Christina Noelle Jones performs in Cirque du Soleil’s production “O” at the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip.
She is the Host and Producer for “Cirque Stories,” an exclusive Cirque du Soleil YouTube series which highlights artists’ journeys to the circus. Christina also hosts and contributes as an emcee and panelist at events including SPARK by Cirque du Soleil, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Christina graduated Magna Cum Laude from UNLV in 2014. She majored in Journalism and Media Studies, with a concentration on News and Media Studies, and a minor in Communications.
Christina is a 2015 World Champion and a 2008 Olympic synchronized swimmer. She and her duet partner, Bill May, brought home the gold from the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia. Together, they made history when they won the inaugural Technical Mixed Duet event.
Women Fitness President, Namita Nayyar, joins her to know more about the Olympian.
Namita Nayyar:
People in general know very little about synchronized swimming. What inspired you pick this sport and pursue it as a career?
Christina Noelle Jones:
Although synchronized swimming is not extremely common in the United States, it is popular in other countries. I love whenever I have an opportunity to educate someone about our beautiful yet grueling sport. As a child, I participated in a multitude of sports: gymnastics, soccer, figure skating, swimming, dance and the list goes on. When I wasn’t practicing one of these sports, I was playing the piano or choreographing dances with my friends to perform for our parents or anyone else we could get to watch us.
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area which just so happens to be the mecca of synchro in the United States. When I was five years old, my mom saw an ad in the newspaper for a synchronized swimming performance in Santa Clara, Calif. I was so captivated by this experience, I wanted to try it myself!
I joined the Santa Clara Aquamaids when I was six, and the rest is history. Synchro encompassed everything I loved: water, swimming, performance, music, and most importantly, a team full of my best friends. When it was time to choose which sport I wanted to stick with, it was a no brainer.
Everything unfolded organically from there. The Santa Clara Aquamaids just so happens to be the strongest club in the nation. Before I knew it, I was traveling all over the country to compete at various national competitions. When I was 14, I made my first National Team. I competed at the Olympics when I was 20. Directly following the Olympics, I started my career as performer for Cirque du Soleil.
Namita Nayyar:
Currently you perform in Cirque du Soleil’s production “O” at the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip. Host and Produce “Cirque Stories,” an exclusive Cirque du Soleil YouTube series which highlights artists’ journeys to the circus. You also hosts and contributes as an emcee and panelist. How do you go about efficiently managing being a multi-tasker? Which role excites you the most?
Christina Noelle Jones:
Juggling school and synchro in my youth taught me how to manage my time and multitask. Sometimes I would train at 5:30 AM, attend a full day of school and go right back to practice from 3:30 – 9:00 PM. These days were long and tough, but worth it. Any spare minute would be dedicated to my schoolwork and I knew I had to make it count.
I have been able to apply these skills to my adult life. I was able to attend and graduate from University of Nevada, Las Vegas while maintaining a full-time position with Cirque du Soleil. I am forever grateful for the invaluable lessons synchro taught me.
It is impossible to decide which role excites me most. The variety between these roles is what keeps things fresh and inspiring!
Full Interview Continued On Next Page
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