were taught, especially as they continue their athletic careers at Ritenour.

“I definitely (use circus skills), like flexibility based stuff I still use for dance,” Shaylee said. “And it is cool for party tricks being able to tumble.”

Like Shaylee, Mia uses some of the skills she learned in her classes.

“The biggest thing the circus taught me was how to listen to my body better and be more in-tune with myself,” Mia said.

While the Weichts no longer continue their circus performances, Harmon was glad that the girls entered the program and have gained skills that help them today.

“I loved watching them. They did things far beyond what I ever imagined,” Harmon said. “The neatest thing was watching them grow over the years and seeing how they refined and increased their skills at a significant rate.”