THE BALLOON MAN

He does handstands and Hollywood stunts
Jean-Luc Martin has a circus school that teaches fearlessness and flexibility

 

Jean-Luc Martin of the San Diego Circus Center in Miramar.
 — Nelvin C. Cepeda
From:  utsandiego.com
By Nina Garin
Sept. 6, 2013
If you’ve ever dreamed about running away to join the circus, Jean-Luc Martin can help with that.
Martin, 48, is the founder and executive director of the new San Diego Circus Center, a Miramar-based school that teaches everything from tightrope walking to aerial arts.
Before opening the nonprofit, Martin had plenty of experience under a big top. He did three tours as a Cirque du Soleil acrobats with roles like “The Ugly Old Bird” for the “Alegria” tour. He also used his fearlessness and flexibility working for many years as a Hollywood stuntman.
Martin, who lives in La Jolla with his family, explains why circus arts are important.

Q: What is the San Diego Circus Center?
A: A nonprofit devoted to advancing circus training on the West Coast, and enriching the lives of our community by teaching circus disciplines, art and culture. Our curriculum is built for students who want to have fun yet challenge themselves. We have recreational programs as well as professional programs for those individuals who desire to reach a higher level.
Q: Why did you decide to open a circus school?
A: I was trained by the very best in the circus industry, and there is no school in Southern California that offers the discipline and training that I experienced back in the day, so it just made sense. Being physically active has always been a fundamental part of my life, and after retiring from circus I was asked surprisingly frequently, “will you please teach me how to do a handstand?” I think with the recent popularity of all yoga practices, people realized how important it is to just be strong with control and that’s what I encourage.
Q: Why should people care about circus arts?
A: Like many of the arts, circus arts gives us an opportunity to express our creativity. While not a mainstream sport or activity, circus skills can enhance the students’ ability in other mainstream sports.
read more:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/06/jean-luc-martin-sandiego-circus-center/