Wise Fool summer camp students taking a bow after their circus performance. Photo courtesy of Court Kessler.
A parent’s reflection on youth empowerment and artistic expression at Wise Fool
By Nayeli Navarro
Before I was a parent, I played the accordion in a 20-plus-person social orchestra, where we would practice international resistance music in the parks around Boston. In the summer of 2005, we all piled in a veggie-fueled school bus for a New England tour that culminated in playing at Bread and Puppets in Glover, Vermont. On the rolling hills, musicians and puppeteers sang and performed skits and satires about ICE raids, the Iraq War, and the continual resistance against social isolation and reconnection with the land, food, and community. I was impressed by the skills of the stilt walkers and performers, and deeply moved by how social circus created beauty, finding joy and building community hope in the face of these challenges.
A decade later, I was delighted to learn that Wise Fool New Mexico, a social circus, was not only active in the community but also actively teaching youth in programming in the schools and after-school programs. Since my daughter was 3 years old, she has participated in Wise Fool (with the exception of the Spring and Fall of 2020 for the COVID shutdowns). In Wee Kids, I witnessed her joy in moving her body in new ways: navigating obstacle courses, cheetah walking, doing pike rolls, and attempting somersaults. All the while being supported by patient coaches, who supported her and the other kiddos through clear and empowering communication. As a single parent, I felt that my values were echoed. I am raising Sophia in rural New Mexico, and I started taking her hiking and camping at two years old. While she was always thrilled to be in nature, there are many times when she is faced with challenges. Learning how to take risks while accessing safety and her ability, is an important skill that I deeply value and is at the heart of Wise Fool’s philosophy.
An acrobatic demonstration of a hand-to-hand spinning circle. Photo courtesy of Court Kessler.
Sophia was 8 years old when she first participated in Wise Fool’s summer camp. It was here that all the practice in Wee Kids and Circus Explorations blossomed. Now she could stilt walk and perform flips on the fabric. For years she had been fearful of both and now they are her favorite skills in the circus. At the end of the two weeks, she performed a stilt walking routine with seven other children. Many of the friends Sophia has made at Wise Fool have become solid friendships outside of the circus. And they share a Wise Fool language. Our Wise Fool friend family value their differences and love one another for them.
In our family, friend groups, and community, there are diverse sexual orientations and expressions, and it is impactful on my daughter and other youth to see that valued by role models. As a parent it’s beautiful to observe Sophia and her friends take pride in their cultural backgrounds and budding gender identities.
At the end of every after-school season, there’s a Show and Try. We always fill up the car with friends who haven’t yet participated in Wise Fool. It’s so powerful to watch youth watching other youth perform and then have the opportunity to try circus skills afterwards. First they are amazed that folks their own age can do such cool things. Then they see that with practice and effort they can do it as well. At the end of the Show and Try I have a car filled with sweat, tired, and super excited kiddos.
I am deeply grateful for the scholarships that Wise Fool offers. As a single parent both the pandemic and my health issues have greatly impacted our financial resources. The partial scholarships we received enable my daughter to participate consistently in Wise Fool after-school and summer camps. And has given me the gift of time to be able to work through the summer and extra time to run errands and rest.
Youth demonstrating their stilt-walking skills with Coach Staz. Photo courtesy of Court Kessler.
It brings Sophia and me joy when we are at an event in Santa Fe and Wise Fool’s puppeteers are festooning the event. Whether it be protests at the Roundhouse or the Indigenous Ways festival, Sophia has asked me why is Wise Fool here. I never miss these opportunities to discuss with her the importance of interconnectedness in the struggle for social and environmental justice. That we all have skin in the game, and how beautiful to show up in support of one another in a creative way.
In the last year and half, I have served on the board of Wise Fool New Mexico. And this has been a pivotal time with significant challenges: Financial and social losses from the COVID pandemic, delayed COVID recovery funding, decreased philanthropy for the arts, and the loss of the lease at the Siler space. At the cusp of the new year, Wise Fool New Mexico is making some healthy risks to ensure a thriving future. We are building on existing collaborations with community and government organizations to provide continued programming and events, and to find a new home. In the past year we have been transparent with the community about the challenges.
As Wise Fool is reimagining, adapting, and transforming we ask for the community to support through participation and financial contributions. Alongside the challenges are breathtaking experiences: performances like ReUnite: Welcome to the Mycoverse performed at Popejoy Hall and Beyond the Binary, and all the significant but little celebrated moments in the youth programming in the schools and after-schools programs where Santa Fe children are learning to trust the strength of their bodies and spirits. We invite you to continue to be a part of this beloved community.
Summer 2024 Show and Try at Wise Fool New Mexico. Photo courtesy of Court Kessler.
Nayeli Navarro is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in Santa Fe and a dedicated Wise Fool parent.