It is well known among Longwood students that the campus offers vivid and entertaining events on a regular basis to not only give students something to distress, but to raise money for great causes. One of such events is the Untamed Elements Show that is being put on by Ashley "Hoop Girl" Russell and a team of other extremely talented performers. The performance features an aerial show put on by the Hoop Girl herself. The event is being held in Jarman Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12. The shows will vary slightly each night due to changes in the performers' availability, and tickets cost $5 per individual. All proceeds go toward the Southside SPCA.
Ashley and her team worked hard to convey the idea of animals in the show. The theme is based upon African wilderness, and each performer is dressed as a different African animal. The tracks used for the performance are tribal, and everything in the performance is very cohesive. Ashley hopes that the turnout is a success under the consideration that in order for the shelter to take care of the animals it takes in, the cost is around $160 per cat or dog per year. Now also take into consideration that the SPCA holds around 150 cats or dogs at a time. The numbers add up to nearly frightening amounts. Hoop Girl hopes for at least 100 people to attend each night; this way she will have successfully raised $1000 dollars for the shelter.
The preparation for the show has been long and strenuous. Ashley began work just over six months ago on May 1. The reason for such a particular date is that an individual's first year in the circus is referred to as "The First of May." This way she held on to tradition as well as made enough time for her and her team to properly prepare for the show. An aerial rig had to be built as well as tested to make sure it passed stress tests. All of the props had to be built, costumes sewn, and all of the performers had to have time to practice and perfect their art. Ashley says that she had to personally train at least eight to10 hours a week, and the same goes for some of the other performers.
Many could believe that Ashley and the other performers have been performing their art their entire life. However, this isn't the case for everyone. Ashley did not pick up a hula hoop until two years ago when she saw a video on Youtube. From there her aspiration to be the "local circus chick" took off. Although she dedicates her time to performing, Ashley is a Biology Major with a dual concentration and a minor in psychology. Ashley and the other performers of Untamed Elements are an example of the great things that Longwood students can achieve. The show is destined to be incredible and goes toward a noble cause that affects everyone who has ever come in contact with a stray cat or dog, or has had an animal that they simply couldn't keep.
Ashley left off with her thoughts and feelings regarding the show. "How do I feel about the show?" she asked. "I'm REALLY excited. Sometimes, I just sit back and imagine it, and I can't help but grin. This is my passion. But I also have times where I can't wait for it to be over. It's really time consuming, but I think it's totally worth it if I can help out the shelter while I pursue my dream"
