AFTER many years of performance as a circus artist, former Engadine resident Jessica Ward has seen her dream come true.
Cirque Du Soleil has offered her a contract in its newest show, with rehearsals in July in Montreal, Canada.
She had applied to join the elite Cirque more than four years ago.
Eventually, the Montreal-based troupe will bring her home to Australia where she will be able to perform before home crowds.
A specialist in aerial hoop and hand balancing, she has had a love for dance and acrobatics since she was a baby, taught some of her skills by her mother, Lynette Ward.
She competed in world championships in 2004 in France and 2006 in Portugal.
Gymnastics Australia awarded her a national acrobat of the year award in 2002, membership of elite team in 2003, and made her international acrobat of the year in 2004.
At 19, Jessica gave up her job as a flight attendant to be a circus performer full-time.
She graduated from the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in Melbourne in 2009.
In 2012 Ward made her debut on the international stage in Abu Dhabi where she was selected to perform for Ferrari World's acrobatic stunt show.
She then travelled to America for intensive hoop training with a former Cirque Du Soleil artist.