Many children often dream of someday joining the circus. At one of the profession's most acclaimed training schools in the Canadian city of Montreal, dozens of youths are actually following through with this high-flying vision.

Learn to soar on the trapeze, master aerial hoops, or become a professional juggler takes grit, strength, and a more than a small dose of fearlessness.

Birdie Hooper, Circus School Student, said, "It's certainly challenging. I mean, every day is challenging. We get very tired, and sometimes injured, and that sort of thing. But I think that's why we love it."

Birdie Hooper is one of more than 100 young people from around the world training at Canada's National Circus School. Since the Montreal institution was founded in 1981, dozens of performers have passed through its doors.

Marc Lalonde, Director National Circus School, said, "The idea is to take young people who are very motivated, and who have a lot of talent. And we know because of the dynamism of circus arts in Montreal, in Quebec, and in Canada, and also because of the international demand, it's a very favorable market for young artists who are well trained."

In spite of the troubled global economy, the school says 90 to 95 percent of its graduates find work at circuses around the world. Such positive figures are a testament to the phenomenal worldwide success of the industry.

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