A terminal cancer diagnosis changed everything for Bryan Flanders. The Utah resident, who was preparing for a career in public policy, suddenly faced what doctors believed was his final chapter. The prognosis was devastating: a rare form of cancer with a life expectancy of one to five years and no available treatment options.
For an entire month, Flanders lived with the weight of this diagnosis while pursuing graduate school and juggling a full-time job alongside an internship. The experience forced him to confront profound questions about purpose and priorities.
“I questioned why I was pushing through this demanding lifestyle if my time was limited,” Flanders explained. The relentless schedule that once seemed important suddenly felt meaningless in the face of mortality.
Then came the stunning reversal. Medical tests revealed the diagnosis was wrong. Flanders did not have cancer and was not dying. But the experience had already transformed his perspective forever.
From Policy to Performance
Rather than returning to his original career path, Flanders made a radical decision. He chose to pursue happiness over conventional success, trading his shoes for a yoga mat and becoming an instructor.
Before his diagnosis, Flanders viewed yoga as an activity suited for older individuals, not an adventurous person like himself. His wife, Chantel, remembers him as a thrill-seeker who enjoyed bullet biking and rock climbing.
During that pivotal month of living with a terminal diagnosis, however, Flanders discovered yoga and found an unexpected passion. He quickly progressed from student to teacher, leading classes throughout studios along the Wasatch Front.
His journey continued as he explored acroyoga, which combines acrobatics with yoga principles, and eventually expanded into broader circus disciplines. Today, Flanders operates the Salt Lake City Circus Center at the historic Trolley Square shopping complex.
Teaching Through Movement
“My focus shifted completely toward helping people develop better body awareness and physical fitness,” Flanders said. The transformation from policy analyst to circus arts instructor fulfilled an unexpected calling.
Chantel recalls conversations during their dating years when Bryan expressed his ultimate ambition. “He always said his dream was to become a college professor and teach,” she noted. While circus arts was never part of that original vision, his natural teaching abilities have found their perfect outlet.
“He has this remarkable ability to observe someone and identify exactly what physical adjustments they need to make for success,” Chantel explained.
A Family of Acrobats
The Flanders family has fully embraced the circus lifestyle. Their collection of family photographs showcases Bryan, Chantel, their three-year-old daughter Eleanor, and even their dog Archimedes performing perfectly balanced acrobatic poses together.
The couple approaches these photo sessions with theatrical precision. “Most people assume I’m the one planning our outfits and styling, but it’s actually Bryan,” Chantel revealed with amusement. “He thinks about what we’ll wear, which heels work best, and how we can coordinate our looks.”
The photography process requires careful coordination. Bryan typically positions himself on the ground to frame each shot, while Chantel stands in as a focal point. After setting a timer, Bryan rushes into position, giving them roughly twenty seconds to execute multiple poses before checking their results.
Grateful for the Experience
Looking back on the misdiagnosis that redirected his life, Flanders expresses gratitude rather than resentment. “Every experience shapes who we become, and I wouldn’t change what happened,” he reflected.
The false cancer diagnosis gave him a perspective that continues to influence his choices. “Confronting death, even mistakenly, fundamentally changes how you view living,” Flanders said.
His story serves as a powerful reminder that life’s unexpected detours can sometimes lead to more fulfilling destinations than originally planned. What began as a month of facing mortality has evolved into years of helping others discover joy through movement, strength, and the transformative power of circus arts.
