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Portraits By Paula Bock

René Bibaud | Defying age and gravity, she jumps right in

When five-time world champion René Bibaud fills out her taxes, she lists her occupation as "Professional Rope Jumper." Bibaud performs acrobatic jump-rope routines for Cirque du Soleil, in competitions and as a motivational speaker in schools. Now 37, the West Seattle resident recently signed on for two years with Cirque's winter show in New York's Madison Square Garden.

Q: You'll be performing with Cirque when you're almost 40? What's the secret?

A: If I'd put the rope down for a couple years, it would have been a lot harder to pick up. Cirque has clowns and amazing acrobats in their 40s; they're my role models. Their body is how they make a living. They know how to rest, how to train, how to eat. You want to believe there's some magic formula. It's everything we've all learned; just a matter of putting it in practice.

Q: How did you start jump roping?

A: We didn't have a lot of money to sign up for gymnastics and other things that cost a lot. I lived across from (Helen Keller Elementary in Kirkland) and had a great coach. We'd perform at Sonics games, travel nationally; started going to competitions and one thing led to another.

Q: Do you really believe you're not more physically talented than average?

A: What I've learned is to maximize my strengths. I've got strong legs, my dad's legs. Growing up, I don't think anybody would say I was a natural athlete. I didn't make it on the jump-rope team the first year. Coach told me to focus on three things: 1) Don't compare yourself to others. 2) Don't worry about mistakes. 3) Always give it your best. The next year, I made the team. It's a competitive world. A lot of kids don't like to try because they're afraid they won't be successful right away. Hey, take it a step at a time; it's a journey, enjoy what you do.

Q: When you perform, it looks like magic, like you're floating. What does it feel like?

A: It usually hurts more in training 'cause you push yourself. In performance, the adrenaline starts flowing, and aches and pains melt away for a good hour, and then it all comes back. Especially when you're 37.

Q: What's your role in the new Cirque show?

A: I'm going to be an urban lady hanging out her laundry in Brooklyn, and some interesting things happen with the laundry cord.

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