February 2021

By Hillia Hula

“I must be out of mind,” I tell myself as I stand above a crowd on a three-foot podium while confused onlookers surround me below. “What is she doing?” I hear an intrigued voice in the distance say. “She’s right,” I think to myself. “What am I doing?” Every inch of my body wants to step down and bag the whole idea. The small group of onlookers have quickly grown into a large, curious crowd. I’ve put myself on the chopping block now and there’s no going back. Taking a deep breath in, I know I have no choice but to continue. The show must go on.

Year after year, I take to the streets to perform my multi-hoop act in the most random of places and yet I can never seem to escape the flood of fears and doubts that come along with it. “Will I look desperate? Will I be told to leave? Will they laugh? Isn’t it easier to just stick to the stage?” All these doubts should be enough to change my mind and send me running for my life in the other direction. Yet one simple question has always had the power to change my mind at the last minute and dissolve my insecurities: “Why shouldn’t I share my art and passion in public?” This question seems to hold such weight in virtue that all prior doubts seem petty. 

Connection

Flowing in public creates a space for spontaneous connection to flourish. For a brief moment in time, strangers of all ages and backgrounds, who would otherwise have passed each other on the street, come together. They witness and experience something otherworldly in a seemingly ordinary space. After the show, individuals from the audience speak with each other and with me. Connections are made, some of which last for years. They share their stories, ask questions, and tell me how the show personally affected them. This is where I get to learn just how much of an impact a street show can create. Consider this story:

Once I was performing on what appeared to be a deserted beach boardwalk. Only one elderly man watched in the distance as he leaned against the boardwalk with a scowl on his face. In my mind I already jumped to conclusions, assuming he disapproved of my show. Afterwards, I received not so much as a single clap or cheer. As he approached me, I felt a sense of dread. “You know what?” he said in a serious voice, “That was just wonderful!” His frown turned into a big cheeky grin. He began to tell me all about his granddaughter, an accomplished singer and how the show reminded me of her. Afterwards he thanked me and took a business card. A couple months later I received a call for a gig and I found out that this man had referred me!

Self-Expression

Flow in public spaces is liberating for the performer because it allows them to express their passion in a raw, authentic way. There is much more freedom on the street than on the stage. No one, not even the performer knows what to expect because no one was expecting a show in the first place. The performer can use each space as their own canvas. They can feed off of the audience’s spontaneous energy and use it to go further into a trance-like state of creative expression.

The Ripple Effect

I encourage you to express your art in public spaces. Each time you muster up the courage to do so, you produce a positive ripple effect in your community in ways that you cannot imagine. You may captivate a passerby with your flow and inspire them to take lessons. You may be the unexpected distraction that shifts someone’s anxious thoughts to pleasant ones. You make a statement to others that the expression of art does not have to be confined to a stage or a high price tag. Most importantly, you transform an ordinary space into a magical one. Will street performing be the most terrifying thing you ever do? Possibly, likely, but will it be one of the most rewarding risks you take? I encourage you to experience it for yourself.