Hi, I’m Dora.
I’m a theatre and circus performer and a movement, aerial, acrobatics and yoga teacher. A jack of all movement/performer-y trades. And I’m very lucky to be able to bring a bit of joy, peace, or play to people through my work.
I grew up in Newcastle, and went to a primary school where music and drama were integral to the curriculum. This suited me, because I was not a sporty child. I loved stories and songs. This path led me to move to London aged 16, where I went to Arts Ed sixth form.
At ArtsEd, I was one of the only students who hadn't been attending intense dance classes since the age of 2. I was completely amazed by how my classmates moved their bodies. To improve my flexibility and body awareness, I found a local yoga studio.
I'd always known about yoga - my mum was actually graduating as an Iyengar teacher (and her teacher lived next door to us!). But the slow, detailed style of Iyengar yoga didn't suit 16 year old me, and I found faster, hotter classes so exciting. I became a yoga commitment-phobe, trying every class in every major studio in London. Eventually, I settled on styles that felt like they were nourishing my soul as well as my body. I practiced Mysore Ashtanga for years with Cary Perkins, where I fell in love with the practice of matching movement to breath. I practiced Yogasana with Stewart Gilchrist, where I learned about yoga philosophy and began to see it as a way of life. I am forever indebted to these wonderful teachers.
Whilst I was in London studying, my mum had found the world of circus back home in Newcastle. As I'd started to become interested in movement and dance, I joined her whilst home for Christmas. I completely fell in love. Soon, I spent every holiday from school and uni in aerial and acrobatics classes. I learned partner acrobatics from Forma Fortis, whose residential training sessions are legendary. I learned handstands and circus methods of flexibility from Ross Taylor. And as my mum became a trapeze and silks teacher, I went to her classes, and those of her colleagues at Hang Aerial Dance.
My theatre work means often I've lived on the road, or in an unfamiliar city, for months at a time. Throughout this, yoga has given me strength, space, and a place to turn inwards from. My circus practice has been a source of joy, creativity and connection, helping me to make friends wherever I am in the world.
My theatre, yoga and circus practices all interweave and influence each other. I bring circus mobility knowledge (and fun) to my yoga students. I bring a bit of yoga mindfulness and awareness to theatre rehearsal rooms I'm in. And I always bring theatrical creativity and a lot of silliness to my circus students. Come and take a class, join my mailing list or get in touch to find out more.
Certifications:
250+ hour registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance (via Stewart Gilchrist, East London school of Yoga)
Certified acroyoga teacher with Acroyoga International
BA (hons) Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Enhanced DBS, First Aid, Trauma Informed Circus training.