Corey Hartung came to UF not knowing what she wanted to do after she finished her collegiate gymnastics career and got her degree.
She still isn’t sure, but she’s found something to hold her over for a few years.
The 10-time All-American, who is serving as a student coach for the Gators this year, will be headed to Montreal in July to begin training for Cirque du Soleil.
“I like being active and doing different cool and creative things,” Hartung said. “I definitely don’t want to sit in an office to do my job. I think that’s why I chose to do Cirque for a while, because my body is still healthy. A lot of gymnasts, after four years of college gymnastics, they’re burnt out and their bodies are dead, but mine is still healthy and going strong.”
Hartung described it as an “awesome opportunity.” She said it started about one year ago when several people suggested it to her.
“At first I was like, ‘No, no, no,’ but I knew a few girls who did it, like [former Florida gymnast Nicola Willis] and I started thinking I would do it,” Hartung said.
Over the next few months, she decided to pursue the opportunity with the support of UF coach Rhonda Faehn, who thought Hartung would be a great fit.
In June, Faehn e-mailed people she knew who were involved with Cirque du Soleil. Later on that day, Hartung heard back from the people in charge of recruiting for the show.
They began sending e-mails back and forth, and Hartung sent them an audition tape displaying her conditioning, flexibility, bar, tumbling and dance skills.
By August, Hartung received a call with an offer to start training for Viva ELVIS, Cirque du Soleil’s Elvis Presley-themed show.
“I told them I couldn’t, that I had obligations here and that my heart was with the team,” Hartung said. “I had to graduate. I was kind of bummed, because when you get that offer, you want to pack your bags and go, but I knew I couldn’t leave yet.”
They understood and told Hartung they would be glad to have her join once she graduates in May.
After graduation, she will prepare for Montreal, where she will go through rigorous general training and conditioning until she is placed in a show.
“I’ve never been to Montreal,” Hartung said. “I’ve been to Canada a couple of times, but I guess I need to start learning French.”
