Circus and Flow Artists
Valentina and Steve Bags - Multi-Prop Awesome and Partner Hoops - Twisted Orbit, UK & USA
We have the pleasure of this duo joining us all the way from the UK!
The combined forces of Valentina (Unity) and (Steve) Bags - a dynamic fusion of cutting edge circus, dance, comedy and, above all, hoops!
Together, they will be performing as 'Twisted Orbit' and teaching their mind blowing workshop on partner hooping... NOT TO BE MISSED! :-)
The combined forces of Valentina (Unity) and (Steve) Bags - a dynamic fusion of cutting edge circus, dance, comedy and, above all, hoops!
Together, they will be performing as 'Twisted Orbit' and teaching their mind blowing workshop on partner hooping... NOT TO BE MISSED! :-)
Ste - Man Hooping and Multi-Prop Insanity - ve BagsBristol Hoop Massive, UK
Bags is a professional teacher and performer from the UK who has been formally trained at Circomedia – Europe’s leading centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre.
He has taught hooping at prominent events all over the UK, Europe and the US as well as being a teacher on Hoop City and Hooping University. He founded the Bristol Hoop Massive and the UK hoop website the Hoop Hub and has won or been nominated for multiple Hoopies and Revolvies (this year he jointly won the Male Hooper of the Year Hoopie!) He is an innovative and multi-disciplined performer who has a strong passion for circus in all it’s forms – but just at the moment you’re unlikely to find him anywhere other than inside a hoop!
Bags will be teaching his Tri-Hoop Workshop at this years UTS! TIME TO BOGGLE YOUR MINDS! :-)
He has taught hooping at prominent events all over the UK, Europe and the US as well as being a teacher on Hoop City and Hooping University. He founded the Bristol Hoop Massive and the UK hoop website the Hoop Hub and has won or been nominated for multiple Hoopies and Revolvies (this year he jointly won the Male Hooper of the Year Hoopie!) He is an innovative and multi-disciplined performer who has a strong passion for circus in all it’s forms – but just at the moment you’re unlikely to find him anywhere other than inside a hoop!
Bags will be teaching his Tri-Hoop Workshop at this years UTS! TIME TO BOGGLE YOUR MINDS! :-)
Valentina - Circus Dance Fusion - Unity Hoops, USA
The versatile, vivacious, vaudevillian vixen, Valentina dazzles audiences around the world with her unique vision of circus dance fusion. Sharing her magic in both performance and workshops is her passion and drive. Valentina is a second generation belly dancer who was raised in the Los Angeles underground art scene by her mother, Leela, a successful theatrical belly dance icon.
Valentina now blends belly dance with hooping, fire, burlesque, snake charming and aerial Lyra. Her ability to seamlessly combine these dance forms gives her a provocative style unlike any other. She is the leader of The Hoop Unit, a hoop fabricator and an event producer.
Valentina will be teaching group hoop choreography, the workshop includes counting the music, dynamic choreography that reflects the songs changes and short combos for you to use and expand on at home with friends! Valentina and Bags will be perfuming in the instructors show.
Valentina now blends belly dance with hooping, fire, burlesque, snake charming and aerial Lyra. Her ability to seamlessly combine these dance forms gives her a provocative style unlike any other. She is the leader of The Hoop Unit, a hoop fabricator and an event producer.
Valentina will be teaching group hoop choreography, the workshop includes counting the music, dynamic choreography that reflects the songs changes and short combos for you to use and expand on at home with friends! Valentina and Bags will be perfuming in the instructors show.
Jamie Bretman (Aus/NZ)
(Almost Exactly Circus, 2013) and Trash
Test Dummies touring ridiculous comedy acrobatics across Australia in 2014.
Jamie is also a musician and DJ with Formidable Vegetable Sound System, touring
the UK in mid 2014. Jamie is a prolific, dedicated artist who’s high-level
skills and distinct, charming stage presence make his work shine uniquely on
the circus/vaudeville stage.
We are super stoked to welcome Jamie Bretman to Under the Spinfluence for the first time.
Jamie is a charismatic performer, a
passionate director and a committed producer of quality contemporary
independent physical theatre. He has performed across Australia, New Zealand
and in China specialising in high-level partner acrobatics and clown. As an MC
Jamie has a delightful stage presence using his subtle expertise to relate to
audiences and draw them in to his performance world. Jamie gained his
considerable skills through a Diploma of Circus Arts (Circo Arts, NZ, 2008) and
a Bachelor of Circus Arts (NICA, 2012). He is passionate about creating theatre,
and has received several awards for his prolific body of work. He was hired as
a performer and musician in Big Tops for
Little Tots (Circa NICA, 2012). He directed, produced and performed his
lovable solo clown show Read All About It
(2013); Minimum Stay, a work packed
with feats of strength and dexterity
Amy Richardson-Impey (NZ)
MeeMee’, has been teaching, choreographing & performing on & off stage NZ and world wide, in a large scope of dance genre for well over a decade - producing her first show at the age of 14. Internationally acclaimed and best known for her work in the Pole Dance and Fitness industry, Amy has touched audiences worldwide, known affectionately as ‘The Crazy Kiwi’.
Her years of experience around the stage have included: Salsa, Flamenco, Theatre, Film, Ballroom, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Irish soft shoe, Irish hard shoe, Hip Hop, Broadway, Burlesque, Belly Dancing, Street Theatre and Circus: Aerial lyra, Aerial Pole and Aerial Silk.
Over this period she has taught & developed many dance styles and techniques ranging from beginner to expert levels, has produced and headlined multiple shows and represented New Zealand in the World Pole Sport Championships, Jamaica 09, after just 8 months of training, amongst cirque artists and international pole pioneers alike.
Her biggest passion is to share her knowledge and love for pole art, silks and lyra with the people, and she can’t wait to come under spinfluence for the first time to share her skills and performances with you all.
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Rewi Elffyre - Contact Ball and Object Manipulation - New Zealand
A benevolent lightsmith, existing to enchant and enlighten. Rewi Elffyre enjoys nothing more than to share playfully diverse visual entertainment with celebrations and gatherings of all kind! Though light we experience vision, warmth, growth and emotion. Elffyre, being a creature of light, is gifted with the ability to manipulate light in several ways...
Rewi will be teaching, performing, and undertaking performance co-ordination at the years festival!
Rewi will be teaching, performing, and undertaking performance co-ordination at the years festival!
Grace Raven - Hoopdance - USA
For Grace, hula hoop dancing is more than a way to stay in shape; it is a daily exercise in self discovery, humility, and artistic expression. "Hooping found me at a very dark time in my life, and it literally saved me," she says. "It is a very powerful, healing force."
An advanced hula hoop dancer and instructor, Grace applies her years of experience in ballet, tap, and jazz, bringing a dancer's perspective to the art of hooping with an emphasis on key techniques to improve balance, precision, and flow. As a beginner, intermediate, or advanced hooping student, you will grow exponentially in your hooping abilities, esteem, poise, and connections with nature and your inner child. After all, it's all about having FUN!
Originally from the East Coast of the United States, Grace is currently based in Tauranga, New Zealand, where she offers in-person classes. She also travels country-wide, teaching and performing at festivals and retreats. For those not based in Aotearoa, she offers Skype classes and downloadable video tutorials to hoopers anywhere in the world.
Grace comes from a ballet background so she brings ideas of footwork and flow to her workshops...
- Fancy Footwork (Intermediate to Advanced) -- As hoopers, we're often so caught up in what's going on with the hoop, that we forget about our legs and feet. In this workshop, we'll learn how solid, planned foot placement can improve balance and flow, and make our hoop dancing tighter. We'll also learn how to incorporate specific ballet and jazz "turns" into our hooping to add flair, extension, and fun. Finally, we'll look at how proper foot placement can help you unlock problematic tricks.
- Four Elements of Flow (Beginner and Intermediate) -- Flow: that important, but oftentimes elusive, element of hoop dance for which we all strive. In this beginner/intermediate workshop, we'll cover what it means to have flow, how to find your flow, and Grace's Four Elements of Flow based on the four elements -- Earth, Fire, Air, and Water. This workshop is both technical and abstract, pragmatic and creative, and a whole lot of fun! Get ready to learn alot and unlock your flow!
An advanced hula hoop dancer and instructor, Grace applies her years of experience in ballet, tap, and jazz, bringing a dancer's perspective to the art of hooping with an emphasis on key techniques to improve balance, precision, and flow. As a beginner, intermediate, or advanced hooping student, you will grow exponentially in your hooping abilities, esteem, poise, and connections with nature and your inner child. After all, it's all about having FUN!
Originally from the East Coast of the United States, Grace is currently based in Tauranga, New Zealand, where she offers in-person classes. She also travels country-wide, teaching and performing at festivals and retreats. For those not based in Aotearoa, she offers Skype classes and downloadable video tutorials to hoopers anywhere in the world.
Grace comes from a ballet background so she brings ideas of footwork and flow to her workshops...
- Fancy Footwork (Intermediate to Advanced) -- As hoopers, we're often so caught up in what's going on with the hoop, that we forget about our legs and feet. In this workshop, we'll learn how solid, planned foot placement can improve balance and flow, and make our hoop dancing tighter. We'll also learn how to incorporate specific ballet and jazz "turns" into our hooping to add flair, extension, and fun. Finally, we'll look at how proper foot placement can help you unlock problematic tricks.
- Four Elements of Flow (Beginner and Intermediate) -- Flow: that important, but oftentimes elusive, element of hoop dance for which we all strive. In this beginner/intermediate workshop, we'll cover what it means to have flow, how to find your flow, and Grace's Four Elements of Flow based on the four elements -- Earth, Fire, Air, and Water. This workshop is both technical and abstract, pragmatic and creative, and a whole lot of fun! Get ready to learn alot and unlock your flow!
The Blingling Bros - Juggling Duo - New Zealand
Mixing juggling, comedy, interaction and live music to create their trademark style of vaudevillian funk, The Blingling Bros present an energetic, impressive live show that appeals to all ages. Known for always establishing a great connection with the audience, The Bros are dedicated to delivering quality circus entertainment with a fresh modern approach. Paul "Showtime" Klaassen and Mark "The Catching Machine" Williams met in 1998 at a juggling shop in Auckland, New Zealand and have been juggling and performing together ever since. The Blingling Bros show was created in 2007 and has toured extensively in 2012 & 2013 culminating in them winning The Supreme Overall Award at The New Zealand Circus Awards. 2014 see's a new show from the boys that is sure to knock your socks off!
And with over 30 years combined experience in the art of juggling there are very few around that are more qualified to teach new and traditional juggling techniques.
And with over 30 years combined experience in the art of juggling there are very few around that are more qualified to teach new and traditional juggling techniques.
Anna Cruse - Adagio - Silver Circle Community Circus - Auckland
Co-ordinator of Silver Circle community circus acro in Auckland for 7 years, Anna has been enthusiastically (evangelistically) teaching beginner acro to anyone, regardless of age, fitness or ability, who comes within earshot for the past 5 years. She teaches twice weekly at Silver Circle, and has taught at two previous Spinfluence events, the last Juggling Festival, various circus workshops, volunteering to be a playground attraction for kids to climb over at many community events, and drunken parties.
She also can be found playing with whips and, recently, nunchucks, and can teach armed and unarmed stage combat, self defence, bellydance (yes: acro, martial arts and dance are all closely connected :-) ), how to tear a phone book in half, and how to have a cinderblock smashed on your abs with a sledgehammer. She also knows some wonderfully dirty songs for later evening entertainment (ask about the Italian Jester). It is never too late to run off and join the circus! Come and have a go - it will change your life :-)
Anna will be back with UTS this year to teach her incredibly fun and amazing adagio workshops!
She also can be found playing with whips and, recently, nunchucks, and can teach armed and unarmed stage combat, self defence, bellydance (yes: acro, martial arts and dance are all closely connected :-) ), how to tear a phone book in half, and how to have a cinderblock smashed on your abs with a sledgehammer. She also knows some wonderfully dirty songs for later evening entertainment (ask about the Italian Jester). It is never too late to run off and join the circus! Come and have a go - it will change your life :-)
Anna will be back with UTS this year to teach her incredibly fun and amazing adagio workshops!
Lisa Lü - New Hoop Art - Germany
Lisa Lü has been involved in circus arts since 1998. She started in a youth circus, and continued to stick at it over the last 13 years. Acrobatic, balance and juggling were the first circus skills she picked up. She started to give workshops for acrobatic and balance for children and youngsters in 2006, and that gave her the motivation to study social work.
The first time she ever managed to hoop was winter 2010. Since this moment it was as if the hoop brought together what she learned over the last years. Her hooping is a mix of manipulation, floor-hooping, isolations and a bit of dancing and she loves to pick up tricks everywhere.
Image courtesy of Luke Burrage.
The first time she ever managed to hoop was winter 2010. Since this moment it was as if the hoop brought together what she learned over the last years. Her hooping is a mix of manipulation, floor-hooping, isolations and a bit of dancing and she loves to pick up tricks everywhere.
Image courtesy of Luke Burrage.
Bruce Foley - Yoga - New Zealand
"Coming from a sporting background that included competitive middle distance running at an elite level I started doing yoga as a middle aged adult who was ready to discover physical and mental health beyond the limitations of traditional sporting activities"
"Yoga didn’t only heal my body, it brought a sense of well being that had eluded me for most of my competitive sports career."
"I have practiced many different systems of yoga and eventually settled on a system known as Freedom Yoga (which isn’t really a system at all) as developed by Erich Schiffmann, author of the book “Moving Into Stillness”. The basic statement of intent is that you allow your practice to be inwardly guided based on how you feel right at that moment. Having been a member of his online community for a number of years I travelled to L.A. and did my formal teacher training with him."
"My particular style of class yoga can be loosely defined as Vinyasa Flow, literally interpreted as movement to alternating breath. When people come together to do a practice there is a combined energy that can be created with a unified flow of group movement and breath. Classes start gently and embrace simple movement. This continues to build in intensity and complexity but maintains the same sense of “flowing without rushing” throughout the class. Held postures and seated asana start to make an appearance later on when the body is warm and a connection to strong breathing is well established. My classes are very much about the journey rather than the destination."
"The flows I create are designed to be challenging yet as accessible and simple as possible. I want people with normal range of motion to be able to participate in a meaningful way. I achieve this not by demanding “the perfect alignment” but by trying to get you to listen to where you are at with your own body and mind. What you are looking to achieve, this is for you to discover and define, not for me to dictate. I try to teach conscious and joyful movement, not perfect movement. I also regard myself as a facilitator of a process to help reveal the teacher that resides within all of us."
"Yoga didn’t only heal my body, it brought a sense of well being that had eluded me for most of my competitive sports career."
"I have practiced many different systems of yoga and eventually settled on a system known as Freedom Yoga (which isn’t really a system at all) as developed by Erich Schiffmann, author of the book “Moving Into Stillness”. The basic statement of intent is that you allow your practice to be inwardly guided based on how you feel right at that moment. Having been a member of his online community for a number of years I travelled to L.A. and did my formal teacher training with him."
"My particular style of class yoga can be loosely defined as Vinyasa Flow, literally interpreted as movement to alternating breath. When people come together to do a practice there is a combined energy that can be created with a unified flow of group movement and breath. Classes start gently and embrace simple movement. This continues to build in intensity and complexity but maintains the same sense of “flowing without rushing” throughout the class. Held postures and seated asana start to make an appearance later on when the body is warm and a connection to strong breathing is well established. My classes are very much about the journey rather than the destination."
"The flows I create are designed to be challenging yet as accessible and simple as possible. I want people with normal range of motion to be able to participate in a meaningful way. I achieve this not by demanding “the perfect alignment” but by trying to get you to listen to where you are at with your own body and mind. What you are looking to achieve, this is for you to discover and define, not for me to dictate. I try to teach conscious and joyful movement, not perfect movement. I also regard myself as a facilitator of a process to help reveal the teacher that resides within all of us."
Mat Manamat - Circus Kumarani - Dargaville
The talented guy from France, Mat has performed and taught at festivals all over the world. He has been performing and teaching circus for over 9 years. With a beginning in circus school in France, They now teach at Circus Kumarani in Dargaville (NZ).
Mat has a vision to share and grow community and circus spirit through his fire performing and workshops for all ages and abilities in various circus arts.
Mat has a vision to share and grow community and circus spirit through his fire performing and workshops for all ages and abilities in various circus arts.
Duo Pteromyini - Acrobatics and Partner Stretching
Duo Pteromyini will be hosting a set of partner acrobatics, handstand, and partner stretching workshops to help you up (side down) your game.
Beth comes from a competitive trampolining background and thus is just as comfortable upside down as most people are upside up. Last year she graduated from spin circus academy in Melbourne, specialising in partner acrobatics and contortion.
Greg has been compulsively practicing and performing, juggling, tumbling, hand balancing, and acrobatics for the past 9 years during every free waking moment, he is probably doing a handstand on something precarious as you are reading this.
Duo Pteromyini has performed with Circus Aotearoa and at festivals throughout New Zealand for the past few years and is very excited to be on board again this year at Under The Spinfluence.
Beth comes from a competitive trampolining background and thus is just as comfortable upside down as most people are upside up. Last year she graduated from spin circus academy in Melbourne, specialising in partner acrobatics and contortion.
Greg has been compulsively practicing and performing, juggling, tumbling, hand balancing, and acrobatics for the past 9 years during every free waking moment, he is probably doing a handstand on something precarious as you are reading this.
Duo Pteromyini has performed with Circus Aotearoa and at festivals throughout New Zealand for the past few years and is very excited to be on board again this year at Under The Spinfluence.
Tangle and Dangle – Monstercise
Tangle and Dangle emerged fully formed from the back of a Hillman Hunter in 2013. In search of tasty human snacks, they travelled to Kiwiburn, where they discovered a whole new world of circus, burning things, and patchouli-flavoured hippies.
2014 has been a year of discovery for Tangle and Dangle. They have discovered that they’re brilliant at everything! Tissu, juggling, acrobalance, dance, and squashing things – nothing is too difficult! Now they want to give back to the community, and are offering a workshop at Spinfluence in ‘Monstercise’: their own special blend of partner acrobatics, dance and fuzzy mayhem.
Tangle says, “GRRR RARRRR HREERRRR RARRRR!”
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/tangledanglemangle
2014 has been a year of discovery for Tangle and Dangle. They have discovered that they’re brilliant at everything! Tissu, juggling, acrobalance, dance, and squashing things – nothing is too difficult! Now they want to give back to the community, and are offering a workshop at Spinfluence in ‘Monstercise’: their own special blend of partner acrobatics, dance and fuzzy mayhem.
Tangle says, “GRRR RARRRR HREERRRR RARRRR!”
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/tangledanglemangle
Emerald Joy- Fans/ Multiprop - Australia
Emerald Joy Australian performer Emerald Joy has been spinning for 5 years now and performing for the last 2 years. Co-Creator of an L.E.D roving troupe called The Hoopnotic Pixies and Organiser of the Brisbane monthly circus and fire Jam ‘Sunset Gathering’. Emerald has performed solo and alongside her spin-family (The Pixies and the boys from Dragon Flow Fire) at an array of festivals, events and burlesque shows in and around Brisbane. She has taught workshops at various events such as Sunset Gathering, Objectify, and primary school vacation cares. Favourite toys: All of the toys!! Fire Fans, Hula Hoops, Fire Eating, Flow wand, Dragon Staff, Double Staffs, anything that is LED or you can set on fire
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Firey Emz - Co-Director - Ticketing and Accommodation - Fans and Fire
Emma is co-director for Under the Spinfluence and CACTNZ and also organizing all your accommodation and ticketing needs.
Emma is passionate about community and supporting local home grown events and artists. She has been previously involved in organising Kiwiburn, New Zealand's regional burning man event and co-coordinated The Flaming Juggle Poi Toy Zone for Luminate 2013. She is currently based in Queensland working with community groups and performing and supporting fire there at festival such as Manifest 2014.
She has both performed in and co-ordinated a range of shows of varying sizes in New Zealand, Australia and the UK including community and private performances with poi, fans and stilts
Emma is passionate about community and supporting local home grown events and artists. She has been previously involved in organising Kiwiburn, New Zealand's regional burning man event and co-coordinated The Flaming Juggle Poi Toy Zone for Luminate 2013. She is currently based in Queensland working with community groups and performing and supporting fire there at festival such as Manifest 2014.
She has both performed in and co-ordinated a range of shows of varying sizes in New Zealand, Australia and the UK including community and private performances with poi, fans and stilts
Rohana Weaver - Artistic and Co-Director - Hoops, Fans and Fire
Rohana is Artistic Director for Under the Spinfluence this year and co-director for cactnz.
Rohana has over 10 years experience as a visual artist, sculptor, costume maker, installation artist, fire performer, interactive stilt and character performer, choreographer and event co-ordinator and has run workshops in art and performance for festivals and community groups from Kaitangata to Stromboli, Italy.
Rohana has worked a variety of roles all over the world including collaborative scenography, tech support and performer and workshop host at Teatro del Fuoco and Festa del Fuoco di Stromboli ( International Fire Dancing Festivals in Stromboli and Sicily, Italy), Installation, decor, performer and workshops at festivals in New Zealand such as Circulation Circus Festival, Hoopfest, Under the Spinfluence Circus Festival, Kiwiburn Festival, Luminate Festival, Taranaki Festival of Lights and Rhythm and Vines to name a few. She has also performed for community and private events throughout New Zealand and has exhibited art work in NZ, Australia, Scotland, Italy and the UK.
Rohana has over 10 years experience as a visual artist, sculptor, costume maker, installation artist, fire performer, interactive stilt and character performer, choreographer and event co-ordinator and has run workshops in art and performance for festivals and community groups from Kaitangata to Stromboli, Italy.
Rohana has worked a variety of roles all over the world including collaborative scenography, tech support and performer and workshop host at Teatro del Fuoco and Festa del Fuoco di Stromboli ( International Fire Dancing Festivals in Stromboli and Sicily, Italy), Installation, decor, performer and workshops at festivals in New Zealand such as Circulation Circus Festival, Hoopfest, Under the Spinfluence Circus Festival, Kiwiburn Festival, Luminate Festival, Taranaki Festival of Lights and Rhythm and Vines to name a few. She has also performed for community and private events throughout New Zealand and has exhibited art work in NZ, Australia, Scotland, Italy and the UK.
Frenchy - Site Management, Hoopdance and Fire - Wellington Circus Trust
'Frenchy' - Miss Claire French - originally from Manchester in the UK, is the site manager for 'Under The Spinfluence' and General Manager of the Wellington Circus Trust.
An international Fire and LED Performer, Director and Producer, Choreographer,
Event Organiser, Youth Worker, Workshop Leader, Hoop Dance Teacher, Hoop Maker,
Community Artist, Street Performer, Interactive Stilt Walker and Arts Practitioner with over 15 years experience of performing and running events and working with hard to reach young people in social services and 10 years experience of Circus, Fire Arts and Manipulation.
Frenchy has travelled the world for her work including the UK, Europe, the USA, New Zealand and
Australia. Contracts have included Festa del Fuoco (international fire festival in Italy), Circulation (New Zealand circus festival), Glastonbury Festival (biggest UK arts and culture festival), The Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland
- largest arts festival in the world), and Burning Man (USA temporary community
festival. She is currently based in Wellington, New Zealand.
An international Fire and LED Performer, Director and Producer, Choreographer,
Event Organiser, Youth Worker, Workshop Leader, Hoop Dance Teacher, Hoop Maker,
Community Artist, Street Performer, Interactive Stilt Walker and Arts Practitioner with over 15 years experience of performing and running events and working with hard to reach young people in social services and 10 years experience of Circus, Fire Arts and Manipulation.
Frenchy has travelled the world for her work including the UK, Europe, the USA, New Zealand and
Australia. Contracts have included Festa del Fuoco (international fire festival in Italy), Circulation (New Zealand circus festival), Glastonbury Festival (biggest UK arts and culture festival), The Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland
- largest arts festival in the world), and Burning Man (USA temporary community
festival. She is currently based in Wellington, New Zealand.
Lynelle Munns - Fire Coordinator and Website Editing
Lynelle has Caught the circus bug 7 years ago when she saw the Massey University iFire Club on campus and decided to give it a go, which is when she fell totally under the spinfluence!
Starting with poi she quickly starting toying with other props and now performs with poi, levi-stick and advanced fire eating techniques.
This year Lynelle is jumping on board as Fire Coordinator and will be helping look after all of you at the burn nights as well as updating the website (the one you are reading now) and twitter. At the festival She can be spotted with a camera in front of her face and a toy in her hand taking lots of pretty photos of you all.
Starting with poi she quickly starting toying with other props and now performs with poi, levi-stick and advanced fire eating techniques.
This year Lynelle is jumping on board as Fire Coordinator and will be helping look after all of you at the burn nights as well as updating the website (the one you are reading now) and twitter. At the festival She can be spotted with a camera in front of her face and a toy in her hand taking lots of pretty photos of you all.
Circus and Aerials Artists in the Aerials Dome!
Tess Munro Pedreros - Aerials and Peace Hoop - Wellington Circus Trust
After an impromptu flamenco performance in a crowded Spanish restaurant at the age of two, Tess started dance classes and has been performing ever since. Never satisfied with a single style she trained in ballet, latin american & ballroom, gymnastics,competitive aerobics, hip hop, ice skating, flamenco, contemporary dance and choreography as well as karate, kungfu, tai chi and qi gong.
She now draws on all these forms along with her extensive acting experience to create unique aerial acts. Her performances are always innovative, taking a traditional circus apparatus and using it in a new way, or combining apparatus to create something that has never been seen before. Blending circus with a mixture of theatre, dance and more, Tess enjoys creating performances that tell stories in the air.
She has trained, performed, taught and directed in Chile, China, the USA, Nepal and New Zealand.
At Under the Spinfluence Tess will be teaching workshops on her bespoke apparatus, the Aerial Peace Hoop. The workshops will encourage participants to explore, developing their own unique way of working with the apparatus.
Tess will also be running a partner massage and stretch class at the end of the festival for all your tired and hardworking muscles and body's! :-)
She now draws on all these forms along with her extensive acting experience to create unique aerial acts. Her performances are always innovative, taking a traditional circus apparatus and using it in a new way, or combining apparatus to create something that has never been seen before. Blending circus with a mixture of theatre, dance and more, Tess enjoys creating performances that tell stories in the air.
She has trained, performed, taught and directed in Chile, China, the USA, Nepal and New Zealand.
At Under the Spinfluence Tess will be teaching workshops on her bespoke apparatus, the Aerial Peace Hoop. The workshops will encourage participants to explore, developing their own unique way of working with the apparatus.
Tess will also be running a partner massage and stretch class at the end of the festival for all your tired and hardworking muscles and body's! :-)
Tina Phoenix - Aerials / Contortion - USA
Tina Londyn is an international aerialist and contortionist based out of Los Angeles CA. With 7 years of circus and dance training she has travelled with traditional circuses from 1 Ring to 3 Ring Big Tops as well as thriving in the hollywood entertainment scene in t.v., commercials, music videos, live shows, nightclubs, stage shows, concerts, cooperate events etc.
She has a heart for performance at art and music festivals all over the world. If you can't find her in some bendy form on the ground you will most likely find her flying through the air performing powerful solo and doubles acts in lyra, hammock, silks, straps, hand to hand, spanish web and if your lucky, other 'interesting' shaped apparatuses.
Tina will be teaching Tissu and doubles.
She has a heart for performance at art and music festivals all over the world. If you can't find her in some bendy form on the ground you will most likely find her flying through the air performing powerful solo and doubles acts in lyra, hammock, silks, straps, hand to hand, spanish web and if your lucky, other 'interesting' shaped apparatuses.
Tina will be teaching Tissu and doubles.
Jessie Carson - Circus Aotearoa, Fuse Circus and Wellington Circus Trust
Jessie is a circus artist specialising in trapeze, dance trapeze, tissu and group acrobatics. She has toured the country with circus companies Fuse Circus and Circus Aotearoa. Jessie has previously taught aerials through The Body Festival, Circulation, The Christchurch Circus Centre and The Wellington Circus Trust.
At this years Under The Spinfluence she will be sharing her skills through beginner and intermediate aerial workshops.
At this years Under The Spinfluence she will be sharing her skills through beginner and intermediate aerial workshops.
Jaine Mieka - Aerials and Circus Hoop - Circus Aotearoa
Jaine is a kiwi circus artist specialising in Hula hoops, aerial silk, lyra, rope and doubles aerials. Jaine has toured New Zealand and Australia working with companies such as Circus Aoteaora, Dust Palace, Fuse, Wellington circus hub, Christchurch Circus centre and Ashton entertainment performing a diverse range of ground and aerial acts. Jaine loves creativity, movement quality and the incorporation of dance and theatre into the circus arts, she's excited to bring her workshops to under the spinfluence festival this year.
At UTS festival Jaine will be teaching aerial silk workshops and awe inspiring Russian Hoop (circus hooping).
At UTS festival Jaine will be teaching aerial silk workshops and awe inspiring Russian Hoop (circus hooping).
Taz - Aerial Straps and Group Acrobatics
Taz (Nick Davies) is a circus artist specialising in aerial straps and group acrobatics. Coming from an outdoor adventure background his passion for circus started with tissu in motueka and has developed over the last 3 years. Last season he toured with Circus Aotearoa performing aerial straps, doubles net and toss the girl, now based in wellington he is training and teaching at the Wellington Circus Trust. Taz will also be supporting JD with the Aerials Dome at this years Spinfluence.
Evelyn Coulson- Silk Tissu and Hoop- Wellington Circus Trust
Evelyn is a circus artist specialising in tissu and hula hoop and has been training with the Wellington Circus Trust for the past five years. After her first tissu performance, Evelyn has developed a passion for circus and is excited to share her skills as well as learn and be inspired by the talent involved at Under the Spinfluence.
Evelyn will be sharing her skills through beginner tissu workshops
Evelyn will be sharing her skills through beginner tissu workshops
Musicians and DJs in the big tent!
Melissa Cox - http://www.melissacoxmusic.net/ - Live Set, USA
Melissa Cox, all the way from the US of A, will be getting the crowds at UTS dancing and flowing with her tunes this festival! :-)
Melissa Cox is an award-winning songwriter, guitarist, mandolin and ukulele player with eight albums and 100,000+ tour miles under her belt, including multiple tours of the continental U.S., three tours of Hawaii and one of New Zealand. At the heart of Melissa's music, you will find classic rock and folk from the 60s and 70s. "Some kids rode around in the car seat listening to Sesame Street songs. My mom had the radio auto-set to classic rock stations. By the time I was three, I knew all the words by Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and Simon and Garfunkel."
Upon that folk and classic rock foundation, Melissa, supported by her backup band or her BOSS vocal looping pedal, infuses her own New Age / World style, adding overtones of Celtic, Hawaiian, electronic, newgrass and classical.
Melissa Cox is an award-winning songwriter, guitarist, mandolin and ukulele player with eight albums and 100,000+ tour miles under her belt, including multiple tours of the continental U.S., three tours of Hawaii and one of New Zealand. At the heart of Melissa's music, you will find classic rock and folk from the 60s and 70s. "Some kids rode around in the car seat listening to Sesame Street songs. My mom had the radio auto-set to classic rock stations. By the time I was three, I knew all the words by Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and Simon and Garfunkel."
Upon that folk and classic rock foundation, Melissa, supported by her backup band or her BOSS vocal looping pedal, infuses her own New Age / World style, adding overtones of Celtic, Hawaiian, electronic, newgrass and classical.
MUDWOOD - Live Music |
Beautiful and unique Vocal harmonies, enchanting Guitar and Harp, warm and earthy hand Percussion and other bits and pieces create the MudWood sound. Coupled with powerful song writing and sincere lyrics, MudWood is a wonderful duo of diversity,
world sounds, original songs, and creative music. MudWood is a wonder-filled creative team that share in the joys of co-creation with a variety of collaborative projects. Jo and Amira are partnered together in life and in music, spreading the love of both around the globe. Amira is also a veteran Fire Dancer and Belly Dancer/ tutor. Welcome to MudWood. You can hear MudWood online At: http://www.MudWood.kiwi.nz; Or check out their other creative projects at www.mudfaery.com. |
Inki - Hang Drum http://inki.co.nz
Inki grew up in Susquehanna and as a child, like many he began learning songs with a traditional instrument. For ten years he obtained a musical grounding playing standards trumpet with swing bands, marches, and jazz arrangements; however this conventional approach to music, did not satisfy his creative callings and by 2001 he dispassionately had stopped playing.
Life changing experiences then led Inki to explore Native American culture and ritual, which he began to integrate into many facets of his life. Through this new understanding and awareness of the interconnectedness of all things, his love for music was rekindled through the discovery of the Hang in 2009. It spoke to him of new possibilities, meanings for the process of making music and as it is within Native American culture, what music ritual can offer on more deeper and integrative levels. With his instrument’s special interplay of harmonics so began the magical beginnings of his song.
During travel to Thailand and India in the summer of 2012/13 the melody of the hang really began to take a more integral part in Inki’s life and his perspectives of the world he finds himself in. He began to realise, while playing in the streets of India, that with music he could connect people in this tumultuous world into a realm of healing which is deeply sacred and utterly transformational.
Full of inspiration from Mama India, Inki began to integrate his new growth and experiences with performance and collaborations withlocal artists, including the very successful Dunedin fire and dance group, the Firebugs. Later in 2013 and early 2014 he was invited to perform on stage with renowned New Zealand music artists and social activists including Matiu Te Huki and Karen Hunter. Later he was also invited to collaborate on tour with a popular British reggae/roots artist Bob Hillary.
Inki is currently on the road working on his debut album and preparing for collaborations and performances at local and national festivals in the coming year. His goal is to continue to hold spaces which allows others to connect to the divine within, creating an environment of peace and understanding which foster deeper levels of transformation.
Life changing experiences then led Inki to explore Native American culture and ritual, which he began to integrate into many facets of his life. Through this new understanding and awareness of the interconnectedness of all things, his love for music was rekindled through the discovery of the Hang in 2009. It spoke to him of new possibilities, meanings for the process of making music and as it is within Native American culture, what music ritual can offer on more deeper and integrative levels. With his instrument’s special interplay of harmonics so began the magical beginnings of his song.
During travel to Thailand and India in the summer of 2012/13 the melody of the hang really began to take a more integral part in Inki’s life and his perspectives of the world he finds himself in. He began to realise, while playing in the streets of India, that with music he could connect people in this tumultuous world into a realm of healing which is deeply sacred and utterly transformational.
Full of inspiration from Mama India, Inki began to integrate his new growth and experiences with performance and collaborations withlocal artists, including the very successful Dunedin fire and dance group, the Firebugs. Later in 2013 and early 2014 he was invited to perform on stage with renowned New Zealand music artists and social activists including Matiu Te Huki and Karen Hunter. Later he was also invited to collaborate on tour with a popular British reggae/roots artist Bob Hillary.
Inki is currently on the road working on his debut album and preparing for collaborations and performances at local and national festivals in the coming year. His goal is to continue to hold spaces which allows others to connect to the divine within, creating an environment of peace and understanding which foster deeper levels of transformation.
Sunny Ray
Sunny Ray is an enthusiastic and ambitious musician and song writer who grew up on the West Coast of Auckland. Recently returned from touring In Europe. Also a passionate fire spinner, juggler and training circus performer. Her band “The Joy Project” performed live at the European Juggling Convention 2014 in Ireland. With a style of Folk, Soul and Roots with smooth cutting vocals and acoustic guitar. The songs contain a mix of styles and languages (Maori, Spanish, Italian, French, English) and share a positive message that are catchy and suitable for all ages. Big Smiles, Lots of love and a voice you will remember.
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sunny-ray
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunnyRayNZ?fref=ts
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sunny-ray
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunnyRayNZ?fref=ts