Dec 29, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Parvaneh Pessian

WHITBY -- Free falling is how Emma Stones describes the experience of leaving behind her family and friends after landing a spot three years ago at the prestigious National Circus School.

"It was really scary because I had no idea what to expect and I was literally starting at zero," said the 16-year-old from Whitby, who has been gracefully climbing her way to the top since then and is currently in her third year at the Montreal school.

"I had a hard time adjusting at first because it was quite a change but it's been such a good experience and I'm so happy I made the choice to go."

Established in 1981, the National Circus School is the only school in North America that offers a full high school and college program, in addition to circus arts training,

Students undergo grueling 10-hour days as they engage in a balancing act between their academics and their passion for the circus arts.

The school functions on a half-day schedule split between circus training -- comprised of all types of basic skills such as acrobatics, trampoline, juggling and trapeze -- and regular educational classes found in other high schools.

Emma was only six years old when she began attending Jennifer's Arts in Motion dance studio on Hopkins Street in Whitby but she said she knew right away she would one day step into the ring.

"What I've learned is that it's not just about being flexible, being able to tumble and all that, but you also have to have stage presence and creativity," said Emma, who is home for the holidays and is returning to Quebec early next month.

"Even if you're amazingly talented in acrobatics, if you can't present yourself and be outgoing, then it's not going to come across the way you want."

Emma attributes her strength and endurance throughout her studies to the support she's received from her family and friends, especially her long-time best friend, Kristen Bright, and her parents.

"It was difficult the first year but it's a small sacrifice if, at the end of the day, she's going to live out her dream," said Emma's father Mike Stones.

"You draw comfort from the fact she's surrounded by good people at the school and the program is phenomenal."

Emma hasn't yet decided on a specialization in the circus arts but is leaning toward the aerial hoop. She is looking forward to continuing her education at the college level of the National Circus School and eventually reaching her childhood dream of joining Cirque du Soleil.

"Every single show of theirs is so unique, everything they do is jaw-dropping and I think it's just incredible to be able to entertain people like that," she said, adding her bedroom wall is adorned with Cirque posters and she has seen the performance live at least four times.

"It's inspiring to watch because sometimes when you're training, you get tired but then when you see the show, it reminds you of what you're training for."

The National Circus School's recruitment campaign is currently in full swing with jury members travelling Canada in search of the next future circus performers. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 15 with auditions being held throughout February in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

Call: 1-800-267-0859

E-mail: info@enc.qc.ca

Visit: www.nationalcircusschool.ca