By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

‘All about inclusion:’ Nanaimo entertainer returns from hiatus with new purpose

Jul 1, 2018 | 8:34 AM

NANAIMO — A Nanaimo entertainer is returning to the stage, ready to shed her mask literally and figuratively to share an important message.

Bobbi Kurtz, perhaps better known as inspirational entertainer Aunti Bobbi the Clown, is stepping back into the spotlight with a renewed purpose of bringing the community together to celebrate inclusion, diversity, and acceptance.

After spending more than a decade delighting children as a popular clown, Kurtz said she stepped away to do some soul searching. It was during that time she came to some stark realizations.

Kurtz said she discovered her persona as a clown was her way of hiding behind a character. The concept of using a character to fit in recalled memories of being bullied for simply being herself as a child, Kurtz said.

“Feeling that way kind of became my normal. I was a kid who just loved everything and I really struggled with why people chose to bully me. I spent a lot of time trying to fit in…It’s something I managed to carry into my adult life.”

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The moments of self-realization inspired Kurtz’s creative energy, leading to the recording of a new song and an ambitious cause.

The Ripple Effect Dance Song made its debut at a recent school district and City event designed to get young children outside and moving.

Its message: no matter how different people may appear, we’re all the same and that should be celebrated.

Kurtz said the reaction of the crowd, 3,000 children and teachers alike, was moving. “I had goosebumps from head-to-toe because my dream and my vision was coming together.”

The Ripple Effect movement will be on display at several events in Nanaimo this summer. Kurtz will perform, with a “surprising new look coming out from behind the mask,” at Canada Day festivities in Maffeo Sutton Park and the Silly Boat Regatta.

The ultimate goal is to create a music video to accompany the song, with the hope it goes viral online and its message shared with children and communities the world around.

Kurtz said the video will feature as much diversity as possible and she’s now working with Nanaimo organizations to make sure every part of the community is represented.

You can learn more about the project, hear the song or get involved here.

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