Archive
2012Welcome to my news page!
This is a selection of work that I have done - current, recent and past!
I hope you enjoy browsing!
Photo Shoot with Paul Silver Photography
This month I did a photoshoot with the wonderful Paul Silver! In addition to some new duo trapeze photos with Jamie, I got some lovely pictures for my new act - "aerial kite."
La cabalgata de los Reyes Magos de Madrid
In early January, the Heliosphere was invited to participate in La cabalgata de los Reyes Magos de Madrid. On Twelfth Night, the Three Kings travel through the streets of Madrid throwing sweets to the audience.
This was an amazing event! In addition to the Heliosphere, there were floats covered in Christmas lights, a 12m tall Marionette, and even a trained flock of geese!
The Heliosphere is a creation of the Dream Engine - (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
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Harlequins vs Saracens at Twickenham
Just after Christmas, I was asked to perform with the Heliosphere at the Harleqiuns vs Saracens match. We played to a crowd of 82,000 – the largest ever recorded for a club game in this country!
I took off as Amelia Lily, one of the X Factor Finalists, started to sing and then flew all around the stadium. I also carried the match ball, which I delivered for kick-off!
"We'll start with the showbiz gossip first and have to say the entertainment at Twickenham yesterday was FABULOUS. Amelia Lily sang China In Your Hand before the match even started and then we were surprised by a circus contortionist on a trapeze suspended under a balloon floating around the stadium." - www.livelikeavip.com
The Heliosphere is a creation of the Dream Engine - (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
"Narnia" at the Passenger Shed, Bristol
For the entire month of December I am performing "Narnia" on behalf of Impact Artists and Hype Agency. I play Lucy, the girl who ventures through the wardrobe! It's a lot of fun as I get to perform some stunt fighting in addition to character work.
Cascade (Claire and I) also perform our hoop duet - we have created a brand new act for this contract! Photos to follow...
Taunton Christmas Lights Switch On
Thousands of people came to Taunton town centre to watch a unique and spectacular Christmas lights switch-on show, featuring our fantastic crane show!
Hanging from a crane at 30m in the air, I was an elf (hiding in a Christmas present and then popping out!) performing somersaults and character work. Soon after, I appeared as a snowflake on silks and then went straight into a solo hoop routine as a fairy. I was priviliged to be the person who turned on the lights this year with a wave of my magic wand!
Sleepless Night Festival, Miami, Florida
Sleepless Night is a 13 hour cultural arts and entertainment festival featuring over 150 free events – all free of charge. The events are diverse, ranging from street theatre to dramatic stage performances, jazz to opera, ballet to hip-hop. We were there with the Heliosphere.
I had a lovely time in sunny Miami! I hope I get to go back one day!
Photoshoot with Drew Tommons
Jamie and I recently collaborated on a photoshoot with Drew Tommons. We were shooting a "commercial fitness" look, using aerial silks. The images came out really well!
Masterclasses for Spin City
I was invited to Spin City to teach a series of Masterclasses throughout October. Spin City is a leading pole fitness studio, and they have just begun branching out into the circus world.
Over the course of a couple of weekends I taught aerial silks and aerial hoop to students of every age and background. It was a lot of fun and I have been asked to return in November!
Men's Judo World Cup, Liverpool
Cascade (Claire and myself) recently performed at the opening ceremony for the Men's Judo World Cup. Our duo silks act went down a storm and even earned us a business card from Olympian Tessa Sanderson!
The key attraction for this spectacular event was that it was an Olympic Qualifying event, so the best judo players in the World were there competing.
Philips Innovation Experience
The heliosphere was invited to perform at the Philips Innovation Experience in Eindhoven, Holland, the birthplace of the company. This year the event also celebrated Philips’ 120th anniversary.
Taking place in the spaceship shaped "Evoluon", we performed nine shows over 3 days to stakeholders, media and company employees. In one show I even flew over to the CEO of Philips and handed him a rose!
"Peri in the Park" for Nando's
On a windy day in September, a group of performers set out to a field in Chippenham to entertain the employees of Nando's at their "Peri in the Park" event.
I had been invited to perform a unicycle walkabout (always challenging on long grass!) and a handstand contortion walkabout. I was performing alongside two other acrobats, a juggler, and the ever-popular Victorian Strongmen. Hay bales and cider were a key theme of this "vintage circus" event - they even had a Big Top and a mini fairground!
We were there for the first day of a three day event. The guests were staying overnight in little tents and teepees!
Party for Nissan, Valencia, Spain
The heliosphere was invited to appear at a private event for Nissan at the CAC in Valencia, Spain. This amazing venue is filled with large lakes of water, which I flew above before coming down to greet the guests.
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk). They are an amazing company, it's definitely worth taking a look through their website!
Midlands Range Rover Evoque Launch
Cascade (myself and Claire) were invited to perform our duo hoop act and a silks hangabout for the launch of the Range Rover Evoque in the Midlands. Directly after performing our act, the car was revealed by driving it through a (fake) wall, much to the amazement of the guests!
Gloucester Tall Ships Festival
Jamie and I (Suspension of Disbelief) were aksed to perform our duo trapeze act and my spinning web act for the Tall Ships Festival. As the festival has a nautical theme to it, my sailor suit made an appearance! We were there as part of a one hour show by Cirque Bijou, which also featured the Black Eagles and the Great Vasilli!
Photo courtesy of Cirque Bijou and Christina Meyer-King
"Cirque Bijou was also a highlight of the day, with daring trapeze artists and other incredible circus acts. " - www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk
Ironman UK Pasta Party
Claire and I were invited to perform our duo hoop and duo silks acts for the annual Ironman Pasta Party in Bolton. It's always good fun to perform in front of other athletes as they really understand how much practice goes into doing what we do. It was also nice not to have the biggest muscles in the room for a change!
The audience and organisers were extremely welcoming and appreciative, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Hopefully it's a show we will get to do again next year!
"I just wanted to say that the girls were absolutely wonderful at our pasta party...they were definitely a huge highlight!" - Laurena Abraham, Iromman UK
Chinawhite Rock the Polo
Following the Cartier International Polo Event was an amazing after-party, hosted by London nightclub, Chinawhite. The combination of international superstar DJs alongside Cirque du Soleil style aerial displays, burlesque carousel performances, rock and roll violin concertos and fireworks has ensured that the Chinawhite enclosure is now established as the party of the summer.
"To watch the breathtaking aerobatic display from two large helium balloons was an extravagant end to an eye opening day at Windsor Great Park." - www.thelondonword.com
The Heliosphere is a Dream Engine creation. Check out their website: http://www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Pendulum Aerial Arts
During the last week of June and first week of July, I went to Portland, OR, to work with Pendulum Aerial Arts for their annual summer intensive. Teaching a range of ages from 11 years to adult was, as always, quite a challenge! But good fun.
In addition to the aerial coaching, I was also asked to help re-set some existing choreography that I had set for the company last year - they needed a lower version of the act to fit in a theatre. At the end of the two weeks, we had created a beautiful variation on the original act that can be performed as low as 20ft.
I always love visiting Pendulum - it's like my second home!
Check out Pendulum's website: http://www.pendulumaerialarts.org
"Nicole has been an integral part of Pendulum’s artistic vision choreographing signature works time and again for the company." - Suzanne Kenney, Director
Circus Themed Wedding for Lady Eliza Pelham
On June 25th was the wedding of Lady Eliza Pelham, daughter of the Earl of Chichester. My partner Claire and I were there as "Cascade", with our ever popular duo hoop routine, performing alongside such great artists as Price and McCoy, Dominic Lacasse and Yulia Pikhtina.
The venue was a stunning marquee, with a mirrored dance floor acting as the circus ring! In addition to the live entertainment, guests enjoyed funfair rides and sideshow stalls.
Downing College May Ball - "Olympus"
On June 21st, I was invited to perform an aerial silks act for the Downing College May Ball - in a giant inflatable diamond! This beautiful and unique installation was a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk), with whom I work closely.
We performed two shows to great acclaim, with guests choosing to come out into the cold and watch our performance instead of staying in a warm marquee with the headline act!
The ball had a wide array of entertainment - in addition to our show, they had live bands, dance tents, fun fair rides, chocolate fountains (always my favourite thing to find at an event!) and much more - a great night was had by all!
Ruby Wedding Anniversary
On a rainy weekend in June, we went to Oxford, set up an outdoor rig, and hoped that the weather would hold! Myself and my partner Jamie were there to perform our duo trapeze act (as Suspension of Disbelief - www.duotrapeze.com), and I also created a bespoke solo silks act for the occasion!
I was lucky enough to be able to finish the silks act, despite high winds, but we did end up having to do the trapeze in the rain! Challenging weather conditions aside, the show went well and the guests loved it!
"We were overwhelmed with your contribution to the day, which made it something extra-special."
Photoshoot with Gordon Fraser
I have worked with Gordon Fraser before in a group situation - after that initial shoot, we had spent a couple of months batting ideas back and forth for a follow up shoot that included my partner, Jamie. After scouting around, we managed to find a fantastic studio with enough ceiling height, and even a winch!
We shot individual photos for Jamie and myself, and then some duo shots - all three of us were very happy with the results! We also managed to get some lovely photos to showcase some new costumes that we recently had made.
"Photographing Nicky and Jamie is a real experience - beauty, strength grace, shape and form are all there to make some truly breathtaking images. Sometimes I would watch this talented duo and get so distracted by what I was watching that I would forget about the photograph. They are a photographers joy to photograph." - Gordon Fraser
(photo by Gordon Fraser at Frasers Fotos - http://frasersfotos.com/)
Nationwide Annual Awards
In early June I was invited to perform as part of Tumbellina at The Nationwide Annual Awards at Celtic Manor in Wales. We were part of the dinner entertainment, performing aerial hoop and silks between courses.
James and Ola Jordan from Strictly Come Dancing were also showcasing four of their dances - it was great to be able to watch them and they were lovely, friendly people!
Narnia Photoshoot
In December 2011 I have been asked to perform as part of a Narnia themed Christmas show as Lucy, the girl who first ventures through the wardrobe. This month, we had a photoshoot to publicise the show and here is one of the shots!
Opening of Terminal One at Birmingham Airport
The opening of the new Terminal One at Birmingham Airport featured not one, but four aerial performers! I was originally approached to provide a solo act, and was later asked to co-ordinate a team of aerialists to create a spectacular opening to the event.
As the guests arrived, they were greeted by two acrobats suspended from white silks above their heads! This provided a great photo opportunity and was a real talking point. Later, myself and Claire performed our Cirque style hoop duet in turquoise costumes, on a blue hoop, to match the airport's circular logo!
After our performances, Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport, officially opened the terminal, and the guests were treated to sushi and ice bar.
(Pictured - Elena Marina)
Amlin Challenge Cup
For the Amlin Challenge Cup pre-show, I was hanging from a balloon! The extremely popular heliosphere (The Dream Engine - www.thedreamengine.co.uk) did a 15 minute performance around the pitch to entertain the crowds.
(Photo by Linda Molloy - http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindamolloy/)
Launch of Cafe Parfait
The Whitehouse Club in Southampton recently underwent a relaunch to become Cafe Parfait, and I was invited to perform at the official opening on behalf of Daze Entertainment.
The club had installed a "trapyra" - a flat bottomed hoop - for me to perform three hangabout sets on as the guests mingled and danced. They also had fire breathers, a drummer and a saxaphone player!
"Very impressive show last night, if I was wearing a hat I would take it off for you." "Last night was awesome...loved Nicky the aerialist - she's my hero" - audience members at Cafe Parfait
New "snow" costumes!
We have some beautiful new duo trapeze costumes, courtesy of Abby Grewcock. Available for duo trapeze or solo acts!
Circomedia
At the start of March I taught a silks workshop as part of the Circomedia Aerial Intensive. We all had a lot of fun, and I even converted a couple of jugglers!
Wedding in Thailand
The heliosphere was invited to perform at an amazing Indian Wedding held in Thailand. In addition our usual show, I also had to deliver the rings via balloon!
It was a beautiful event, held on the beach at sunset. There were Bollywood stars, flowers, fantastic food and a very enthusiastic audience!
Photoshoot Workshop
This month I was invited to take part in a workshop designed for photographers to be able to test out their ideas using aerial performers.
I was lucky enough to work with six fantastic photographers, and took home some amazing shots from the day!
(photo by James Tate)
Alstom Annual Dinner
My partner and I were part of the entertainment at the Alstom Annual Dinner at East Wintergarden in early February, performing our duo hoop routine.
This amazing venue has ceilings of around 25m, which is always a fun challenge for the riggers! We had Tony and David (who regularly work with us) climbing up the side of the building just to hang our hoop!
Pedigree Wholesale Show Dinner
This event was held in Big Top, which I always love - when I was starting out in circus I worked on a few touring Big Top shows and it's always exciting to work in a tent again!
I was there along with my partner Jamie performing a synchro silks routine, and a hangabout. They also had clowns and jugglers - even the audience was dressed up to add to the atmosphere!
LBMA Annual Party at Circus Restaurant
The Circus Restaurant in London is a crazy place - they have live circus entertainment every night!
We were there to perform two versions of our duo hoop routine; Cirque style, and 50's style. It was a fun performance as we got to climb up on a table to get to our hoop! It's always nice to be close to the audience!
"The LBMA Annual Party at Circus, Covent Garden, started on a high note and went with a swing. Acrobatic performances were enjoyed by Members and Associates." - LBMA
New Year's Eve at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai
The heliosphere was invited to do a show for the New Year's Eve party at the Burj Al Arab, Duabi - the only seven star hotel in the world! This was a truely glitzy affair, with fireworks, living tables, stilt walkers and guests in white tie attire.
We performed one show, emerging from a custom made, red velvet "helio hide" to surprise the guests. And surprised they were! It proved to be a real talking point of the evening.
Range Rover Evoque - UK Public Reveal at the London Boat Show, ExCel, London.
Jamie and I were asked to perform our duo trapeze act for the launch of the new Land Rover "Evoque". As an added twist, we did our routine to the music of the live band, which we had never heard before! Thankfully, they were playing a jazzy, uptempo set, which was perfect for us.
Ben Shepherd hosted the evening, which acted as a preview party for the people who had already put down deposits for the car. In addition to our trapeze, there was aerial silks, aerial cage, handbalancing and contortion.
"A most fantastic display awaited us, a huge circular bar and trapeze artists hung spectacularly above our heads." - cars.co.uk
Delhi, India
The heliosphere was invited to perform at a wedding in India -this was my first experience of an Indian Wedding, and it was absolutely insane! They literally built the venue from the ground up two days before, and covered the structure in flowers. It was filled with drapes, ornate statues, and food. Lots and lots of food.
The groom led a procession into the venue, and as he neared the entrance, I scattered rose petals onto him from the balloon. It was an amazing sight from up there, hundreds of people dancing and smiling!
We managed to squeeze in a quick trip to the market at Delhi, and went on a rickshaw ride. This was a lot of fun and very scary at the same time! The rickshaw drivers went incredibly fast, missing pedestrians by inches and bouncing over potholes! We also got to wander around the market a bit, which made me very happy!
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk). They are an amazing company, it's definitely worth taking a look through their website!
Salon 2011 Ambiance Gala Dream Car, Brussels, Belgium
Have you ever seen a Supercar? They are very, very shiny and (I'm told) very, very fast. It was amongst these expensive, luxury cars that we inflated the Diamond for our show.
The Diamond is a very special show indeed - you won't see another one like it. It is a Dream Engine creation (www.thedreamengine.co.uk), involving a giant diamond inflating before your eyes...and inside - an aerial artist performing a beautiful silks routine.
Midnight in Monte Carlo, Cheltenham Racecourse
During the month of December, I had a Christmas contract with Impact Artists and Best Parties Ever. The theme this year was "Midnight in Monte Carlo", complete with Bond style performance and decor, dodgems and a casino!
Live music, a five course meal, and of course, fabulous entertainment made every evening one to remember! We were there for the entire month with our Candyman aerial hoop duet, my webspin act and a specially choreographed silks act.
Advert in The Stage
"The Stage" Magazine has used us in one of their print adverts!
National Business Awards (sponsored by Orange)
The National Business Awards are the UK's most prestigious business awards for public and private sector organisations of all shapes and sizes. This year, we were acting as entertainment between speeches with a four girl syncronised silks act.
As this year's sponsor was Orange, we were decked out in some rather stylish catsuits which were specially made for the occasion!
"BBC presenter Huw Edwards steered Britain’s leading businesses through the evening’s packed programme ranging from abseiling Cirque du Soleil style acrobats to the message from the Prime Minister, David Cameron." - http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk
RFU England vs Australia, Twickenham
Nov 13th, 2010 was the showdown between England and Australia... pre-match, I was flying around the pitch on the heliosphere to entertain the crowds.
I don't know anything about rugby, apart from the fact that the UK won the match!
The heliosphere is a production of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
Souq Waqif Festival for Eid, Doha, Qatar
This fun event is a giant street festival that completely takes over the popular Souq Waqif in the centre of Doha. In addition to the heliosphere, there were stiltwalkers, dancers and a wide array of walkabout acts.
This was a challenging show for us, as the streets were very narrow and crowded, and it was windy. But we pulled it off, night after night, for a full week! We got a prime time tv spot, and got mobbed walking around the Souq!
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
Taunton Christmas Lights Switch On
Coming directly from our show in Doha, we performed for the Taunton Christmas Lights switch on. From boiling hot to freezing cold, it was a bit of a shock to the system! But it was good fun, and the crowd was very friendly.
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
"An added attraction this year was a heliosphere which saw a woman floating above the crowds" - www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk
"The acrobat on the Heliospere against the backdrop of the fireworks was simply magical." - audience member
Winsor Bishop's Christmas Jewellery Exhibition
The 2010 Winsor Bishop Christmas Jewellery Exhibition was held at The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. This was a fantastic venue for aerial, as Jamie and I found out! We were there as Suspension of Disbelief, performing a synchronised silks duet.
The jewellery on show was beautiful, and we had our best sparkly costumes on in an attempt not to be upstaged! As the crowd was moving through the venue, we performed our act three times throughout the day.
"A really classy addition to the evening." - Winsor Bishop Jewellers
20th Anniversairy of the Victoria Quarter, Leeds
The Victoria Quarter in Leeds is a beautiful Grade II listed building, and I was very excited to get a chance to perform there! The event marked the 20th anniversary of the shopping arcade, which features a host of designer names.
As people came in to shop and look around, I performed a hangabout near the entrance. The sight of a girl hanging 7m in the air certainly drew a lot of people in! I also performed my silks act as a featured spot.
"The capacity crowds were entertained by live music and dancers, aerial acrobats, stilt walkers and even a Renault F1 car, all the time taking full advantage of the offers and discounts in stores." - www.69-degrees.com
VIP Opening Luz Shopping, Jerez, Spain
The opening of the Luz Shopping centre in Jerez was a fun and flamboyant event! Our heliosphere performance was the grand finale, following chinese lanterns and a flamenco and horse show.
"...art and elegance culminated in a big night for the city of Jerez. The night culminated with the launch of a giant balloon in the sky of the city to record the moment." - www.andaluciainformacion.es
London Edge Trade Show, Olympia, London
The London Edge Trade Show was a crazy place! Specialising in the alternative, club and streetwear markets, there were surprises every time you turned around! From hair flowers to Mario hats, the range of products was immense.
I was there to perform my webspin act three times during the day - lots of neck spins! I was also very happy to show off my new purple costume.
ZAIN DRAGONE (7 Maravillas Naturales de Portugal), Azores
I was privilged to be invited to perform in a bespoke show for Dragone, acting as an awards ceremony. We had a week to put the show together and then it was braodcast live to 35 countries.
The process was a lot of fun, and it was lovely to work with such talented people! My character was a creature that lived in trees and vines - lots of slinking around!
The day I was the Princess of Hyrule.
This gig was a personal highlight for me, as I grew up on Nintendo games! The evening was to promote Wii Party to Game Store employees, which was a lot of fun for us as performers as we could slip in a few Nintendo jokes here and there...
I was performing a webspin act as Zelda (happy!) and a silks act as Princess Peach. I got a loud cheer for just walking onstage dressed as Zelda, it was amazing!
Chateau d'Artigny, Montbazon, France
The heliosphere was invited to France to perform in the grounds of a former stately home, now a hotel.
Bristol Harbourside Festival, Cirque Bijou
This annual festival is a wonderful thing for Bristol Circus - this was my first year performing in it and I had a lovely time! Jamie and I showcased our contemporary duo trapeze act, and I also performed my rope.
"Recommended among the line-up is corde lisse from the aggressive/purposeful/sultry Nicole Pearson" - Sideshow Circus Magazine
Fusion Girl Guide Centenary, Harewood House, Leeds
The Girl Guides Centenary was incredibly big! They had marquees as far as the eye could see, and even a full sized big top!
We were there to perform a double heliosphere show, which I always like as it means I get to see everyone in the Dream Engine at once! We flew out from behind some trees, and came down to greet the Girl Guides.
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
"The crowds were then treated to a surprise when two acrobats suspended from heliospheres appeared from the back of the crowd. They made their way round to the front of Harewood House where they performed a series of spectacular somersaults and dives into the crowd." - www.girlguiding.org.uk
Private Party, York
The heliosphere was invited to perform at a private party. The clients had chosen a circus theme due to an amazing collection of Victorian sideshow stands and fairground organs that they owned.
I was asked to perform to "Rule the World" by Take That, which was great fun! The Gandini Juggling Project were also there with their glow clubs routine.
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
Kleines Fest im Grossen Garten, Hannover, Germany
Kleines Fest is a giant street performer festival held in Hannover, Germany. We were invited to perform heliosphere for as the finale act at the end of each day.
The Dream Engine were there for the full three weeks, rotating artists and crew - I was there for the middle week. It was so much fun to be there and see so many other artists. They had everything from dragons and ice skaters to synchronised hair washing!
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
Pendulum Aerial Arts
Once again, Jamie and I returned to Pendulum Aerial Arts for their summer intensive. During the two weeks, we teach a summer camp for teenagers. It all went very well this year, with the students learning a lot of new skills!
We also got to participate in a show during our time there! Jamie performed a comedy strongman trapeze act, and I did rope and dance trapeze.
Check out Pendulum's website: http://www.pendulumaerialarts.org
Porsche Cayenne Launch Event, Amman, Jordan
The launch of the new Cayenne was held at the picturesque Amman Citadel and was attended by 300 porsche enthusiasts. The heliosphere was invited all the way to Jordan to perform!
Durham Regatta "Illuminate" Festival
Held every year, the 'Illuminate' Event celebrates the conclusion of the first day of the Durham Regatta weekend.
With "Illuminate" as the theme, it was the perfect excuse to use the Dream Engine's "Stargirl" costume. Custom made, it features LEDs that run all the way through and light it up!
The heliosphere is a creation of The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk)
UFO rehearsal
The Dream Engine have re-vamped one of their shows - the UFO. A heliosphere inside a giant UFO shaped cover, with an "alien" beneath it! We spent a fun day flying around and working on alien style movements!
The Dream Engine have lots of amazing shows! Check them out at: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Nikki Beach White Party, Koh Samui, Thailand
Elena Marina and I had a fantastic week on Koh Samui in Thailand! Nikki Beach was hosting a 1 year anniversary White Party and we were there to perform an acrobatic walkabout, and aerial hoop (Elena) and silks (me) hanging from a crane! The night also included traditional Thai dancers, percussionists, elephants, monkeys and featured a grand fireworks display.
Nikki Beach is a gorgeous resort, and they were kind enough to put us up in one of their beautiful beach front villas! We spent a very happy week on the beach enjoying the sunshine!
Mercedes Benz 20th Birthday, Slovakia
For this heliosphere event, I was asked to fly down and reveal a car! The whole event took place inside, so the crew had to work carefully in order not to bump the balloon into anything. It all went very smoothly, and in addition to the car reveal I also delivered some roses to the VIPS.
The most memorable part of this trip for me was the ride home (unusually!) - we got stuck in the middle of the ash cloud, and ended up having to take a taxi from Slovakia to Heathrow!
The Dream Engine have lots of amazing shows! Check them out at: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Opening of GL building, Hamburg
Two similar shows in the same month! As with Slovakia, the show was inside a building, and I was asked to pull a cover off something (in this case the GL logo) to reveal it.
The building was amazing - it was about 20 storeys high and made of glass!
The Dream Engine have lots of amazing shows! Check them out at: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
IAAF 13th World Indoor Championships, Doha, Qatar
The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Indoor Championships were this year held in Doha, Qatar. We were there as part of the opening ceremony performing a double heliosphere show.
Robyn and I were the two aerialists, and put together a synchronised routine, with the balloons going up and down, and making loop the loops!
After the opening we were able to watch the competition from the press area - I have a new found respect for pole vaulters, it looks truely terrifying!
The Heliosphere is a Dream Engine Creation: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Rock City, Nottingham
Rock City is a club in Nottingham that focuses on live rock music gigs. It has a capacity of 2,000, and is known for its intimate atmosphere.
I was there as part of Cascade to do a number of silks hangabout sets throughout the night.
Cirque de TIGI, European Launch
This enormous hair show and launch was held at the Roundhouse in London. Myself and two other aerialists were there performing trio silks, alongside a wide array of other acrobats, aerialists and dancers.
Circus was the theme, and as you might expect this meant that the stlying of the models was very avant garde!
"Further segments featured trotting horses with long silky manes, a parade of big cats that used brilliantly constructed hair pieces to create lions' manes, tigers and leopards and a jaw-dropping display by trapeze artists." - Hairdressers Journal
Albufeira, Portugal
The heliosphere was asked to perform at a free festival in Albufeira, as part of the town's NYE celebrations. The crowd was huge, which is always fun as I have more people to interact with!
The Heliosphere is a Dream Engine Creation: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Charity auction for Great Ormond Street Hospital
This was a lovely winter themed event, complete with real fir trees, hawks and snowflakes suspended from the ceiling!
I was there to perform my solo silks act during the dinner courses.
NHS event, Sheffield City Hall
Sheffield City Hall is a venue made for aerial! With 12m of height and an amazing grid to rig from, it was a dream for us!
I was invited by the NHS as part of Cascade (my duo aerial team with Claire Ashmore), to perform a synchronised aerial silks duet.
Private Party at The Belfry Hotel and Golf Course
Elena Marina and I went along to the Belfry to perform aerial hoop and silks for a birthday party. In addition to us, there was a ventriloquist, two dance teams, a magician, and the characters from Peppa Pig!
Carnyville
The Invisible Circus is a Bristol based circus company that specialises in site specific shows. Carnyville was held at an abandoned police station, and was the craziest event you could ever imagine!
Circus performers, actors, dancers, sideshow stalls, an entire fake village, a cabaret show and a LOT of live bands are just part of what makes Carnyville so amazing. Jamie and I (as Suspension of Disbelief) were on the outdoor stage with our trapeze duet.
Cirque de Noel, Farnborough
I spent the entire month of December in Farnborough for a Christmas contract with Impact Artists and Best Parties Ever. Our five person team provided a wide range of acts, culminating in a 15 mini-show finale.
I was performing webspin (the debut of this act!), solo aerial silks, and duo synchronised aerial hoop. In addition to this, we had duo trapeze (from Hard Shoulder - Extreme Trapeze), handbalancing (Sally Miller) and hand to hand (Dare).
Women's World Cup Football Final 2009, Helsinki
This was my first time in Finland and I really enjoyed myself - Helsinki is beautiful! I was there with the heliosphere to perform the pre-show for the Women's World Cup Football Final.
Unfortunately, England lost quite comprehensively to Germany....I don't remember the exact score but it was along the lines of 6 - 0...
The Heliosphere is a Dream Engine Creation: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
BTSS Annual Dinner
Jamie and I (as Suspension of Disbelief) were invited to perform our duo trapeze act at the BTSS Annual Dinner. As the event had a "circus" theme, we fit in perfectly!
The client had requested a vintage look, so we wore our gorgeous silver costumes which were made for us by Rada Manussen.
Malaysia, Truely Asia, Kuala Lumpur
We were invited to KL by the Malaysian government to perform in front of their Prime Minister for Malaysia, Truely Asia. The show was broadcast live all over Asia to promote tourism.
This was a double heliosphere show, so Lindsay Butcher and I put together a 6 min, synchronised routine for the occasion. We also had a live singer and a cast of dancers beneath us!
The Heliosphere is a Dream Engine Creation: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Pink Party at The Post, Surrey
Claire and I were invited (as Cascade) to perform at a private party at The Post Restaurant. It was very low, so we chose to perform solo hoop hangabouts.
The event had a pink and orange theme, so we got some new pink bikinis made for the occasion!
Various Heliospheres Around the World!
I have a few heliosphere shows that I have no photos of...Italy, Spain, Belgium and Korea being the most notable, and a few around the UK (Battersea Park, Cardiff Speedway, Drummond Castle). Fun times and good shows were had!
The Dream Engine are the innovators behind the heliosphere, and I urge you to take a look at their website: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
They are such a special company and I am very priviliged to work with them. Thanks guys!
Fiat Linea Launch, Mumbai, India
This glittering celebration was to welcome the Fiat Linea at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai. I was part of a five girl silks act commissioned by Acrobat Productions.
Our silks were hung around the edges of a catwalk, so we came onstage with our best supermodel struts!
Rugby Union, Twickenham
I spent two consecutive weekends performing pre-show for Rugby Union at Twickenham. The first weekend (England v Australia) was very cold, and the second weekend (England v Argentina) was very wet!
Despite the weather, the shows were good fun and the crowd loved it!
You can just about see the balloon in this photo - it's right at the back....
"This year’s pre-match show was stolen by the gymnast somersaulting and pirouetting high above the crowd on a giant balloon." - www.travelstripe.com
Deaflympics, Taipei, Taiwan
The Deaflympics (previously called World Games for the Deaf, and International Games for the Deaf) are an IOC-sanctioned event at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level. We were there to perform the heliosphere at the opening and closing ceremonies.
Despite there being entertainments as diverse as dancing Storm Troupers and giant frogs, we still emerged as the clear favourites!
The Heliosphere is a Dream Engine Creation: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Pendulum Aerial Arts
This summer I went to Portland, OR, for two weeks for my annual trip to visit Pendulum Aerial Arts. This year I was teaching a summer camp and setting some new choreography for their kids' show "Dawn".
I also set a piece for the adult company entitled "China". This has become a signiture work of the company and is performed time and again for corporate events.
Check out Pendulum's website: http://www.pendulumaerialarts.org
Photoshoot with Simon Richardson
The fantastic Simon Richardson invited me and Katharine Arnold to participate in an aerial photoshoot over the middle of a river! So far without exception, everyone who has seen these pictures asks, "how did you rig that?"
The impossible was achieved using a truck, winch, two tree surgeons and a rowboat! Quite an undertaking, but the photos are amazing!
Thanks Simon!!!
Pharmaceutical Conference in Sorrento, Italy
In January, we were invited to the stunning Sorrento in Italy to perform our duo silks act (as Cascade)
We performed to "Bolero", which was played by a live orchestra! We were also accompanied by some large pyrotechnic effects as the music reached it's climax!
Daisy Ball, Grosvenor House, London
The Daisy Ball is an annual fundraising event in association with the Anthony Nolan Trust, a blood cancer charity. Claire and I (as Cascade) were there performing our tango style duo hoop act.
The evening was a runaway success, with lots of money donated and a good time had by all!
Wrigleys, Celtic Manor
I was part of a four girl team that Cirque Bijou had put together to perform at Celtic Manor for Wrigleys.
The act we performed was synchronised silks - dressed all in white, but on a different colour silk each, we made a big visual impact! We were very well received and the guests had a wonderful evening!
Henley Festival of the Arts
The Diamond is a unique installation created by The Dream Engine (www.thedreamengine.co.uk) in which an enormous diamond inflates before your eyes with a silks artist concealed inside!
Henley Festival is an extraordinary and elegant mix of music, art, culture, dining and location, with top name artists and street performers from all over the world! We were performing every evening, on the same bill as such names as Katherine Jenkins, Jo Brand and John Barrowman!
"Sunday night, 12 July, saw the Henley Festival go out in style...an 11 metre diamond bursting from the river bathed in beautiful lights! A truly memorable last night for 2009." - Henley Festival Website
Akzo Nobel re-branding, Amsterdam
A giant team of free-runners, aerialists and acrobats were sent to Amsterdam to perform at the Akzo Nobel re-branding. I was asked to perform a five person corde lisse piece and to participate in a group acro number.
The sets were amazing! The corde lisse act took place inside a giant, 10m tall picture frame, and the acro act was on a 4 story scaffold tower floating on a river!
Bournemouth Air Festival
During the Bournemouth Air Festival, 750,000 poeple crowded on the seafront to watch the spectacular air displays! There were airplanes, balloons, and of course, the heliosphere!
The Heliosphere is a Dream Engine Creation: www.thedreamengine.co.uk
Euro Disney
Claire, Jamie and I got to go to Euro Disney to perform a trio silks act! With a heaven and hell theme, Jamie was the angel and we were the devils.
Claire and I also performed a hoop duet as angels, with Jamie the devil dancing menacingly underneath.
Glastonbury Festival
This was my first time at Glastonbury - I was there as part of Cascade performing duo aerial hoop.
The festival was every bit as crazy as I had expected! We spent most of the week in the circus field and the weather, miraculously, held!
Hong Kong
My friend Zeb from ENC asked me to replace his partner (who was retiring) in his duo trapeze act. Of course I said yes, the show was in Hong Kong!
We trained both in Germany and the UK, then flew to Hong Kong for the show. The event was lovely, decked out to look like an enchanted forest. We performed alongside a tap jazz troupe, who were brilliant!
Istanbul Racecourse
The heliosphere went to Istanbul to perform on the racecourse. We paraded up and down, and I was even flown over the audience!
We got in a tiny bit of sightseeing whilst we were there - we saw the Aya Sofya, which was beautiful.
Koko / Agent Provocateur
Agent Provocateur held a fashion show to showcase their new line. The venue was Koko in Camden, London.
I was there performing solo corde lisse to a live band, directly over the crowd. Kate Moss was among the spectators!
Leicester Highcross
Cirque Bijou put together a four girl silks routine for the opening of the Leicester Highcross Shopping Centre.
We had costumes made with the Shopping Centre logo on, and performed alongside a german wheel act, and some breakdancers.
Liverpool One
Claire and I performed duo silks for the opening of the shopping centre, Liverpool One.
The routine we did was very fast and uptempo - lots of fun! There were also stilt walkers and other street entertainers alongside us.
Pendulum Aerial Arts
I was invited back to Pendulum Aerial Arts (http://www.pendulumaerialarts.org) to teach at Ace Week, a week long camp for middle schoolers.
Whilst there, I also set some choreography for the company - it was nice to catch up with everyone!
Isuzu Truck Launch, Milton Keynes
I performed my solo corde lisse act for an Isuzu truck launch in a big top. I always enjoy big top work, it's so high!
Also performing was a duo silks act, and a duo trapeze act.
Pirates of the Carabiners, Bristol Do
This was a fun project! I joined forces with Above and Beyond to create an hour long show based on pirates!
I played a Victorian lady whose tea party got invaded by pirates - I was then kidnapped and hung from the rigging! My fellow ladies and I did our best to escape - but one of us turned rogue and joined the pirates! What is a lady to do?
Smart Car
Impact Artists was posed the question - "how many people can you fit in a Smart?" So they sent a team of contortionists along to find out!
It was a bit like playing Tetris... once we'd figured out the best way to fit ourselves in, we managed to get 13 adults in there!
Stoke on Trent
Claire and I spent a week in Stoke on Trent performing a show for Bond Performance.
Cascade was asked to supply duo aerial silks and hoop acts. This made up part of a full length show including dancers, rythmic gymnasts and handbalancers.
UK School Games
For the UK School Games, we were hung from a crane!
Whlst up there, we did a little routine incorporating "sports" shapes and movements, such as fencing, running and jumping.
Winter Olympics Event, London
For a Winter Olympics event in London I was asked to be an Olympic Hoop! There were five of us (of course!) to make up the logo.
(the photo only shows three of us... blue and green are to the left!)
Cirque de Lumiere, Leicester
My Christmas contract this year was for Impact Artists and Quantum, and took place in Athena, Leicester. I spent the month performing corde lisse, duo aerial silks and duo hoop. I even did some unicycle as a walkabout!
Hotel Monaco
This was my last show for Pendulum! I was so sad! I was doing a handstand walkabout with a parasol, and an adagio act with MoNika Ell.
Abu Dhabi
This was my first show upon returning to the UK - what an amazing one to get! This was the first of many trips to the Middle East for me, for a party for one of the Sheikh's daughters.
We performed a duo silks act, and I also did my solo corde lisse. I completely underestimated how hot it would be, and managed to sunburn through my costume!
Ark Charity Fundraiser
ARK is an international charity which delivers programmes in the areas of health, education and child protection across the globe. Every year, their fundraising gala is attended by celebrities and politicians to raise sums in the region of £14 million.
The event was amazing - one room was decked out as an Edwardian garden party, but with everything suspended 20ft in the air! It was crazy to look up and see a floating bench, with people waltzing around it. The first room I was in was where the dinner took place, my silk hung between the tables.
Later, I returned to the Edwardian room as a French Maid on aerial hoop! This was a fun hangabout as we got to be winched up and down above the crowd.
Crane Shows
This year I did a few crane shows! This is exactly what it sounds like - aerial performed hanging from a crane, 30m in the air!
My favourite of these was probably Goodwood Festival of Speed. I got to play a vulture! We were flown against a background of fireworks, which was a fantastic visual moment.
Another fun one was Chinawhite Rocks the Polo - here, I got to ride a horse (made of foam!) and hit a giant polo ball with a mallet. Then the polo ball split open and an acrobat came tumbling out on a bungee line!
Dorchester Festival of the Arts
Comedy, dance, circus, history, art and music come together in the fantastic venue of Maumbury Rings, the town's ancient amphitheatre.
I performed my solo aerial silks act throughout the week, alongside Claire and David (performing acro) and Jamie (trapeze). This actually marked the first time I ever met Jamie - we went on to create a duo trapeze act under the name "Suspension of Disbelief".
Incandescence at the Guildhall, London
Around 12 performers were gathered in the Guildhall's Great Hall by Incandescence, a fantasy circus company. I was there to perform dance trapeze and aerial hoop hangabouts.
Chicago Night at the Jersey Opera House
Claire and I were asked to choreograph a synchronised doubles silks act to “All that Jazz” for a show by Nikki Bond and Bond Performance. Using Fosse as our inspiration, we created an act that went on to become a signiture piece of choreography for us!
Jennifer Ellison had been hired to play Roxie alongside the cast of "Chicago", and as she sang, we performed behind her. The Jersey Opera House was the perfect setting!
Lloyds Bank
Floorless Productions took over the Tobacco Dock in London for a Pirates of the Carribean themed event for Lloyds bank! Aerialists, dancers, juggler and musicians all ran around drinking grog and singing sea shanties. Halfway through the day, a sword fight broke out and turned into a mini stunt show!
With the guests dressed up and getting into the spirit of things, it was almost hard to tell who the performers were! Claire and I were there doing a silks hangabout, acro and handstands on barrels.
Amouage, Muscat, Oman
In November 2007, Amouage celebrated its 25th Anniversary. To mark this occasion, a lavish event was hosted in Oman's capital city, Muscat. Cascade (Claire and I) were invited to entertain the guests. Suspended from a large outdoor rig, we performed our duo hoop and duo aerial silks acts.
Royal Variety Performance, Liverpool
This was a very exciting one! Claire and I were asked to perform our duo hoop act as part of the opening sequence of the Royal Variety Performance, 2007.
The show was held this year at the Liverpool Empire, and the opening reflected this by using Beatles music. Seal sang a fantastic rendition of "Lucy in the Sky" alongside ice skaters, stilt walkers, dancers, acrobats and of course, us!
You can see the opening sequence here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEEynHY2pB4
Watch for our entrance at 1min 30s!
Chairman’s Awards in Bangkok, Thailand
I love Thailand so much!!! I was extremely happy to be invited out there to perform as part of a five girl silks act for the Chairman’s Awards.
No photos of the event... but here I am with an elephant!
Cirque Night at Royal Windsor Racecourse
Claire and I performed our duo hoop and duo aerial silks acts at Windsor Racecourse.
Earlier, we had also been asked to do a photoshoot to publicise the event. Here's a snapshot of us on a billboard!
Crimson Cabaret
In 2005, Crimson Cabaret was the first full length production I had performed with Pendulum Aerial Arts. This year, we reprised it twice! One show was at the Hult Centre for the Performing Arts in Eugene, OR, and the other at Montgomery Park in Portland ,OR.
The three versions of the show had different casts each time, with Suzie and I being the only performers in all of them! Again, I was playing Yvette, a prim miss who wants to be bad...
Twilight
A showcase of acts with a Twilight theme, this show featured the amazing Cohdi Harrell as a guest artist.
Using "insomnia" as my theme, I created a new corde lisse act for the occasion - this act later became my signiture work!
Around Midnight
This evening was a sizzling, sexy, passionate, celebration of the tango. Guests rung in The New Year in a divine and decadent way with Pendulum (and special international guest artists Katja and Sebastien) whilst dining on a gourmet 5 course meal accompanied by fine wine and champagne!
"Wet Nose Soiree," Dove Lewis Masquerade Ball gala fundraiser
The "Wet Nose Soiree" was held at the Governor Hotel in downtown Portland and featured my handstand act with a parasol!
SOLyCIRCO
This circus festival is held on the tiny island of Sylt, Germany. I was one of just 20 artists worldwide invited there to perform - I chose to show my corde lisse act, Insomnia.
Pictured here with me is Ed Muir, a fellow ex-Circus Maniac who was performing at the festival!
World Forestry Center's O' Tannebaum II - Joy to the world! event
This lovely event was held in the wooden surroundings of the World Forestry Center. During dessert was my aerial silks performance to a live opera singer!
New Years at Aura - "Arctic Chill"
Aura is Portland's premiere supperclub, known for it's theme nights. For "Arctic Chill" I was performing hangabouts on silks, hammock, hoop and doing walkabout contortion. The New Year was rung in by my aerial silks act at Midnight!
Crimson Cabaret
The Crimson Cabaret is a passionate tribute to an era past, when Parisian cafes were draped in sensual beauty, humor, and joi de vivre. The show follows a small group of performers in both their onstage and offstage endevours.
This was my first ever show with Pendulum Aerial Arts! I was playing the role of Yvette, a prim and proper young lady with a hidden wild streak...
Circus Flora - "Kawayo"
Circus Flora was a hit from the very beginning, weaving separate acts together by the common thread of an engaging storyline. This year's theme was Wild West.
Upon arrival I discovered I was to be in the bareback riding act! This was a new one to me - I spent many hours in the practice tent rehearsing. I was happy to learn a new skill!
Zoppè Family Circus
The Zoppè Family Circus emerged from humble beginnings more than 160 years ago to become one of the legendary circuses in all of Europe. Now based in the USA, I was asked to perform my trapeze act with them.
Circus Smirkus - "Legion of Laughter"
“The Legion of Laughter: Superheroes of Smirkopolis” soared into action with the Smirkos taking on comic book characters!
Circus Maniacs Cabaret
This was my last performance with my youth circus company, Circus Maniacs. I created a solo corde lisse act for the occasion, which went on to become my (successful) audition piece for ENC.
Circus Smirkus - "Legends of the Wild West"
“Legends of the Wild West” rode into town with a live six-member bluegrass band (The Route Seven Ramblers), dancers and a host of acrobats! For my second year on tour, I was in the aerial silks act.
Ecole Nationale de Cirque, Montreal
Internationally renowned for highest-quality training, ENC is recognised as one of the top circus schools in the world. I was one of just 20 students invited into the 2002 year group. Whilst there, I furthered my skills in corde lisse, aerial hoop, handstands, unicycle, dance, acting and more...
Here I am with some of my class mates!
La Piste Aux Espoirs
This year, we were asked to present our quad trapeze act at the Piste Aux Espoirs festival. We had a lot of fun meeting so many other artists!
Circus Smirkus - Space Idiocy
"Sci-Fi Smirkus: A Space Idiocy” landed in 15 towns with 72 shows in seven weeks. This space themed show followed the adventures of a boy who gets abducted by aliens whilst stargazing! I was in the aerial silks number.
International Children's Festival at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
Circus Maniacs was one of five youth circus troupes worldwide to be invited to perform at the International Children's Festival, Wolf Trap. I was performing a solo silks act, "Snow".
"The first outstanding act was a corde lisse solo. A teenaged girl in a white unitard worked and wrapped long white silks in a series of lyrical moves. She was framed by a blue cloud backdrop. It was a stunning visual moment." - Spectacle Circus Magazine
Photoshoot with David Downie for Circus Maniacs
Circus Maniacs needed some new publicity photos, and David Downie was the man to take them! We went to his studio in London for a day's shoot.
That's me on the left dressed as a penguin...
La Piste Aux Espoirs
Circus Maniacs was invited to compete at the 1999 Piste Aux Espoirs Festival with our group corde lisse act. We were one of the youngest teams, and still won a bronze medal!
Circus Mignon, Sylt
We were one of 7 European youth circuses invited to the island of Sylt to perform our full length show in the Circus Mignon Big Top. We had a lovely week in the sunshine, performing shows and having fun!
Circus Maniacs
In Oct of 1998, I was accepted into the Circus Maniacs Youth Performance Company, under the direction of Jacqueline Williams. I was instantly hooked on circus and have never looked back!
(pictured... my first neckspin!)
The beginning....!
I've always been able to juggle and do the splits.... it was the start of whole career!
