In the video portraits of GLORIOUS BODIES, we delve deeper into the lives of these exceptional circus artists, who not only practice the art of circus but also share a profound philosophy about play, creation, and acrobatics. Alongside them, we discover the essence of (contemporary) circus, which is not only about spectacular tricks, but also about sharing human stories and creating a better world through art and connection. Circus as a way of living and an invitation to keep dreaming, playing and enjoying.
"Look at the beauty that ageing brings..."
Det is an inspiring teacher, an enthusiastic performer, a passionate translator, an energetic hiker, and a glorious body.
1982 - 1984: Modern Dance training (Amsterdam)
1984 - 2012: performer in children's dance and acrobatics productions
1987 - present: acrobatics instructor at Stichting Stapel in Amsterdam
1995: Master's degree in Language and Literature (Norwegian)
1997 - 2022: lecturer at the Academy of Theatre and Dance in Amsterdam
2008 - 2019: partner acrobatics workshops with Jim Klinkhamer in the US, Israel, Morocco, and many countries across Europe
2014 - 2017: teacher training courses in partner acrobatics with Jim Klinkhamer
Acrobatics make you a better person.
Winfried is a traveler, a thoughtful doer, always on the move, curious about what connects us, and simply a playful acrobat.
1988–present: teaching/creating and performing shows in collaboration with Patries Verburg
1995: circus Drenz with Johannes Fischer
2006–2012: the Daltons, an acrobatic show with his three sons: Tjade, Tammo, and Wybren
2006–2014: duo Hoog&Laag with Jeroen Manders
2015–2019: acrobatic show Trobriander with Marieke Drent
"What would the world be without the circus?"
Johannes is a passionate acrobat, performer, and clown, as well as a dedicated teacher who takes great pride in seeing his sons and students on stage. His love for philosophy and his technical background are key elements of his work.
1975-1980: Architecture studies (Vienna)
1981: trip to India
1985-2002: training with the Osmani Sisters
1987-present: acrobatics instructor
1987-present: acrobat, clown, and performer in (street) theater productions
2005-present: founder of Circus Workshop Circaso
"I turned my hobby into my profession."
Paul is a cheerful daredevil who works with discipline and heart to reach the highest possible level of acrobatics. He is a passionate teacher, an ambitious acrobat, an empathetic team player, but above all, someone who loves life.
1983 – 1984: Academy for Expression through Word and Gesture (Utrecht)
1984 – 2008: acrobatics training with the Como Brothers, the Osmani Sisters, and others
1994 – present: founder and acrobatics instructor at Circus Ravioli, Rotterdam
1994 – present: performer with Duo Ravioli, De Sardini’s, De Billy’s, Marc van der Veerdonk, Tarzans in Space…
2008 – present: instructor and project manager at Circus Rotjeknor, Rotterdam
"I could only stand on stage if I was playing a character."
Thorsten is an exceptionally creative acrobat with a passion for inventing new tricks. He is a former carpenter and currently works as a structural engineer.
1998 - 2002: Die Etage circus school (Berlin)
2001 - 2008: creating and performing a solo acrobatic clown act Der Thochsten
2006 - 2015: member of the acrobatic duo Duo Unwucht with Jasper Herrmann
2009 - 2015: founder of the FAC (French Acrobatics Convention)
2010 - 2020: teaching acrobatics workshops worldwide in Jerusalem, Moscow, New York, Los Angeles...
"I always wanted to join the circus."
Astrid is a loving mother of two sons, a disciplined acrobat, an inspiring teacher, a powerful and honest performer, and an empathetic team player who works hard to achieve her dreams.
1978 - 1989: Training in sports acrobatics, member of the East German national team, and multiple-time East German champion
1992 - present: Freelance performer with various companies (Alipes, Meier Variete, Duo Agil, Schlickenspitz)
1992 and 2001: Birth of her sons, Ole and Jesse
1999 - 2022: Worked as a speech therapist
2004 - present: Circus instructor at the Karibu children's and youth circus in Bielefeld and for projects at German (international) schools
