THE SPIN CIRCUS TEAM.
Chris Carlos | Spin Circus Boss Man
Starting his career as a fire performer, Chris’ obsession quickly transformed him into an internationally acclaimed performer and teacher.
After many years performing, he branched out into other circus disciplines, choosing to train at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), specialising in Adagio, Comedy Acrobatics, and Russian Bar & graduating with a BA of Circus Arts. Since graduation Chris has performed, created & directed many successful shows & worked with amazing companies touring nationally and internationally.
In addition to training & performing, Chris organised and facilitated the first annual fire spinning festival, which has become an annual event & highlight of the circus calendar. It has since grown to become the popular Spin Circus Festival, 5 jam packed days of fire spinning, aerials, tumbling, adagio, shows, games and great times.
Additionally, in 2013 Chris created the Spin Circus Course, for aspiring circus performers. The course is a full time adult circus training which attracts national and international students to train in this intensive program.
Most recently Chris has shared his passion and love for partner acrobatics through the creation of the Australian Partner Acrobatic Convention.
Chris currently travels the world performing in Gravity & Other Myths, Rouge & Children are Stinky.
Ciara Thorburn | SpinFest Manager
Ciara has been a member of the Australian Circus Community for over a decade, she started her love affair with Spin in 2009 as an enthusiastic punter of the first ever Spin Circus Festival. In years to come she came onboard with Spin Circus as an administrator and co-festival director, and passionate student and colleague of Spin Circus Academy. A networker within the community, you can find Ciara at many Australian circus festivals and events, or behind the computer as admin of Facebook group Circus Garage Sale. Today Ciara is a passionate clown and hand balancer, and is due to graduate with a Bachelor of Circus from the National Institute of Circus Arts in 2018.
Merryn Chenoweth | Hoop Convention Manager
Merryn grew up loving youth theatre & school drama, but it wasn't until she discovered Circus that she knew she'd found her passion. She attended CircoArts, specialising in Hula Hoops and Tissu. Upon returning to Melbourne, Merryn attended the first Spin Circus course & recognised the amazing potential in the project Chris had begun. Since taking over the management of this project, Merryn has worked to continually refine the course & provide the best possible experience for Spin students. When not managing Spin, Merryn works as a freelance performer, and coaches for Circus Oz. Her latest project is launching the first annual Australian Hula Hoop Convention.
Mel | APAC & Handstand Retreat Manager
Mel is a self proclaimed ‘Hackrobat’ who made her entrance into the circus community by accidently swiping right on Chris Carlos. She spends most of her time entertaining students as a Psychology teacher, however is also a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor and has a Masters in Counseling. When she is not rolling protein balls, baking cakes or getting excited by an Excel Spreadsheet, she spends her time attempting to handstand in her local gym- confusing the buff dudes and apologizing to the people she falls on.