CIRCOLOMBIA - Corazón NNF 2024

Circolombia, Corazón- Que chimba de verdad!

I always look forward to the circus coming to town for the N&N festival- it's a personal favourite of mine and I consider myself somewhat of a connoissuer of Circus performance. Not because I have any discernable talent in the field myself; but because I am just awestruck by the skills, energy, creativity and entertainment value that all things circus bring to a live audience experience. I love it so much and last night I felt I witnessed a show with truly unique sensibility and skill.

I've seen aerial hoop, aerial rope, aerial silks and various other iteration of aerial gymnastics in the past. Never before have I seen someone do aerial suspension using only their mouth, jaw and teeth to hold their body up in the air. The performer placed the leather mouth piece between her teeth, bit down hard and proceeded to glide effortlessly up into the air, circulating the stage with her white feather wings dancing elegantly beside her. Both of her arms free, remember?! Because she's holding herself up by her mouth!!!! Incredible!

The soundtrack for the show which included rhythms of a distinctly fabulous Latin American flavour; mambo, salsa, cumbia and flamenco influences was accompanied by phenomenal live vocals from the troop's leading lady Lianna. Her performance captured the essence of everything it means to be - a powerful, captivating, scintillating female energy. I couldn't take my eyes off her as she commanded the room so effortlessly in a various assortment of excellent bejeweled, psychedelic body con jumpsuits. I loved the tight rope act because it was so playful, fun and similarly to the aerial acts it was taken one step further with something I had never seen before. Two performers creates a mirror effect with one performer on the ropes with another walking in their hands with their feet touching the rope from underneath as if under water. So impressive!

The giant hoop act had me enthralled, the human trapeze had me on the edge of my seat and as for the disco ball upside down monkey bar duo- well, that was just sensational!

Finally, I really enjoyed the choreography routines which came towards the end to bring the show to a close. All six performers gyrated and twirled to the high energy mambo salsa music as each took their bow and applause individually. They were so mesmerising and in sync as a group; I loved their inclusive, supportive camaraderie which really shone throughout the whole show.

In short- I didn't want the show to end! They taught me a new Spanish phrase too- when you see something you like, something that impresses you, you can say - "Que Chimba"!

Circolombia, Corazón- Que chimba de verdad!

10/10