How to Run Away and Join the Circus

Kristin Finley had a comfortable life in Los Angeles with a stable job, a decent salary and solid benefits. But everything changed when she took her first trapeze class. In fact, she loved it so much that she decided to-quite literally-run away and join the circus. Now, she's living her dream at dizzying new heights.
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This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.

[@amadeus3418]

was kinda looking for an actual guide but this was cool too

[@Ludix147]

Bro Ski ok here u go: 1. run away 2. join a circus

[@andy118111]

There is no guide.

[@scp--297]

Bro Ski Same.

[@vijaysahu5201]

Bro Ski

[@maasharde6608]

Jabeth

[@ShadyNine]

Good for her, she deviated from the norm to do what she loves and has no regrets!

[@sakoupa]

She should be an example for others. How to work hard and be happy. Not to be happy by parasitizing and stealing shoes from foot locker.

[@Udontkno7]

Hasan Abdurahman ibn Hatab Sounds specific. What happened?

[@sakoupa]

+aromantic kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2eQqaKhn7hnhqc

[@solemanali7623]

Sha dynine7222

[@BKDash-ge1dz]

Hasan Abdurahman ibn Hatab .... ....

[@Mb-vs3lw]

That's the scary part, having to leave a life of stability and good pay for something so uncertain

[@hereforjhs7026]

but that's the exciting part, not knowing what's going to happen and being able to get out of your comfort zone

[@coralsin9708]

If you get a good work, like a place to stay in, in the circus, usually they pay really good, prices that surprise "ordinary" people

[@Kale6196]

W o r t h I t

[@itsrylee2655]

Life is about taking risks and following your dreams!

[@XdDubs]

Dont show the commentor their salary

[@smponce9]

Why down vote this? She is living her passion! Haters gonna hate, smh

[@nicolochanleo5730]

Susan Ponce taters gonna tate

[@smponce9]

nicolochan leo~ rrrright.

[@evehalcyon2063]

Susan Ponce this ain't Reddit you dingus

[@NeverTilt96]

I want to dislike but I won't tbh I hate the circus animal abuse is real there.

[@khanhlinh4919]

iCeArrowKappa R-really?!!

[@EugeneGM1]

This doesn't tell me how to run away and join the Circus! It just tells me how to make a dedicated career change! :p

[@evehalcyon2063]

Ian Hawley LOL

[@scp--297]

I know right!

[@johnk3903]

this is exactly what joining the circus is, a dedicated career change!

[@july_anna7708]

Why did i laugh so hard at this lol

[@AffordBindEquipment]

giving up the supposed American dream is the first step and most people can't get beyond having it all, mortgaged by the future, the American way. That's the first step. After that doing that hardest part, you can do just about anything....

[@ericcartman4166]

Once corona is over I’m starting at circus school. I’m 12 and this is my dream. Wish me luck☺️ Edit: I’m 13 now and they excepted me into the school so as soon as Covid over I’m gonna start taking flying trapeze lessons! So excited!!!😃 (also thanks for all the positivity 🥰)

[@NoeliAcoba]

This is awesome to hear! Good luck! I'm a circus performer myself 😊

[@blueradish7634]

Ok

[@emgilb5]

How long does circus school last? Also good luck!!

[@ericcartman4166]

Crystals Are Clear I’m not sure I think it’s optional, you pull out when your ready.

[@ericcartman4166]

Noeli Acoba I have a question, do you get payed enough to make a proper living at the circus? Because people tell me I shouldn’t because it won’t pay enough. Also what’s it like to be a part of the circus?🙃

[@HEWHOTAWNS]

Like, I know people say "run away and join the circus" as an insult or joke but she LITERALLY ran away and joined the circus.

[@samuraiboy94]

Her bravery and resolve is frightening, and inspiring at the same time.

[@Asdfghjkl-us5jr]

I am 17 and I want to do this. I wanna run away and join a circus and travel with it in Europe and live out my dream!

[@tyleruwu902]

Antisocial Anime fan obviously

[@mr.zenedin1735]

Hi does you do wont to work in circus

[@fabulouslwolf4565]

DO IT life is too short for u to have any regrets

[@thebirbflock2006]

Just do it without animals

[@Asdfghjkl-us5jr]

Hahah totally forgot about this comment 😂😂 Since you two just commented on it, I just wanted to say. I eventually got an opportunity to work at a circus, but chickened out. Now I’ve been studying to become a mechanic for some time. Oh how life changes and time goes by :’)

[@tracyqin7589]

She looks so young to be in her late 30s

[@siddhantkhorjuvekar]

My shiteu Is strong power thats because she is working in circus and doing all those acrobatic stunts . If she had been doing her earlier job till now she would have looked much older by now.

[@mchjsosde]

aslesh my mom has worked as a teacher all her life and people still mistake her for a twenty-something (when her greys are dyed). Sometimes it's just genes

[@Nini-vu4rg]

Yoonji😂

[@Mark723]

Thank you so much for sharing - how many people dream of running away to join the circus...and you have shown how it's done and explained what is necessary to make it work. You are an amazing inspiration and a marvelous person. And, agreed: looking way to young to have been doing this for fifteen years!

[@MartinTabanag]

that's so true. it doesn't matter if you are driving a lexus but you are not happy. as long as you're happy then do it. that's why i love making films like these. it inspires me to continue doing it.

[@mithundeka8606]

Hi Iam from India (Assam) I want to with you friendship

[@aldcqueens4406]

this video literally made me join the circus. I had my first class today and it was AMAZING

[@waskhan2488]

ALDC Queensland to 7

[@kenziemarie374]

How do you join

[@dazzawesome]

It's not wrong to do what makes you happy, but it is wrong not to do what you love. Bless her soul.

[@SassyWinterFox]

As an aerialist myself im happy she says to stay confident. I doubt many new tricks but everyone reminds you to be confident. To trust your body. We ignore our teachers but once we hear it from a performer we can see on stage (regardless of your teachers having once done the same thing) we finally listen.

[@asherselig7408]

that's amazing

[@sydneymorton1285]

My grandparents were on the road when my mom was a kid. My grandpa welded for the circus and my grandma home schooled the circus kids. It makes me sad to see that this performance art is really dying.

[@sowusuchrisbrown]

15 years ago she was 24, thats means she's 39. Whattt, she looks bomb!

[@rubinakhatun3166]

First Name Here English settle English cattle

[@iluvmilfs7891]

This has always been my childhood dream.

[@biblicallyaccurateangel1378]

I always thought that circuses like this weren’t real. I read fantasy books with circuses like this and always imagined them to be real, but thought they were just fantasy. This is amazing! I never thought that something so mystical was real.

[@ellarose5885]

I just watched the greatest showman IT was such a good movie it was so meaningful and it made me cry now I want to be in the circus again

[@johmcg64]

That lady is a real entertainer and I want to pay to see that show in person. I was amazed by the trapeze when I saw the circus so I know what it is about.

[@ichikireiLV]

Hey Girl!! I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!... HOW YOU FELT! THERE IS NOTHING LIKE FLYING THRU THE AIR SO FAST YOU CANNOT EVEN VISUALIZE WHAT IS AROUND YOU, BUT YOU KNOW THE TIMING. YOU KNOW THAT EXACT MOMENT WHEN THAT FLIGHT WILL END AND YOUR TRUSTED PARTNERS' STRONG HANDS WILL CATCH YOU. THERE IS NO OTHER FREEDOM QUITE LIKE IT. THERE IS NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL. IT IS LIKE WATCHING A BEAUTIFUL BIRD, A BALLERINA, IN THE SKY. IT IS FEARFUL, IT IS CHALLENGING, IT IS ADDICTIVE, IT IS TRAPEZE.. AND I FIND MYSELF SO PRIVILEGED TO HAVE MET SOME OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY THAT TRUSTED ME AND TRAINED ME TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. IT.... WAS.... FABULOUS!!

[@jossjoss4945]

TaZiaSolstice thats what i was wondering lol

[@franciscosaca2767]

Ichikirei Number One Beauty your beautiful

[@a_johnny]

I want to be a tight rope walker so bad, but It's really hard trying to convince your parents to let you go to circus school! 😂😅☺🙂😐😣😢😭

[@janshepard55]

Abby Does Thingz that's why this video is called how to run away and join the circus. Haha

[@lilycrowther4731]

Tightrope is a relatively easy thing to self teach, up to a certain point. Until your parents let you go practice balancing on anything you can find. Kerbs, low railings, chain fences etc. All the skills you’ll develop are transferable to when you eventually get on the rope!

[@mr.zenedin1735]

Hi

[@Kale6196]

Yeah... ikr

[@jessieknox879]

I didn't start training for circus until I was 21! Start working on other skills that will supplement your tightrope walking and make it easier to improve quickly. Work on your balance, flexibility and pointe. If you can convince your parents to let you start learning ballet, that helps A LOT in any circus skill as it provides spacial awareness, strength and grace of movement - which you need for any act! You could also start working on other acts such as chin balancing, hula hooping, rola bola, hand balancing etc. You might be able to train what you want just yet, but you can start immersing yourself in that world right away 🎪

[@pineapples6583]

I was hoping that this was a step by step tutorial so I could join the circus. I have always wanted to be in a circus. It seems so fun and it seems like everyone is like a family.

[@RavenStorm1031]

beautiful story!!

[@Observ8or]

This is such an inspirational message. I've been working for a large corporation for the last few years after graduating college and I often think to myself what it'd be like if I just quit and followed my dreams. It's risky, and I'll lose my very nice paycheck, but I'm thinking it's what I need to be happy. Life is too short to live inside a cubicle.

[@michaelsix9684]

I'm 65, and had a decent career as a librarian, then colon cancer hit at 56 and forced me to retire early, moral -- you don't know what is ahead in life, pick a dream and go for it, corp. bribe you with big checks and perks, but life is made of memories not paychecks -- it's better to fail chasing a dream than being shackled to a job you will eventually hate, I did that, today I wear an ostomy bag, have to limit time out of the house, and watch what I eat, it's not fun -- all my great dreams are gone due to illness, get going and don't look back--good luck

[@PuxxyLungs]

This made me smile

[@TheMinderEngineer]

Always love hearing perspectives of other entrepreneurs, keep up the hustle! 🚀

[@silkthyme]

I want to be a trapeze artist

[@ekramhaque9918]

this channel is just awsome

[@austincopeland2776]

uh what happens when she can't perform anymore?

[@TaylorSwift1337]

she stops

[@smponce9]

Austin Copeland ~maybe she teaches the next generation?

[@KindaDumbButAintStupid]

Then you shut your fucking mouth

[@proggaparomita13]

Choreographs?

[@Udontkno7]

Choreography, or just plain retirement.

[@tildanw7266]

This is fr my dream! I've been taking circus lessons for 5,5 years and im now 13 and I really wish I could runaway to a circus but because of my age and school I dont think that I have the money nor that a circus would accept me:/ But once im old enough I know tha this is what I gotta do

[@user-mk9og2eb8q]

her layout is so pretty

[@michaelvamper5793]

im so inspired

[@jugglinglife3724]

Beautiful story and visuals!!

[@ankurkumar1820]

Juggling Life is a good

[@jessrose7142]

i'm in a circus as well !! i'm getting back into it at least i did it for 5 years stopped for 6 and just joined back 8 months ago.

[@jaz9890]

Waitttt, THIS IS NOT A LIE. That is my cousin, no lie whatsoever. She is related to me 100% I’ve never known her to be sooo ambitious about her job, lifestyle, or decisions. I’m sooo proud of her because she is what I look up to even tho she isn’t really very present in my life. She always seems to make that up with all of her speeches on not giving up on something that I love and I want to continue for as long as it takes. For all those who want to be a trapeze artist, “you don’t have to be a gymnast to be one just make it your love and take a class” her exact words she told me at my 13th birthday. I just really hope she continues loving her job

[@kewalsingh9909]

J

[@kewalsingh9909]

Xxx

[@meihatsume1165]

I always wanted to know how to do these kinda of things, it must feel pretty amazing when you you're swinging in the air :D

[@randomnesszoe7253]

I'm only 11 and I love the trapeze and Aerial silks

[@Missteree87]

I want to be brave enough to do something like this. Just up and leave my life and do something I can die for

[@WickedSugarLips]

I would love to run away and join the circus... But I'm too afraid of clowns

[@user-rt8si7ns9c]

Damn.. I'm 20 and I want to get into contortion, but I thought I was too old. I wanted to be a contortion clown ever since I was a kid but was afraid to bc of my parents lol. They.. don't agree with me wanting such a life. I learned from this video that it's not too late

[@novagray4143]

Ok, but did she have a history in gymnastics or anything

[@jessieknox879]

I started aerial acrobatics when I was 21 with ZERO history in gymnastics, dance or anything else physical. It's easier to learn when you're a child but I started training full time at a circus academy when I was 24 and ran away with the circus when I was 26 😊

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MaleakSpaceAge]

amazing ...

[@dinkarsirsiya1096]

Maleak SpaceAge Ml by

[@onyx9365]

once corona is over i'm also going to try to get into a circus school and i'm so excited i have loved the circus since I was little and it's my dream and i am so excited please wish me luck.

[@ivyblackeyes1005]

I mean I've been searching for a guide I can't seem to find any application pages for circuses but thanks

[@crystal7951]

I'm happy she's happy

[@harendrarawat4001]

amazing!

[@jafferhussain429]

Excellent

[@johnclarke2661]

Good one

[@calhen7566]

The uniforms reminded me of the ones the team wore in Young Justice when they went undercover! Anyone else?

[@nidakhan3290]

That’s so courageous

[@billybobjoeanimations118]

Awwwww that's so cool!

[@neonwonders5923]

Sadly wasn't raised in a circus maybe someday I can be a ringmaster? Edit: the reason why is because compared to most occupations this is filled with life and excitement and adventure, something I believe I've been missing in my life I don't know if they still do it but I would love to do it! Because it would be nice to make people amused and smile and being able to allow people to show their true colors and talent I'm not good at many of my hobbies I'm not flexible, I have a fear of heights and so on but I do love to entertain and love to grab people's attention yeah probably a big goal for a 13 yr old and its probably harder than it seems but I do enjoy a good challenge!~ It would just be so amazing to be in a circus.. TvT I hope someday I'll fulfill that dream

[@michaelsix9684]

my dream job would be circus ringmaster for one season, it's so cool to make a great show come to life

[@sivayamsiva9343]

Congratulations really appreciated 🙏

[@hirendrasinghthakur2763]

Good work Thanks

[@saidulahmedriyad9191]

that was amazing

[@silentgaming8811]

When I first saw this, I was like "Oh god another wikihow article."

[@atnkutgetahun7748]

That's so courageous. My dream job would be circus man. I want to be brave to do like this. So I need your help🙏

[@mckicks]

We've been clickbaited by Great Big Story of all channels

[@sukhpalsingh7059]

Very Interested Circus Seen

[@zaracave4937]

my dream is flying trapeze i'm gonna do this and im so happy that this is my dream and she inspires me

[@grxcfuldxll]

I wanna be a acrobat :DD I need a RV? Do I need to buy it or they give you a empty one? I am so inspired right now c:

[@scarlettrose9880]

Ive always wanted to be in the circus and I'm 11 and yes I can do some of the tricks when I tell my mom she thinks I'm crazy and I am shy and don't speak up much but to be in the circus is my biggest dream so when I get the opportunity I will speak up and beg and beg.

[@mabelstark527]

Beautiful Story! Congrats Kristin Finley! I think you will like Mabel Starks story! #MabelStarkMovie, #Zemeckis, #circus

[@balarammallik3119]

Bhul

[@udaykumardandgi2686]

🙏, Nice effort, ji.

[@crybaby2952]

I am 13 and REALLY want to run away to join the circus but my Mom would never let me how am I supposed to?

[@kristinahajdu6154]

Wait till you become an adult, early 20s isn't late trying, but if your really want to become a circus artist, for example, if you want to be a trapeze performer, you can start with gymnastics while going to school etc. Just preparing in advance, and be the best version of yourself!

[@kristinahajdu6154]

Also your mom wouldn't let you because you're still young and she loves you, that's why I told you to try in your early 20s,you're going to be an adult then and she can't say what you can and can't do

[@thatonecreepydoll5527]

Do circus schools still teach the tightrope? I wanna learn

[@cmaemae9433]

Interesting, I always thought these performers were like dancers where you have to start learning when you are a small child.

[@dannynisk6960]

she is wonderful

[@punaghatad9021]

Danny nisk hj

[@narayandhakal2304]

AMEZING THOUGHT....

[@Kale6196]

Well I’m actually considering doing this with my dog...

[@MyEasyasabc]

Yes

[@imransayyad242]

God bless u

[@hornybastard1839]

I still wanna know how to run away from home and join a freak show, I mean if I don't, I'm gonna get arrested!!!

[@kalicondon7230]

I want to be a ballerina but tbh I will probably end up doing this cuz I'm so flexible

[@FabulousCthulhu]

You also have to be strong as hell and have really good reflexes

[@someguy2600]

Hey you could look up Cirque de Soleil, you could become a contortionist under them :D

[@sanjayshil7040]

Very nice

[@rosiemitchell5277]

I wanna run away and join circus

[@madhabbaruah8219]

Rosenova xx xx

[@stephanielunaa]

I was born into the circus actaully but it would be difficult for me to leave that life behind

[@tanveermujawar1858]

Awesome

[@khatrisabha5103]

Very beautiful

[@krobin2723]

Would of have a heart attack lawdddd

[@Ngan.marianguyen]

She was so cool

[@Dilipkumar-ts2pm]

Super

[@ramkhalsa5847]

superb dear

[@erinpayne3202]

Well I am joining the circus and I am doing contortion.

[@nearharvy2735]

I guess She knows about Sora and Leila!

[@hannahwatson04]

I want to join so bad 😭

[@dejac220]

This is my dream

[@Grace-hp7hv]

I mean, this did not tell me how to run away and join the circus but it’s kinda a fun video anyway so

[@ahsenrajpoot9241]

niceee

[@user-mk9og2eb8q]

i wish i could get my lay full but it literally doesn’t work

[@patelchampakpatel6956]

Likes videos Thank you.

[@jala6083]

I actually want to become a clown but nobody is taking me serious

[@ylz1719]

The fact that it say "how to" I don't wanna think about the people watching this

[@asmcriminaL]

so how do you run away and join the circus?

[@seamacaw8473]

I want to be in a travelling small circus