In the Broadway production of Wicked, Elphaba sings, “I think I’ll try defying gravity, and you can’t pull me down.” JLA’s very own Vicky De Oliveira does exactly that. Vicky is a silks dancer and has done many dances with her squad. Silks is an extremely difficult art form in which a person utilizes two curtains of fabric, secured from the ceiling, and maneuvers their body using just strength and flexibility. It all started when she was much younger and her parents took her to see a silks show at the Cirque du Soleil. She said that, “I was just inspired by the women who would do it.” 

Nine years ago she took her first Silk’s class and fell in love. She feels that the performances have helped her grow confidence and increased her strength and flexibility. She practices twice every week keeping up with her routines and exercises. Her favorite part is the performances. She notes that, “It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be in the front row in the middle,… there have been two times in the past year that I have been front and center.” She also explains that this month she will also be performing in the front. 

Not only does she pursue her passion, she has become internet famous. She has even been recognized by the people at Cirque du Soleil, the place that inspired her to begin silks, going as far as to offer her a personal class. She started her account three years ago to keep track of her progress until one day one of her videos blew up. She hopes to continue pursuing silks and improving her skills.