Emma was taught by Shu Lao Shi, a
42-year-old former world champion foot juggler. "She didn't speak a word of English
but was truly an inspiring woman. We'd be in tears of frustration because of the communication barrier. We had our moments of confusion but she sat with me every single day for three hours. When you're learning a trick you're constantly dropping every few seconds so she was there to pick up the parasols and off I'd go again. In New Zealand I found the teachers lost interest so much faster." In May this year Emma once again
travelled to Beijing for a further 18 months of intensive training. Emma believes she has exceeded her limit in New Zealand and is looking offshore to continue her trade. "Every person asks me if it's my dream
to join Cirque du Soleil. There is a lot out there. My heart is set on Europe. I dream of working for a beautiful cabaret by night and spending my days trawling vintage shops and drinking coffee. I've gotta keep that dream alive so when I'm having my struggles in China it'll keep me going." Check out Emma on Youtube: www.youtube. com/watch?v=dD-WDpBTzRA
A few things you may not know about Emma Phillips:
• I am obsessed with
everything 1950's and older, including clothing, music, kitchenware and antiques. I swear I was born in the wrong era!
• I have a Chinese good
luck charm that I have not taken off in two years. It's a piece of red string tied around my waist with jade for longevity. It was made by a blind women in Beijing and I bought it for around NZD20 cents.
•
Q: So, carnies … are they as weird as they look on TV?
A: "There are your stereotypical 'weirdos', but generally they are lovely, gentle people even though their appearance may be harsh. It always made me sad seeing my friends being judged for looking different. They're alternative and they choose to be. Everyone in the circus is like a child at heart but we all have a business focus about us – you need to."
I am terrible at juggling
with my hands. I seem to find some things easier with my feet!
• I come from a family of
fishing enthusiasts and currently hold the record for catching the biggest hapuka.
• As it is just my older sister
and I in our family my father treats me as his only son. Our relationship has grown over fishing, beer and a love of old music.
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