Circus Mom’s Life is a Juggling Act
Circus Mom’s Life is a Juggling Act
By Charlotte Bowman, editor
© 2012 – Muscogee Moms LLC, www.muscogeemoms.com
Sometimes motherhood can feel like a three-ring circus – from balancing work and family life, to juggling bills and taming your toddler or tween’s wild behavior. Muscogee Moms recently had the opportunity to talk with Jodie Urias, a performer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum Bash, a show coming to the Columbus Civic Center in February.
Jodie performs in the Urias Family Daredevils’ Globe of Death, a gripping, high-speed act that features three motorcycles orbiting around in a 16-foot steel sphere. She has the unique job of being hoisted up in the air by a rope and performing a neck spin during their death-defying finale. In addition, Jodie is a solo artist on the trapeze, aerial chiffon and lira (aerial hoop), as well as participates in a combined aerial display with her brother-in-law’s fiance, Olga Surnina.
In our interview, this graceful acrobat and daring mother of two opens up about how she juggles motherhood with an on-the-road lifestyle that comes with being a part of the Circus Celebration of the Century!
MM: You’re a first generation circus performer. How did you get involved with the circus?
Jodie: You’ve probably heard the saying, “I ran away and joined the circus.” Well for me, that’s a true story! I was 19 years old when I left home for a summer job with Carson and Barnes Circus. I had no real performing arts experience, but I visited the circus that summer and was fascinated. I wanted to be the girl spinning high in the air.
A woman from Columbia taught me how to climb and do an aerial act called the “Spanish Web.” I quickly had to conquer my fear of heights. My whole body would ache from practicing. I was using muscles I didn’t know existed. Two weeks after I started training, I auditioned for the show and landed the part. It was so gratifying.
Front - Geovi, Alyssa, Jodie; Back - Erwin, Olga, Melvin (© 2012 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: When and how did you and your husband meet?
Jodie: I met my husband, Erwin Urias, while I was performing with the George Carden Circus. He was a fourth generation troupe member of the Urias Family Daredevils. Several years later, we got married. Now we have two children, an 11-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. I began performing in the Globe of Death several years ago when Erwin’s mother had to leave the tour on a family emergency.
MM: How do you prepare for each show?
Jodie: Daily prayer – it’s true! What we do is very dangerous, and we take it very seriously. Not only do we have to be physically ready to perform, we have to be mentally, spiritually and emotionally ready. I stretch and do jumping jacks. My entire body has to be ready. It’s fine when the weather is warm, but harder when it’s cold outside. I really have to take care of myself.
Because computer graphics do things that are humanly impossible, I think live entertainment is often taken for granted. Some people don’t always comprehend that these stunts are really dangerous. It’s raw talent that has been refined and created into this beautiful aerial act. We do it for the appreciation of the audience and we want to hear it in their applause and cheering.
MM: Tell us what it’s like to raise children in the circus.
Jodie: People may not realize it, but the circus is a very family-oriented environment. Because we’re traveling 48 to 50 weeks a year, we have to homeschool our kids. One of the benefits of performing with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is having a full-time teacher who travels with us. There are a nursery and daycare for the smaller children who need to be looked after during the show. My kids are in school five days a week. They have to make up their homework when they miss days. There are other parents who travel with the circus, and we trade off childcare with other moms in the show.
Left to right: Erwin, Jodie, Alyssa, Geovi, Olga, Melvin (© 2012 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What is a typical circus week like?
Jodie: Mondays are travel days. Tuesdays are our days off. That’s when we get our laundry done, go to the market and do any sightseeing with the kids. Usually we’ll take the kids to a museum or aquarium. On Wednesdays, we set up the show and have any publicity appointments. Thursdays through Sundays are our performance days. We tear down Sunday afternoons.
MM: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you during a show?
Jodie: We don’t always have good hair days. I like to wear my own hair, but sometimes you have to wear a hairpiece so all the girls will look the same. Once, my hairpiece came off in the middle of an act! I was giggling so hard, I could hardly contain myself!
MM: What is the most advanced maneuver you perform in the show?
Jodie: We always wanted to incorporate an aerial stunt in the Globe of Death but didn’t have the time or space to do it. My husband’s family has been doing this since 1912, and we wanted to be the first to have someone levitated inside the Globe. We finally designed the apparatus we needed. It’s so exciting to be the first ones to do the stunt. It’s dangerous and hard. I take it very seriously. There is no room for error. I’m hanging by the back of my neck with motorcycles zooming at 60 miles per hour just inches from my body. My husband, brother-in-law and his fiance are the cyclists. We put a lot of trust in each other.
Left to right: Erwin, Jodie (front), Olga, Melvin (© 2012 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What is the most challenging aspect of being a mother and circus performer?
Jodie: For me, it’s walking that fine line between being a good role model for my kids and still being in the entertainment industry. Sometimes those two things don’t go hand in hand. I have standards, and I refuse to lower them. We’ve had offers to be in places that we’ve turned down, because I want to look my kids in the eye and be proud of what work I’ve done. I want my kids to be proud of me. I want to be a good parent and good role model.
MM: There is a certain element of danger in your job. How do you feel about your kids following in the footsteps of the Urias Family Daredevils?
Jodie: This will be their choice. We educate them scholastically in addition to teaching them circus skills. They will have to decide what their life calling is; I can’t make that decision for them. They love to help us with our work. We practice with our kids and teach them our trade, but we also want them to make their own decisions about what they want to be.
Editor’s Note: Jodie Urias also teaches hoop fitness and hoop dance classes, as well as performs hoop dances. She invites audience members of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents BarnumBash into the ring to hoop with her and get Circus Fit (www.circusfit.com).
If You Go:
What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum Bash
When: Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m.; Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, February 25 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m.
Where: Columbus Civic Center
Cost: Ticket Prices start at $15 and go up to $30 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbus Civic Center Box Office, located at 400 4th Street; online at www.TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Opening Night tickets just $10 with the exception of VIP and VIP floor seats.
For more information: visit www.Ringling.com.
Duplication and/or publication without permission is strictly prohibited.
Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC, at
(706) 888-0260 or charlotte@muscogeemoms.com for duplication/publication use.
Review: Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens: Relax and Reconnect with Nature
A Review by Laura Erickson, editor, LaGrange Moms
© 2012 – Muscogee Moms LLC, muscogeemoms.com
Just days before Christmas 2011, Charlotte Bowman, owner of Muscogee Moms, and I were invited to visit the luxurious Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens. Were we excited? Yes! Were we disappointed? Absolutely not.
Located just 30 minutes north of Columbus, Georgia, in a wooded, natural setting, the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, an exclusive collection of upscale, luxury properties with distinctive personalities.
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens combines modern luxuries with rustic charm, inviting you to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. From plant choices to building materials, every detail was considered in how to create an extraordinary resort with little impact on the surroundings.
First Impressions
From the moment I drove up the winding, wooded path to the secluded property, I could see that it was distinctly Callaway: rustic yet refined, with well-appointed surroundings that are simply beautiful.
As a frequent visitor to Callaway Gardens, I know what a fantastic destination it is for family outings – whether strolling through gardens and enjoying the myriad of outdoor attractions, or attending special events like Fantasy In Lights and the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival. But living 25 minutes away, we have rarely had occasion to stay overnight. Thus, I didn’t know much about the Lodge and Spa.
Upon arrival, I noticed a gorgeous Christmas tree in the lobby and was greeted by some very friendly staff. As I walked down the hall leading to my room, a passing handyman said, “Merry Christmas, and welcome! We’re glad you’re here.” I just love Southern hospitality!
Charlotte arrived shortly afterwards. She really liked the lobby with its high-vaulted ceiling and roaring fireplace. The cozy seating arrangements were an inviting retreat after a cold day.
Our Rooms
My fourth floor room was lovely, with artistic details like rustic wood furniture, carved wood décor, and a spacious bath with granite countertops, glass and tile shower, separate soaking tub, and other little luxuries.
French doors opened to reveal a balcony with wicker furniture that overlooks the interior of the property, including a water feature, flagstone walking path and the pool. As I sat enjoying the view, a family walked by below with two teens who were laughing at something their parents said. Teens having fun with their family? How inspiring!
A Heavenly Retreat
Having checked my e-mail, thanks to the free Wi-Fi, I set out to meet Charlotte at Spa Prunifolia, located on the ground floor. With all of the chaos that is mid-December, I was truly looking forward to my spa visit. From the cozy robes in the spacious dressing area, to the peaceful, comfortable lounge with fireplace and hot tea, it was quite an inviting sanctuary (all 13,000 square feet).
The skill and professionalism of the employees was notable, and words can’t describe how much I enjoyed the 50-minute Irish Moss Massage and Skin Treatment, one of the many specialty spa treatments available. Charlotte chose (and thoroughly enjoyed) the 50-minute Evergreen Hot Towel Massage and Skin Treatment.
After our treatments, we met in the spa lounge to “lounge” by the fireplace in big, comfy chairs. We perused the menu of fresh fruits and cheeses, salads and beverages, but decided to sip on hot tea and eat at dinner. Water with fresh citrus fruit is always available, as are showers with Spa Prunifolia products; dressing areas are complete with hair dryers and styling products.
An hour slipped by so quickly! We weren’t ready to leave the serenity of this place, so we headed down to the sauna and steam rooms where we cold-natured girls were perfectly content. We could have stayed until they closed…wait a minute, we did!
Farm-Fresh Dining
Dinner in the Piedmont Grille was next on our agenda. The Piedmont specializes in farm-to-table foods. They offer several market-fresh fish, steak and chicken meals. The bright, airy dining room is only a few steps from the lobby and adjacent to the Ironwood Lounge, a cozy little bar area with seating next to a big fireplace.
After a detour through the lounge for a quick cocktail, we settled in for dinner. Our server was professional and very knowledgeable about the menu. She answered all of our questions and kept our beverages topped off at all times. We munched on warm, fresh bread while we studied the menu and wine list.
My selection was perfect: a fresh Caesar salad, followed by a filet mignon topped with herbs and cheese and served over Southern grits, along with roasted asparagus and onion straws. I am quite particular about my steak, and this thick, perfectly-cooked filet was superb. The wine list provided an extensive collection of choices to pair with our meals. I selected a glass of red Argentinean Pinot Noir, while Charlotte paired her prime rib with a French Bordeaux Blanc. Dessert was decadent. I opted for a rich chocolate brownie layered with fresh whipped cream and chocolate/caramel sauces; it’s a generous amount that can easily be shared.
Needless to say, following the afternoon spent in the spa and a wonderful dinner, I enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
Other Amenities
Determined to get in some exercise, I found my way to the fitness room in the spa early the next morning. There were plenty of choices, such as treadmills, an elliptical machine, bikes and weights. The equipment was fairly new, and each machine was equipped with its own TV; however, a few of the televisions weren’t working. Still, I had the main TV as well as my iPod and complimentary earbuds and, because of the hour, I had the room to myself. If not for the rain falling softly but steadily outside, I would have enjoyed a brisk walk around the grounds, but the fitness room was a suitable substitute.
Breakfast was back in the Piedmont Grille with Charlotte, although room service is an option. Along with a full buffet, complete with omelet station, there is a menu for those who prefer to order a la carte. The server graciously offered to make substitutions on the menu options to suit our tastes.
Charlotte chose Eggs Benedict from the menu, while I opted for the buffet and enjoyed the chef’s specialty eggs with mushrooms, buttery grits, fresh fruit, smoked Gouda cheese and a yogurt/fruit/granola parfait. We both agreed it was a satisfying ending to a fabulous mini-vacation.
For More Information
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is located at 4500 Southern Pine Drive in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Though not a direct part of Callaway Gardens, the Lodge and Spa offers discounted entry rates to Callaway Gardens. For reservations, call 888.312.8002 or visit www.callawaylodgeandspa.com. Nightly rates start at $171. Call 706.489.3305 to schedule your spa appointment.
Note: A gift certificate (which covered all expenses) was provided to Muscogee Moms for the sole purpose of reviewing The Lodge and Spa property and amenities. This review has not been compensated in any other way and is based on the views and opinions of Laura Erickson and Charlotte Bowman. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.
Help Muscogee Moms win a $25k grant
January 14, 2012 by cbowman
Filed under Community News
Are you fan of Muscogee Moms? Please share the love!
Muscogee Moms has applied for a $25,000 Intuit Hiring Grant for our business. And we need your help to win it.
Voting is easy, and fast.
By computer. Click here to share a few brief thoughts about why you love Muscogee Moms.
By smartphone. You can also Text to Vote! Just text: muscogeemoms to 244326 on your smart phone. Type your name (first name is fine) at the prompt, then type a few words about why you love our website.
Only one vote per business, but you can vote for as many businesses as you like. The more votes we get, the more chances we have to win the $25,000.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years or older may submit a nomination. Submit nomination before 1/31/12. Void where prohibited.
Chick-fil-A Introduces New Kid’s Meal
Atlanta (Jan. 9, 2012) — Hooray for Chick-fil-A! The fast food chain just introduced its new kids’ meal, which includes grilled chicken nuggets!
Already known for one of the healthiest Kids Meal menus in the country, Chick-fil-A’s cemented its place in the hearts of health conscience parents with the introduction of it’s newest entree. When paired with the Fruit Cup and one-percent milk, the new gluten-free Grilled Nuggets are one of the most nutritious children’s meal combinations offered among any major fast food chain.
The meal has only 210 calories and 3 grams of fat – reflecting an 86 percent cut in fat grams and a 56 percent calorie reduction compared with its previous offerings.
[Source: http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Kids/New-Meals-Press-Release]
