Former Auckland gymnast performs in circus lead role

Rosita Henry is currently performing in Paris, France. Photo / Supplied

From performing in retirement villages to the lead role in an international travelling circus, Rosita Hendry has made the big time.

The former Auckland gymnast has been cast as the lead in the show Cirkopolis, performed by the Montreal-based group Cirque Eloize.

Hendry always loved performing but only found her love for the circus in her early 20s.

"I originally was a competitive gymnast, a dancer [jazz, tap, ballet etc], and musician.

"I've been performing since I was young, starting off in dance and variety shows with my six younger siblings performing around Auckland in RSAs, retirement villages and community events," she said.

The former Auckland gymnast has the lead role in the show Cirkopolis. Photo / Supplied

After high school, Hendry trained at Auckland's Apollo Theatre College for two years, and it was when she finished her study she discovered her love for the circus.

"I realised I could use all my different training in one art form. So I moved over to Australia to train circus fulltime for a year.

"I was encouraged to move to Montreal, Canada where I auditioned for the National Circus School and was accepted into the three-year fulltime programme."

Having performed in Brazil and now in France, the show comes to New Zealand in November, with shows in Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland.

More information can be found on its website.