Run away to the circus with Dale Woodbridge
As Circus Oz get ready for the 20 June premiere of From The Ground Up 2012, Anne-Marie Peard has a chat with a new member of the troupe each week until opening. And there are double passes to give away!
Formed in Melbourne in 1978, Circus Oz has toured the world as a rock’n’roll, animal-free circus with shows filled with breathtaking agility, death-defying stunts, awe-inspiring acrobatics and irreverent comedy that’s always accompanied by a spectacular live band.
Dale Woodbridge is graduating this year from Brisbane’s Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts, where he majored in dance. Prior to his tertiary studies, Dale was a state gymnanst as well as a participant in Circus West, a youth circus-in-education programme in Dubbo, NSW and has continued to maintain his acrobatic skills since that time.
What do you do in From The Ground Up?
I’m an acrobat.
What was the first circus trick you learnt?
A thigh stand.
What circus skill do you wish you had?
Bungee straps.
What are you always up for?
Dress ups!
When did you join Circus Oz?
2012.
What do you love about Circus Oz?
The people (soooooo funny).
Do you remember your first trip to the circus?
Yeah. I snuck around to the animal cages.
What’s your favourite post-show snack?
Chips and gravy.
Who do you love seeing in the audience?
My sisters.
What’s your advice for people who want to run away to the circus?
Bring optimism and leave your fear of heights at home.
Where and what did you study?
Dance at The Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts.
What was your first circus performance?
Storm Warning with Circus West (Dubbo).
How many suitcases do you tour with?
One.
When you’re touring, what can’t you leave home without?
Music.
Where’s your favourite place to tour to?
Middle Earth.
Popcorn: sweet or savoury?
Savoury.
If you couldn’t be in the circus, what would you do?
I’d be a dancer.
Are you scared of clowns?
Only the happy ones.
If you could teach Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott a circus trick, what would it be?
Knife-throwing.
Thanks to Circus Oz, AussieTheatre is thrilled to run a ticket giveaway for From The Ground Up. A winner will be drawn each week for the next six weeks, so if you don’t win in week one, you’ll still be in the running for each subsequent draw!
