Can you tell me how did you begin with this work and when did you realize that the world of entertainment would have been your career?
I was asked to perform in a show when I was about 20 years old for a club in Australia; it was me and 2 other people. In Sydney in the early 90s there was a great underground performance culture going on, all sorts of weird and wonderful performers emerging and evolving. I just happened to be there and “fall” into performing. It was something spontaneous. I didn’t crave attention, or particularly want to be a performer, it just happened. I guess you could call it destiny.
My shows were very early Boylesque (male burlesque), they involved stripping a lot, fire and water and something very pagan. When I was younger I was very shy, and even still I am a very quiet person. I’m very reserved, especially with people I don’t know well. But being a performer has helped me create a performance character and in a way, that gives me the opportunity to express myself creatively, don’t mind the spotlight or attention, but its nothing I really crave. So over the years my performances evolved as I did. I began to do aerial circus, and continued the burlesque and cabaret edgey stuff. The career just evolved with it. I kept getting bookings, so I kept working!
What were the most important moments of your career so far?
No one particular moment stands out. The important moments are the ones where the audience is very appreciative and really get what I’m doing. I love travelling and performing all over the world and meeting new people. I’ve performed in some amazing venues for all types of events.
The Opera House in Sydney was a highlight, also Sydney Mardi Gras is always fun because thousands upon thousands of people are watching! I’ve also been on TV in Saudi Arabia performing for Royalty there. I’ve really done all sorts! But it’s all fun.
Ups and downs of this work, what do you like and what don’t?
Sometimes the waiting around is annoying. Also sometimes you have to get an early flight then hang up the equipment then rehearse on hardly any sleep, then perform in the evening. Sometimes it’s delayed going on stage, like what happened in Austria recently. I was there 9 hours before I actually performed!
Then I have to wait till the event is over sometimes to get my equipment down, and then it’s an early flight again home. The travelling can make you tired, but the thrill of performing and travelling makes up for it!
There is an anecdote, because sometimes your performances are also very hard from a physical point of view, to share with us? A very tough momento or something fun/funny that happened?
Yes, sometimes I’m physically exhausted. Especially if I’ve been performing a lot or not sleeping so much. It can make it more dangerous when it’s like that. But generally the energy of the crowd feeds me sometimes, and the excitement wakes me up. I have to keep in shape, I have to stretch and eat well. It’s about maintaining a certain level of fitness. I need to go to the gym, I need to rehearse. It’s all very physical. I’m also a yoga teacher, so that helps balance things out I think. It helps calm my mind and balance my body.
There has been so many funny moments, some serious ones. But it’s all part of the journey. I was doing a fire ritual in a bookshop once, and then I nearly burnt some books. That was funny retrospectively. I’ve also had a some close calls, where I feel off once, it was hot in Sydney and I had oil on my body…then slipped at the end of my show! But I survived!!!
What do you think you have brought to the world of entertainment?
I think I have shown a spark of creativity in the aerial industry from a male perspective, that’s quite unique. I think I’ve shown other people I teach for example that its possible to live your life by following your dreams. And being anyone you want to be.
I think I have shown that you can be successful by doing something you love. That’s always a challenge. Especially at first, surviving from your creativity can be a challenge. But its something I managed to do for quite a long time! I’ve been performing almost 20 years now, and for some shy kid that didn’t really have dreams of being a performer as a child, I’ve made it work.
I think you’re aware of being regarded as a point of reference for many, an icon. What has it brought with it over the years?
I’m not sure if I’m aware of being an icon. Its such a loaded word isn’t it. I do get a lot of fan mail and messages from people telling me that I have inspired them, which is great. I love inspiring people to be healthy, or to create something, or to even simply be themselves. To not be afraid to live outside the box. To be different. To strive for something more. To search for deeper truths and meanings.
I guess being a fairly high profile performer, and having loads of photo shoots over the years has helped people become aware of me. I’m really humbled by the messages I get and the attention I receive, I’m also honoured that people see a light in me.
Do you like fashion? Which is your style? What is elegance for you?
I love fashion. I have had stages in my life where fashion was really important. I actually studied fashion design for a brief period when I was 20 years old. I also used to buy vintage clothes and thrift store clothes and alter them, then sell them at the markets in Sydney.
I always have been a collector of clothes, so I guess it has always been part of who I am. I have so many clothes! I’m always trying to get rid of some, but I just love collecting great fashion. I love T-shirts though, and it’s not always about looking cool. It’s about being comfortable in what you wear. And wearing it well!
Tell us how was to be part of this editorial. What was like posing in a style which is not yours?
It was really refreshing to wear some different clothes. I love suits, and don’t get to wear them much. So to wear some vintage suits and also designer suits was a real pleasure. It was also refreshing to wear more clothes for a change.
A lot of the time photographers want me semi naked or naked to show off my tattoos and all, but this shoot was about something different. About colour and flair and fun. I’m pretty comfortable in a lot of things I wear, one of the suits in the shoot I really loved! I wanted to keep it, it fit perfectly.
I always love working with different stylists and photographers and being a part of their vision. I love being transformed into a character. I like changing the way I look and people’s perceptions of me.
So hopefully this editorial will show people a different side. I grew my beard really long for it, and was really open to looking different. I’m happy with the results from the pics I’ve seen.
Projects and dreams for the future?
I’m working a lot in London lately, performing at some amazing venues. I also just had a lovely time in Austria, which was beautiful! I’m hopefully going to Belfast and Rome next month to perform and also I want to come back to perform in Milan!
My dream is to eventually get my own studio and teach yoga and aerial acrobatics, somewhere warm across from the sea. To be loved and have a family. To have a home. To keep exploring the world and live a long and happy life. What more could I ask for?!
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