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NAME SHANNEN MICHAELA

OCCUPATION PERFORMER

HOME TOWN GOLD COAST

The world’s best contortionists, acrobats and dancers will be performing in Cirque Bon Bon, which lands in Melbourne in July. The brainchild of former Cirque Du Soleil assistant creative director Ash Jacks, Cirque Bon Bon stars contortionist extraordinaire and Guinness World Record holder for foot archery, Shannen Michaela. We sat down with Shannen to chat all things performing, travelling and the perfect day out on the Gold Coast.

Congratulations on your show, Cirque Bon Bon! Can you describe the show in one sentence?

A smorgasbord of unbelievable, world-class talents!

How do you prepare for such a physically intensive show?

I train five times per week in weights and Pilates for my role. I also do an hour per day shooting arrows with my feet at the park. The show is an extravaganza of light, acrobatics, dance and comedy, so I need to make sure I can bring all my energy every single night so nourishing my body with lots of animal products, organic produce is a really important part of my daily routine. I also prioritise getting at least 30 minutes of sunshine each day to support my circadian rhythm, as well as daily meditation and breathwork practice to prepare my mind.

The show has already experienced success with sold out shows in Brisbane. Melbourne is next. What are you most excited about?

This will be my first show back since taking a year off and having a baby! I want to show up as a woman who follows

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WANT TO SEE THE SHOW? Click here her passions and dreams, while balancing motherhood. I have been dreaming of hitting that bullseye for months!

The moment when I have my arrows launched in my toes, contorted upside down balancing on my stilts and the room is completely silent in anticipation is addictive. I can’t wait for the audience to be spellbound and enchanted as they watch our all-star cast of contortionists, acrobats and dancers doing our thing, with lots of laughs thrown in, too!

Describe your perfect day in your Australian hometown of the Gold Coast?

Australia has the best coffee and baristas. So a morning walk by the beach to get a coffee, lounging in the sun, swimming in the creek, going to a yoga class, cooking on the BBQ in the evening, being outdoors and barefoot in time for the sunset is my perfect day on the Gold Coast.

Some local tips for visitors in your hometown?

Whenever I have people visit we usually go to Springbrook National Park, Tallebudgera Creek and the Currumbin Farmers Markets.

Where are you headed on your next holiday?

For my next holiday once the Cirque Bon Bon tour is complete, I would like to go to El Salvador, the Bitcoin country! Making waves for freedom and sovereignty.

Once-in-a-lifetime bucket list destination?

I want to go island-hopping in Greece and live out my Mamma Mia! dreams: good food, nature and weather.