SWS Alum, Ezra Weill (high school class of 2012), invited our students to his most recent performance with Acrobatic Conundrum, a contemporary circus arts troupe presenting their latest work Threads at 12th Avenue Arts on Capitol Hill. Grades 4 – 8 experienced the amazing aerial work, rope acrobatics, juggling feats, and beautiful music that accompanied the performance. Transfixed from the moment it started, the students and chaperones were in awe of the strength, artistry, and beauty of the show.

Ezra Weill performs on the rope

After the show, the performers graciously answered questions from our students, which included, “have you ever fallen?” and “how hard is it to juggle in heels?” They shared their circus related experiences and also imparted some words of wisdom to the students. Acrobatic Conundrum Director Terry Crane shared that “risk is part of what makes circus so exciting” and that “life is full of risks, but it’s good to take those risks and be brave.” This resonates with the Waldorf philosophy as we support students daily to take healthy risks in their academics, performances, friendships, and hands-on experience allowing them to gain an understanding for hard work and sometimes failure. Without failure, there isn’t growth.

When our students were asked what they thought of the show, one of our 7th graders eloquently reflected that if you want to fly, like those on the aerial ropes, you need to be supported by your friends, or else you might fall. The performers all agreed and shared stories about how they have felt supported by each other throughout this show.

Ezra attended Seattle Waldorf School from preschool through high school. He started performing around Seattle as a kid with his sister and went on to attend l‘Ecole National de Cirque in Montreal, where he completed his studies in 2015 with a degree in aerial rope and hat juggling. Based in Europe, Ezra performs all around the world these days, often coming back to Seattle to share his talent.