Catch acrobat’s fate hanging in the balance in The Great Moscow Circus

The circus is his home and performing runs in his blood.

Acrobat Sascha Williams, 29, is continuing the family tradition of circus performing that spans over 16 generations with his rola bola act, which he has been doing for 17 years.

Rola bola involves balancing on one or more cylinders while standing on a flat board and often incorporates stunts like skipping, juggling, handstands or balancing objects on the head.

Singaporeans will be able to catch Williams' death-defying feats live - it is one of the 16 sensational acts showcased in The Great Moscow Circus.

• FYI

  
  WHAT: The Great Moscow Circus

  WHERE: Under the Mighty Big Top, Bayfront Avenue, next to Marina Bay Sands

  WHEN: Oct 25 till Nov 18

  TICKETS: $55 to $155 from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or 6348-5555). We have 10 pairs of The Great Moscow Circus tickets for the Oct 25 show to give away. Go to www.tnp.sg for more details.

The Australian has been with the group since 2002 and has gone on eight tours with it, including one in South Africa where he received a standing ovation from the audience.

The Great Moscow Circus will be returning to Singapore for the first time in more than 10 years, in a brand-new red and white big top tent beside Marina Bay Sands from Oct 25.

GRANDPARENTS

Williams' parents were acrobats, his grandfather was a tightrope walker and his grandmother a contortionist.

Rola bola was the only act his parents allowed him to practise, thinking it was the least dangerous.

Williams has suffered stitches across his head, concussions and broken bones.

He proudly told The New Paper: "I think I have gone to 20 hospitals all over the world."

Despite the danger, his worst injury was a broken arm, which caused him to take two weeks off from performing. All his injuries were sustained during live show performances.

When asked how he handles such mishaps, he said simply: "The show must go on."

Despite his years of experience, Williams admitted that he still gets the nerves before each performance.

"If I do not get nervous, then I am not doing it right."

Williams' performances last for about seven to eight minutes and give him the biggest surge of adrenaline.

His confidence grows as the crowd gets louder.

He said: "When people freak out or start screaming, it is the best feeling ever because that is when I know I am doing my job right."

Being a rola bola performer requires a bold personality - "You have to be a little bit crazy" - and he added that fitness is also crucial.

Williams maintains a healthy diet and refrains from alcoholic drinks as much as possible.

He said: "We do not travel with a gym so I do skipping, push-ups and pull-ups in hotel rooms."

He trains for at least an hour or two every day, and practising balance is the most important thing for rola bola.

Williams' aptitude for balancing took him all the way to reality TV talent show Britain's Got Talent earlier this year. He made it to the semi-finals and was labelled the daredevil acrobat.

He said: "That was one of the most memorable moments of my career.I just love entertaining people and making them smile."

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Secrets of the trade

• Balance is key. Having an excellent balance is the foundation of rola bola, so it is important to master this skill before attempting an act.
• Be daring. Fear of falling or getting hurt is not acceptable in rola bola. Danger is your best friend. Embrace it.
• Stay fit. Maintain a healthy diet and never skip your exercises. Get a good amount of sleep so that you can focus when performing.