From artistic director and founder, Dawn Pascoe
If you were to ask me what my proudest achievements are, I'd automatically say winning awards and producing tours overseas ... however when I start thinking about the moments that I remember the fondest, it's actually a different story...
I think of young kids coming up to me after a show, with stars in their eyes. Some not being able to talk, some not able to stop , and some just can't stop cartwheeling!
I think of my daughter making friends as she sits in the front row. Show after show - and then telling her new friend what's going to happen next - even the punch lines!
I think of making things happen - like a tour of the outback, with two families, two caravans, an aerial rig, a whole lot of red dust.
I think of sitting down after a massive gig, and having with a laugh with my colleagues, who just happen to be amazing women and friends.
I think of a magical night, where we performed by the ocean at sunset, and everything went right. There was a deep connection to the audience and performers. I remember looking out to the crowd and seeing every face- even my peers, and feeling at one with the world. I knew all the way through, that this was a perfect show.
I think of my most recent work, which really moves people. And the discovery that simply telling the truth is the most powerful tool we have.
***
I think of young kids coming up to me after a show, with stars in their eyes. Some not being able to talk, some not able to stop , and some just can't stop cartwheeling!
I think of my daughter making friends as she sits in the front row. Show after show - and then telling her new friend what's going to happen next - even the punch lines!
I think of making things happen - like a tour of the outback, with two families, two caravans, an aerial rig, a whole lot of red dust.
I think of sitting down after a massive gig, and having with a laugh with my colleagues, who just happen to be amazing women and friends.
I think of a magical night, where we performed by the ocean at sunset, and everything went right. There was a deep connection to the audience and performers. I remember looking out to the crowd and seeing every face- even my peers, and feeling at one with the world. I knew all the way through, that this was a perfect show.
I think of my most recent work, which really moves people. And the discovery that simply telling the truth is the most powerful tool we have.
***
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from the beginning...
I grew up swinging from trees in the Swan Valley, I married a Country boy and have always had a strong sense of Community and a deep connection to Nature.
I had wanted to be an actress since starring in a play in an old Sheering Shed in Primary school.
I went on to get a Bachelor of Arts from WAAPA (the holy grail of Performing Arts Universities) and it was here I found that I have a knack for directing, devising and a deep love for physicality.
It was also here that I found a crumpled up pamphlet for a Circus diploma in New Zealand... This was 2003, and online research was very basic! Despite what people said, I knew it was my path, and I packed up and joined the Circus.
During my time in New Zealand, I gained a whole new outlook on what is possible in performance... and I gained my Circus Community.
My first self devised work won the Best Solo Show of Wellington Fringe in 2006. (You can see 'Eileen' on the videos page)
And since then, I've worked towards combining my love of theatre, dance and circus together in myriad of forms;
From Outdoor Aerial shows to Black tie balls.
Theatre shows to Street Shows.
Intimate to Spectacular.
In the past 19 years, there are a few career highlights that really stick out for me:
- Winning the Toronto Buskerfest with an all female team, and an 'artsy' Aerial Dance show (This is one of the largest Street arts festivals in the world)
- Co-Creating 'She is Strong', a show and community engagement program that connects women and moves audiences. It's a special one for audience and performer alike.
- Producing a 5 week outback tour, and performing in Dry River beds and Cattle Yards.
- Choreographing 6 aerialists, 30 metres above the ground for the Joondalup Festival finale
- Performing in site specific locations for a month long tour for Gascoyne in May
- Touring the World - Norway, Ireland and Canada in particular, made us feel like superstars
- Telling stories, creating unique choreography and trail blazing the aerial-circus realm - to make art accessible to all
I had wanted to be an actress since starring in a play in an old Sheering Shed in Primary school.
I went on to get a Bachelor of Arts from WAAPA (the holy grail of Performing Arts Universities) and it was here I found that I have a knack for directing, devising and a deep love for physicality.
It was also here that I found a crumpled up pamphlet for a Circus diploma in New Zealand... This was 2003, and online research was very basic! Despite what people said, I knew it was my path, and I packed up and joined the Circus.
During my time in New Zealand, I gained a whole new outlook on what is possible in performance... and I gained my Circus Community.
My first self devised work won the Best Solo Show of Wellington Fringe in 2006. (You can see 'Eileen' on the videos page)
And since then, I've worked towards combining my love of theatre, dance and circus together in myriad of forms;
From Outdoor Aerial shows to Black tie balls.
Theatre shows to Street Shows.
Intimate to Spectacular.
In the past 19 years, there are a few career highlights that really stick out for me:
- Winning the Toronto Buskerfest with an all female team, and an 'artsy' Aerial Dance show (This is one of the largest Street arts festivals in the world)
- Co-Creating 'She is Strong', a show and community engagement program that connects women and moves audiences. It's a special one for audience and performer alike.
- Producing a 5 week outback tour, and performing in Dry River beds and Cattle Yards.
- Choreographing 6 aerialists, 30 metres above the ground for the Joondalup Festival finale
- Performing in site specific locations for a month long tour for Gascoyne in May
- Touring the World - Norway, Ireland and Canada in particular, made us feel like superstars
- Telling stories, creating unique choreography and trail blazing the aerial-circus realm - to make art accessible to all
Circus and Aerial Dance
For Outdoor Festivals, Gala Events, Regional Shows, Street Arts and more!
Top photo and central lower photo by Rachel Collier Photography. Outside middle photos by Anton Blume, from Gascoyne Travelling Arts Festival