Check Out Jarrell Wallace’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarrell Wallace.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
While attending Central Piedmont Community College in 2008, I was introduced to Capoeira. Initially, I was intrigued because of a video game named Tekken 3 and a movie named Only the Strong. Both Tekken 3 and Only the Strong are responsible for popularizing Capoeira in North America. However, I was ignorant of the cultural richness and the source of empowerment that Capoeira provides for members of the African diaspora. In 2010, I began training underneath Mestre Esquilo. Mestre Esquilo was gracious enough to allow me to train at his academy while I was homeless. In exchange, I was responsible for cleaning up the academy after classes. While I was homeless, I was constantly surrounded by drugs and alcohol. I credited Capoeira for protecting me from drugs and alcohol in my time of vulnerability. I avoided harmful substances because I refused to train in the academy under the influence. I didn’t want to disrespect the academy or my Mestre.
Over the years, I have developed a deep passion for capoeira because it improves my self-esteem, provided me with community, and reinforces the benefit of discipline. Currently, I am an assistant capoeira instructor at NCXL dance studio. I am aware that I have the privilege and responsibility to be a positive black male role model to my students. I am blessed to see my students navigate the different stages of life and observe their progress through their Capoeira Journey.
In 2015, I dropped out of college to pursue a career in the Circus. I started performing for local circus troupes and street performances to supplement my income. In 2016, I moved to Ludlow, KY to further my career. I worked as a clown at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, taught circus skills to foster kids at Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, performed at local shows, and taught circus in afterschool programs. My overall experiences in Ludlow were horrendous. I learned that most circuses don’t have human resources department. Therefore, acrobats are not protected in contrast to a traditional career. In 2024, I was feature in American Circus Educator Instagram post for black history month. Later that month, Circadium – School of Contemporary Circus contracted me to teach a two days’ workshop and performance. The students were extremely receptive to my teaching methods, and I received positive reviews on my performance. I preformed to Sauce walker – Sanchie P Maybach. The goal of my performance was highlighting the socioeconomic hardship African American face, and how it serves as a barrier for African American to peruse a career in the arts. My performance generates a conversation between audience, students, professors, and I. I consider this experience one of the greatest highlights of my circus career.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As it pertains to my circus career, my biggest obstacles is the racism embedded in the industry. Oftentimes, Human resources don’t exist in small circus company. Therefor, BIPOC acrobats face microaggression and tokenism from their white peers. Also the element of classism had a negative effect on my circus career. Unfortunately, these obstacles have made me take a step back for the circus career.
As it pertain to my capoeira career, My biggest obstacle is my lack of income prevent me from traveling to different capoeira event. The main challenges as an practitioner is learning the portuguese, singing and playing the instrument. These are challenges are things i must overcome to progress in ranking.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work with a non profit named Queen City Ginga Project. QC Ginga use grant funds to teach free capoeira classes in the African American community spaces. We also teach capoeira in title 1 after school programs.
As a former circus performer, I partner with day support centers to teach circus skill and perform for individuals with developmental disabilities. I also partner with down to earth aerial company to perform at summer reading program and title 1 schools.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite book: cry like a man by Jason Wilson, the 7 habit of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covery, outliers by malcolm gladwell, autobiography of malcolm x

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclemang0/ and https://www.instagram.com/bboymang10/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarrell.wallace/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jarrellwallace5038

Image Credits
Steve Sarafian
Ed Frazier
Eric Cutchin
bryanh_photography
Michael Maxwell