Pictures courtesy Bucks Free Press

Bucks Free Press reporter Jemma Pearce (right) saw the chance to realise a childhood dream when the circus came to town – and she became part of the show.

As a child, Jemma had always loved to watch the clowns, animals and acrobats perform in the big top, and felt a rush of excitment when she learnt of the Chinese State Circus’s impending visit.

And as she joined the trapeze artists for a practice session, she swapped the relative comfort of the newsroom for a thin piece of wire eight metres above the ground – which she was required to balance on!

Jemma said: “As I walked into the big top, the sight of a bungee trapeze dangling from the rigging greeted me.

“It didn’t look too frightening at first glance. But I didn’t make a habit of looking skywards until I was warmed up and ready to give it a go.

“The really terrifying moment came when I was presented with a luminous fuschia pink lycra sequined cat suit, an added touch to make my challenge appear more authentic.”

Feeling a little self-conscious, Jemma watched as the performers effortlessly negotiated a pole to reach the trapeze platform eight metres above, until it was her turn.

She said: “Half-way into my climb, I felt my knees begin to tremble and a wave of fear swept over me. I looked below where a group of circus staff had gathered to shout encouragement and pulled myself together.

“Once I had made it to the platform, I felt far more relaxed. The rest of the team of acrobats swiftly joined me under the intense heat of the spotlights.”

As the performers began to launch themselves off the platform, it began to move, but Jemma was undeterred.

She said: “The platform where I was standing was just a rod of metal less than an inch wide, but at this stage, anything solid under my feet was better than nothing.”

And after climbing back down to solid ground, Jemma returned to the safety of the newsroom.

She said: “I was tempted to abandon my notepad and pen for a life in the circus. Unfortunately, I think it is safe to assume that my skills would be more suited to a job in the box office rather than the ring itself.”

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