Meet Jessica Hill Ex Dancer, Aerialist and current Director of Showtime Circus
Meet the sensational Jessica Hill, ex dancer, aerialist and current Director of Showtime Circus.
What types of dance did you train and perform in?
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, then on to aerial and circus.
How many years did you dedicate to dance?
Training/Hobby from 2-16, Competing and more intense training 16-18 and then Degree 18-21, Career from age 21-35
What prompted you to transition out of being a full-time dancer?
The desire for something a little more stable prompted me to start my own circus company, this took up more time then I envisaged as it grew so quickly! This teamed with Covid, and then endometriosis having a huge impact on my fitness levels all lead to a slow transition out of being a performer.
Memories & Impact:
What is your fondest memory from your dancing career?
Seeing the world as I performed on a cruise ship, in particular seeing the ship for the first time. The friendships made on contracts and the adventures had!
Did dance teach you any life lessons that you still carry with you today?
Dance taught me how to be resourceful which is one of my strongest assets now I believe! This is from travelling a lot and having to make things work! It taught me to always respect the chain of command, and how to have intelligent conversations around disagreements and that being fun to be around lead to getting more jobs, rather than being talented and hard to work with!
How has your relationship with movement and physical activity changed since transitioning out of dance?
My relationship with movement now is more that it is a chore rather than a joy, and this is because I am still comparing my old fitness levels and not yet able to admit that I am not able to do what I used to be able to! Hopefully I will get there and have a full circle moment back to enjoying movement again!
Costumes & Creativity:
Did you have a favorite costume you ever wore?
Showgirl Costumes in Benidorm Palace, they were SO cleverly designed, every single detail had been thought of, they were opulant and well looked after.
If you could design your dream dance costume now, what would it look like?
Flesh Catsuit with diamonds on and a floaty skirt on one side and floaty shoulder on the other in dusky pink, with ALL of the rhinestones and appliques!
Final Thoughts:
Do you miss being a full-time dancer?
I miss the adventures, and I miss every day being different! I miss the comradery on a job and how much FUN was had backstage. I don’t miss the uncertainty of payments and being self employed!
Would you encourage others to pursue dance as a passion or career? I think it is VERY different now, and much more competitive, however, I think with the correct support network and desire to make it work you can still carve a very successful career. Being open to different jobs and learning additional skills will always be an advantage and add to your repertoire!
Is there any advice you'd give to your younger self about your dance journey?
Make a travel journal and stick to it! I cant remember half the adventures I went on and I really wish I had!
I wouldn’t change what I have experience and achieved for the world!
