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Meet Short E. Dangerously: The World’s Most Amazing Half-Man at Orlando Oddities Market
Stuntman Short E. Dangerously, born Aaron Wollin, is billed to be “the world’s most amazing half-man.” When he was two years old, Wollin’s legs had to be amputated due to a rare condition called sacral agenesis, and he has been walking on his hands ever since.
Wollin’s career as a stuntman started after getting the opportunity to join World of Wonders, a traveling sideshow. He toured with them for five months learning the craft; however, by the end, “I belonged, but I didn’t exactly fit in,” he said. Wearing a black cowboy hat and performing to rock-and-roll music, he said he stood apart from the other performers in their sequins and bright fashion.
Around 13 years ago, Wollin joined Hellzapoppin, an underground circus and sideshow. It allowed him to tour around the world performing at festivals, events, and as a supporting or opening act for several rock band tours. In the oddities community, he says he’s found his place.
Dangerously is one of three live entertainment acts featured at the Orlando Oddities and Curiosities Market on Saturday, June 27. The event promises the “best and weirdest” the oddities community has to offer and is organized by Prometheus Esoterica, a husband-and-wife-owned Orlando store that describes itself as “part oddities shop, part Gothic boutique,” and “a macabre dreamland bent on fulfilling all your dark desires.”
If you’ve never heard of the oddities community, a look at the list of more than 200 curated vendors may clue you in. Attendees who want to dig a little deeper into the oddities lifestyle can purchase admission to two workshops: a taxidermy rabbit class and an insect pinning class. Luckily, all supplies are provided, so participants won’t need to bring their own rabbit or tarantula.
Sideshow Community is a Tight-Knit Group
Dead City Circus Sideshow, an underground performance troupe “designed to captivate audiences with high energy, dark themes, and jarring visuals,” will perform at the market as well. Wollin said that he has mentored the group and seen them go from a small show performing wherever they can, to main stages doing international work. He says he has enjoyed watching them grow into the next generation of sideshow performers and that they are doing it “the right way.”
“Stunts are not original; everybody’s been doing them. It’s how you present them that makes them your own. And that is something that Dead City does very well, better than anyone I’ve ever known,” Wollin said.
An immense community has grown because there are “so few that do what we do,” said Wollin. In the sideshow business everyone knows everyone, and while it can be a dysfunctional group at times, they are a strong community nonetheless, he said.
How to Join the Orlando Oddities and Curiosities Market
The Orlando Oddities and Curiosities Market takes place on June 27 at Osceola Heritage Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Prometheus Esoterica store, or at Osceola Heritage Park’s box office on the day of the market.
Tickets grant access to the venue, vendors, and live entertainment acts.
Event admission does not include the workshops. Workshop tickets are available through Prometheus Esoterica. For information about parking and policies for costumes and bags, visit Osceola Heritage Park’s website.
Mike Synan
News | Sports | Politics
- After two decades in news and politics, Mike Synan is returning to his roots to write Sports as “The Sportsaholic”. Mike hosted a talk show for 6 years on WDBO after Magic home games called “Magic Til Midnight”, and spent years working as an in-game correspondent for both ESPN and Fox Sports Radio. His column “Synan Says” has appeared on both www.wdbo.com and www.floridadaily.com. He has a BS in Political Science from Clemson University. You can reach him at msynan@sportsmail.com
