My story.
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.
***
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 barn 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.
Fast forward two decades, and I have performed across the globe and won awards along the way.
More recently I moved away from the big smoke, and have chickens, community and a big garden. . . and I still feel at home in the air.
Sharing my art and my heart.
And helping others to share their stories too.
Awards
Although Art is in the eyes of the beholder, it was very special to be awarded these, and be recognised for the art I put into the world.
Best Solo Show : Wellington Fringe
People's Choice Award: Toronto Buskerfest (one of the largest Street Art festivals in the world)
Best Production team: Blue Room Theatre
WA Circus Award: Fringe World (twice)
Nominated Children's Theatre Award: Fringe World
Tours
Touring is a big part of being an artist.
As much as I have loved touring Internationally, my heart is in regional WA communities, and I thrive in community settings - and if my family can join me, it's even better. We bring the camper trailer and become a part of your community for a few days (or more)
She is Strong has toured regionally to Narrogin, Hopetoun, Geraldton, Margaret River, Balingup, Harvey and Beverley.
Solo Flight has toured extensively through WA, including Coral Bay, Burringurrah, Karratha, and Wooramel, Bullara, and Warroora Stations. It's even been to Onslow and Pannawonica!
Past shows have toured to Ireland, Norway, and Canada.
Sustainable Practice
Sustainable - that is a word that is easier to say than to do.
As artists, we work so hard to make the dreams come true... sometimes to the point of burnout.
I am constantly learning to recognise this, and have put measures in place to help me recover from the big projects.
The teams I work with also value supporting one another, looking after our bodies, and dancing in the air.
I became a pilates instructor to help me have a sustainable physical career - and it surely helps.
Sustainability - physical, mental, environmental - is very important to me, and I think it'll be something that I'll always be working on.