To motivate me, I schedule regular time for conditioning and training, and at the same time, I provide myself with the flexibility to train more if I’m on a roll, physically or creatively, as well as take a break if I feel I need it.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I began as a gymnast and dancer as a young child and moved to cheerlead, acting, and directing as a teen, and then into a pole, aerial, and partner acrobatics as a young adult. I’ve always loved performing and feeling the audience present, so I think it is natural I found the circus.
I’ve been very lucky I’ve had the support of my family and the natural temerity to create my own pathway in circus and performing, and as many artists can empathize circus is not always easy. It’s included moving around without a home base, pinching pennies, sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, couch surfing, and the constant questioning of whether this is the right thing.
But the rewards throughout this journey are indescribable! I’ve shaped the opportunities to work with amazing artists, mentors, studios, and communities, and the journey is all about the ups and downs!
2. How and when did you decide to pursue aerial performing?
As I had already been performing for the majority of my life, when I found aerial, it became a natural progression. When I first watched the circus I was enraptured by aerial, and when I found the opportunity to learn, I grabbed on with both hands.
I began performing aerial hoop almost immediately, as the hoop came very natural as a gymnast. From there I invested a great deal into self-training, and this was before the age of Instagram!
There was a lot of trial and error and reliance on other artists to learn everything I could. The decision to undertake circus school in the UK was the event that really established my dedication to pursuing circus and aerial arts.
3. How do you ensure you stay strong and fit enough to perform?
Consistent training and recognition of my strengths and weaknesses, both physically and mentally. Having started as a child in gymnastics, my body is naturally strong and able, and this has absolutely supported my journey.
It can be a challenge to push myself to undertake to condition and on the flip side, know when I need to take a break, but at the end of the day I do want a long and stable career in circus and listening to my body is vital.
To motivate me, I schedule regular time for conditioning and training, and at the same time, I provide myself with the flexibility to train more if I’m on a roll, physically or creatively, as well as take a break if I feel I need it.
4. What is the most sensible move in aerial performance and why?
Sensitive skills in aerial I think are extremely individual-dependent. For me, I can struggle with release skills, especially during performances. This can be for a few reasons, including the availability of mats, change in rigging, whether I feel confident I can recapture the performance if I drop it, and pressure from a client or audience. Knowing my own limitations and stressors has really helped me to ensure I can plan ahead and have a backup plan if I don’t feel comfortable about something.
5. Share your best performance or experience?
My favourite performance was performing in front of a circus audience who understood the challenge of what I was doing. At the same time, the setting was perfect, the stage was beautiful, I had a supportive backstage team, an amazing community surrounding me in a bubble of happiness, an act I felt really excited about, the costume, hair, and makeup, and they want to get out on stage and close the show!
6. Which dancer inspires you the most and why?
I don’t think there has been one artist that inspires me the most, but there have been amazing artists I’ve had the chance to work with that have all taught me something.
I’ve tried to take what inspires me most about each of them to develop myself. Some of the artist I absolutely look up to include my circus sister @kat_cirq, and my coaches from circus school - @tyrone.herlihy, @benbrowncirque, @gravitycircusschool (Yam Doyev).
7. What tips and advice would you give to aspiring aerial performers?
Work hard, train smart! Set goals for yourself, and know that failure is NOT a failure, it’s research. The more time you spend on your apparatus moving about, the more comfortable you will become with your apparatus and the way you like to move. Yes, the circus is about the physical, but it’s so much more and the creativity is just as important if not more so!
8. Which is your favourite book and why?
I love reading! Reading is a huge escape for me. I love delving into novels, historical and fiction, as well as learning about history, art, physiology, nutrition, science, and more. I love too many books to have a favourite!
Mel was born and raised in Canada and has trained extensively in aerial acrobatics, partner acrobatics, pole dance, yoga, dance, gymnastics, and general fitness. Having trained and performed worldwide, Mel is now primarily based in the Middle East where she teaches and performs, and is dedicated to building a growing acrobatic community.
As an instructor, Mel aims to create a comfortable and engaging environment that allows students to learn about movement and their bodies in a healthy and happy way.
Interviewed By - Anshika Maurya
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