Book Review: Cirque Du Soleil The Spark Created by Lyn Heward and written by John U. Bacon

My interest in Aerial Dance began with my first Cirque Du Soleil experience. Quidam was their first touring show to come to Denver. It was the most amazing feeling watching the performers and being caught up in their magic. I have been to each touring show that has come to Denver since then. Six different shows in all and each time I feel a sense of awe and inspiration. After delving into Aerial basics and realizing how hard it truly is, I had more respect for the artists and wanted to know how do they keep that spirit alive and how can I incorporate that feeling in my daily life. Apparently I was not alone.

I came across a wonderful, yet quick read, called Cirque du Soleil: The Spark - Igniting the Creative Fire that Lives within Us All. Created by Lyn Heward and written by John U. Bacon the book details how one Sports Marketing Agent turns to Cirque Du Soleil to reignite the fire in his career and other aspects of his life.

While taking a sabbatical from work, Frank tags along with one of his athletes and she begins the training program to see if she has what it takes to be a member of Cirque Du Soleil. During that time Frank stays at the artists' residence and goes through various trials of his own. His education and training are not limited to the performance elements but set design, costuming, make-up, marketing, and so much more. Frank learns how every member of Cirque from the receptionist and chefs to the performers and directors play pivotal roles. Without each individual spark there would not be a fire.

As Frank talks with each of his guides on the journey he, and the reader, pick up key lessons. These simple ideas can be brought to each of our lives. Some of my favorites are:

"Constraints on time, money, and resources can be motivators! Some of our most inspired ideas have arisen from the most Spartan situations."

"Most people hate deadlines. It hasn't occurred to them they can be a good thing"

"To relax I go hang gliding....When I jump off a cliff I cannot think about anything else now, can I? The world below melts away."

"You don't have to be an athlete or an artist to reinvent your life, your work, or your world."

Whether your curious about being behind the scenes at Cirque Du Soleil or you've been looking for a kick to revamp and evolve your life this book is an excellent read. Also a great holiday gift for someone ready to reclaim their own spark.

Book Review: Die Trying:One Man's Quest to Conquer the Seven Summits by Bo Parfet with Richard Buskin

Very few people are able to make it to one of the great summits in a lifetime, let alone the Seven Summits (the tallest point on each continent). So I was very intrigued when presented with a copy of Die Trying: One Man's Quest to Conquer the Seven Summits by Bo Parfet with Richard Buskin. The book documents Bo's journey to climb Kilimanjaro, Denali, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid, Vinson and Everest. Now I am fortunate to know quite a few elite athletes and for them many of these summits would certainly prove treacherous. However Bo Parfet wasn't what you would consider an elite athlete when he began his journey.

While Bo comes from what would be considered a prominent or well-to-do family he struggled with dyslexia since childhood. Learning to adapt and not only get by but succeed in the competitive world of Wall Street was a huge achievement alone. Bo didn't settle for success in his career but continued to push himself by setting a goal to climb the Seven Summits and setting up scholarship programs to benefit the local communities along the way. He seems to be an amazing man with a lot of drive and a big heart.

The reason I really love this book is because Bo is brutally honest when he addresses his experience. From talking about his first summit when he was overweight and under trained, to talking about temper issues on the side of the mountain, and experiences where he was faced with injury and the potential for fatal injuries you sense a very human quality about him and what he's gone through. You see both the strengths and flaws in character and his evolution. For me this means so much because I am always encouraging my readers to not let age or lack of experience keep them back. I think this book is a good guide for the way some things go right, the way many things go wrong, and how even when you think you've prepped enough problems will arise.

In addition to the human experience I loved learning about the difference in the Seven Summits. Just because someone completes Kilimanjaro that doesn't automatically mean they're ready for the next summit. There is a lot of diversity in terrain, acclimatizing, gear needed and the type of training to be done ahead of time.

Whether you're a climber, an outdoor enthusiast, or just want to be inspired you should check out "Die Trying". It's a fairly quick read and will get you ready for your next adventure.

Yoga + Martial Arts + Meditation = Budokon: Cameron Shayne - Budokon for Beginners

I love Yoga. Back in the day when Tae Bo was so popular I enjoyed those Tapes (yeah they were tapes then). When I became the owner of Gaiam's Cameron Shayne - Budokon for Beginnersat the Gear and Cheer Auction I thought this could be fun and I am happy to say it's been a welcome addition to my yoga and fitness routine.

Cameron Shayne developed Budokon combining his skills as a second degree black belt and experience with yoga. The Budokon techniques are rooted in Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga practices and from Okinawan Karate-Do, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do. Shayne has a calm and empowering presence in the video. His style allows for clear verbal and visual instruction while maintaining focus on the breath.

The DVD is structured in three parts: Yoga, Martial Arts Poses, and Meditation. The yoga routine should be manageable for most. The poses are fairly common and held for shorter periods of time than some yoga styles require. The Martial Arts section is a combination of kicks and punches that focus on form and figure, and then short guided meditation. The full program runs about 40 minutes and I feel a very unique sense of peace and vigor upon completion.

If you are new to yoga or martial arts or just like to know what to expect I recommend viewing the "Poses" section prior to trying the routine your first time. If you need to reference the Poses while in the Full Workout mode you can easily select the pose title when it appears on the screen. Once you become more familiar with the poses you can move to the Short routine. This moves at a faster pace and involves less instruction.

The video, available at Amazon for $12.99, has been a great way for me to add a little oomph to my yoga routine. I have never been the type who would attend Martial Arts classes but I like the way the Budokon poses challenge my body in a new way. I recommend this for anyone who wants to try yoga but thinks it will be too slow paced or for anyone practicing yoga who would like to add a zesty new element.

Book Review: Girl on the Rocks by Katie Brown

While looking at climbing route guides at the library I came across Katie Brown's "Girl on the Rocks: A Woman's Guide to Climbing with Strength, Grace, and Courage" and I can't lie my initial thought was 'Oh! Pretty Pictures.' I figured this book would have some useful information, knowing that Katie is a Boulder, CO based climber who began climbing before she was even a teenager. Katie is also active in the climbing community as the Enthusiast-in-Chief of YourClimbing.com, an online climbing community.

I myself have only been climbing about 2 1/2 years so I gobble up every bit of climbing literature I can get my hands on. When I started reading "Girl on the Rocks" I thought it might be a little under my skill level. The beginning is a great introduction into the sport of climbing and how to get started and I thought that might be the scope of the book. However I kept reading on because the pictures were excellent and I liked the tone of the book.

Then I got to the chapter that addresses fear when climbing. The honesty of this section really appealed to me. I catch myself wondering sometimes "Am I nuts for climbing?" Sometimes it hits me while I am 15 feet off the ground, other times its while buying gear and worrying about kilonewtons. This chapter taught me I am not alone in my fear, and it doesn't mean I am not cut out for this sport. Katie speaks to her own fears and you also learn about other professional climber's fears (and joys) in interviews peppered through out the book.

The section on overcoming fear and the pretty pictures are enough to make this book a worthwhile read for me, but then I hit the Advanced Techniques Chapter. Here's where the great visuals of hand jams, heel hooks, and other techniques really helped me feel like I am ready to move up a level. I had the 'Wow, I can do that!' moment. Following the techniques sections are tips and a schedule for training. Another helpful area for the novice climber who is ready to kick it up.

I think this book is a great tool for girls and women who want to get into climbing or are ready to move into lead climbing. The attention to detail is strong without micro-focusing to the point of losing the readers interest. Check it out at your local library or consider adding it to your collection. Available at Amazon
for $14.96.