Circus-Naomi

Originally from a gymnastics background at national competition level, I trained in Physical Ed as part of a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Sport and Leisure.

 

I discovered the joys of swinging trapeze via private tuition with Mr Mike Wright at Circomedia in Bristol, over 18 months.

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Cut to 6 years later... I've now discovered and begun to teach myself, solo static trapeze, aerial silks, corde lisse, and aerial hoop. I take another course of  evening classes at Circomedia, (with Piers (from No-Fit-State Circus), and the lovely 'Ziggy'). I also begin teaching  aerial in Swindon, at Lower Shaw Farm, and  circus skills at 'The Platform' youth centre.  Along with training, and performing with Dr Schmoo's Urban Circus, all thanks to Mr Jake Hirsch-Holland .  My aerial debut was a static trapeze, (along with a fire poi perfomance), for Swindon Literature Festival, at sunrise, from a freestanding rig.  I was hooked!

 

Cut to now, where over the last 7 years, whilst still travelling and remaining on the seasonal performance circuit, as both fire performer, and aerialist.  I have had the pleasure of establishing regular aerial classes, for adults, and kids, as a freelance instructor in Cornwall.  Between 2012-2016 I also developed and facilitated the aerial component of Circo Kernow's Youth Circus Training programme.  Assisting a number of young people through NCFE, and Arts Awards courses.

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I'm delighted to say that up to now , I've had the privilege of seeing 10 Cornish students through successful applications, and auditions, leading to Circomedia places. Watching most go on to successful careers, and or positive, and meaningful life paths, all thanks to Circus.  I've also had the pleasure, and the opportunity to be able to provide, development, and performance opportunities for a fledgling 'Circo Inferno'.  A lively and contemporary troupe of young people, with a strong sense of artistic identity. 

 

I'm trained to ILM level 3 as regards teaching, and hold an up to date enhanced DBS disclosure, first aid certificate, and an NVQ level 3 in promoting independence, along with my BTEC Sport and Leisure HND.  I'm an Equity member, and I also keep my safeguarding children and vulnerable adults training up to date. 

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Since October 2015 I found myself happily carried along by Airfish.  We began as, an all female collective of Cornwall based circus aerialists.   Now Airfish is is a complete Circus, not for profit, Arts Collective, not just a bunch of girls hanging about!

 

With the sold out success of our first production, a contemporary take on a traditional night of vaudeville, burlesque and swing music, the ' Seductive, Swinging, Soiree'.  Airfish Productions and Airfish Circus began to grow in both range and scope. 

 

Now I find myself co-ordinating not only my own work as a freelance performer and instructor, but artistically directing an amazing crew of performers; also acting as the first point of contact to a whole range of performance related production services, kit and infrastructure.  How did that happen?  

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Since June 2018 I have also taken up the reins as Charity Manager, at Cirque Du Ciel Ltd (CdC), and after creating and developing the 'Circus 'Works', between Truro and Falmouth, for 5 years, in order to co-ordinate a wide range of classes, training and performance opportunities.  Now in the Spring of 2024, I find myself steering CdC through both a rebrand, and a relocation, and I'm delighted to be able to support both the local and professional circus community through the vehicle of 'Cirk Hes Ltd' and the new space myself and the Cirk Hes team have created in Helston.

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In all seriousness...I love my life ......and knowing, loving and working with the awesome folk that I do through Circus.  There is also no 'I' in 'Team', and I am extremely grateful to mine.  You know who you are! :-)

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It was striving to gain knowledge of, and the desire to perform with fire though, that initially drew me to the circus arts.  Again teaching myself fire poi, and fire nun chucks to start with.  I have of course through meeting and performing with other fiery folk, learned so much more, thanks to them over the years.  I particularly owe a debt of thanks to Sam Jenkinson, Boo Carson, Luke Bishop, Alex Gray, and the rest of 'The Flaming Headcases'.

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As well as continuing to perform body burning; fire eating; fire palms; fire fingers; fire poi; and fire nun chucks; I'm currently developing new fire props, and pyrotechnics to use, based around certain elements of costume design.   However I must keep that secret! 

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As well as burning regular flame, I can provide burns using coloured flames, mainly red or green, but other colours can be provided.  Likewise, I have cultivated a knowledge of  the use and safe working practice, in relation to close proximity / stage pyrotechnics, and similar articles of pyrotechnics.  Using a remote firing electrical system.

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I have also begun project managing the building of some new  and exciting performance apparatus, however mystique matters, and I don't want to blow it, so enough said! 

 

 I'm fully insured to perform and instruct aerial and acro skills, and insured to teach juggling skills, along with performing juggling skills, with or without fire.  Risk assessments provided on request. 

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Over the years, through practical experience, and with the help and guidance of other performers, and show folk.  I've developed a great network, and a great set of tools towards  guiding a performer, a performance, or an event,  into an act, or a production, that's cohesive, and true to them, or to the vision for the show/event. 

 

I hope our paths will cross in the coming year, and that I, along with my circus friends, might bring some sparkly circus magic to you, your town, or your event.