The moment I realized it: tucked away under an eerie bridge by the Canal de l’Ourcq, we resembled two little penguins.
My first encounter with Jake occurred during a circus festival in Bathurst back in 2010, when I was wrapping up my final year of high school. This event brought together talented circus troupes from around the nation, and Jake’s group from Adelaide truly stood out with their remarkable skills. I distinctly remember him—I even participated in one of his workshops—but at that time, he was just a fleeting thought in my mind.
Soon after, I departed from my hometown of Ulladulla to train at the National Institute of Circus Arts, launching my freelance acrobatic career in Melbourne. Meanwhile, Jake’s troupe evolved into a more established company named Gravity & Other Myths, gaining international recognition. So, when an opening for a flyer popped up, I seized the opportunity without hesitation and applied.
My initial interview, conducted via Zoom, felt more like a casual vibe check. I managed to keep my cool, leaving a good impression on most, except for Jake, who remained uncertain about my suitability. Nevertheless, they offered me a month-long contract, and before I realized it, I was boarding a plane to join them in Austria.
It was December 2018, and arriving in Vienna felt surreal. I was a bundle of nerves, but excitement coursed through me as I took a breathtaking train ride through snow-laden mountains towards Graz to meet the rest of the troupe.
As rehearsals began, I was somewhat starstruck. The training was grueling; my skin bore the marks from all the swinging, and I was anxious about mastering the new skills required for our routines. When I found myself backstage for my inaugural performance, the nerves almost overwhelmed me, but the opening night turned out to be a triumph, filling me with an immense sense of pride.
At the time, I had a boyfriend back in Australia, so the immediate bond I formed with Jake during the tour was strictly platonic. We connected over our mutual love for condiments and often shared meals after shows, thanks to our similar tastes. Life on tour fosters intimacy; every morning, the entire troupe would gather for coffee, and we would share dinners each night. I was drawn to Jake's infectious humor, always lightening the mood, and I couldn’t help but enjoy his vibrant energy.
As my contract extended, my long-distance relationship began to fray. Once Jake discovered my breakup, he wasted no time in expressing his interest—this revelation took me by surprise since I hadn't realized he found me attractive. Our dynamic began to change, becoming more flirtatious.
Things escalated during our 2019 tour in California. While relaxing on the beach between performances, enjoying tacos and soaking up the sun, the line separating tour mate from romantic partner vanished.
To maintain professionalism, we decided to keep our budding romance under wraps when we returned for another season in Europe later that year. In the heart of winter Paris, we managed to steal moments together after shows. These secret meetings felt like scenes from a movie; huddled under that spooky bridge by the Canal de l’Ourcq, we were like two little penguins unwilling to part ways. We spent hours talking, laughing, and sharing kisses.
Despite it being past midnight, despite my exhaustion from performing, and despite the -2°C chill, being with Jake was the only place I wanted to be.
As 2020 dawned, we faced what seemed like endless touring ahead, but fate intervened, sending us back to Australia for shows just as the world began to shut down. With Jake having an apartment in Adelaide, I moved in immediately.
The following years proved to be challenging, yet we always found joy in each other’s company. The extensive time we spent on the road allowed us to understand each other deeply before cohabitation. Transitioning our relationship from a showmance to something more substantial felt natural and seamless. Even though we still tour most of the year and share meals as before, our days of hiding beneath bridges are behind us.
Alyssa Moore and Jacob Randell will perform in Gravity & Other Myths’ "Ten Thousand Hours" at the Arts Centre Melbourne from January 13 to 25.
