ocean beach ibiza
isn’t just known for it’s award winning pool parties but also for it’s spectacular production and entertainment! from silks artists floating above the pool to breakdancers and contortionists!
Katrina asfardi, contortionist and aerialist here at ocean beach ibiza has given us an exclusive insight into her world as a circus performer.
Take us inside the world of a performer like yourself. How exactly did you become to be a contortionist and aerial artist? I did aesthetic group gymnastics and contemporary dance since I was 13 years old. After graduating from school I studied performing arts and choreography. I discovered the circus acts when I was 20, I know it’s a bit of a later age but seeing as I was a gymnast already I could develop that into the circus acts. It took me around two years of training and PRACTICE before I was able to perform as an aerial artist and circus performer.
How do you train your body to be able to do this sort of act? I do certain exercises almost everyday, I need to do flexibility exercises around five days a week. However when I work I have to cut down as it’s not good for the back. When I’m working I’ll just warm up before each show and do strengthen exercises to keep my muscles in shape.
Run us through your typical day here at O Beach Ibiza, how do you warm up? Well it does depend on which show I have to do that day. Contortion for instance I have to warm up my feet, legs and back. I’d then do some strength exercises and some hand-balancing.
“Challenge is what it’s all about! My life is a challenge!”
ARE THERE MAY RISKS THAT YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF WITH CONTORTION? YES, YOUR SPINAL VERTEBRATES ARE CONNECTED TO THE BRAIN SO YOU MUST MAKE SURE YOU WARM UP PROPERLY OTHERWISE YOU CAN LOOSE GRIP AND/OR HURT YOURSELF.
You were on ‘Italia´s Got Talent!’ what was that experience like? It was a great experience as people started to RECOGNIZE me as an artist. I would receive so much positive feedback and compliments from the web and over social media. I´ve also been on a Swiss talent show and I’m planning to try BRITAIN’S Got Talent next year !
What has been your favourite performance and why? I love to do a water-based shows and aerial silks. I also love my original act which I’m currently preparing for a festival in France.
What would your advice be to an aspiring performer? Challenge is what it’s all about! My life is a challenge. You can never reach complete perfection but its always worth working hard to become a better and stronger you.
My motto is “It doesn’t matter where you perform, whether its O Beach Ibiza, the Theatre or a Cruise ship you always give the best you can! It doesn’t matter if the crowd look or not, just give it your all as you never know who could be in that audience.” Always give 100%!
What’s next for you? After the Ibiza season ends I will head back to Switzerland for a little while. Then I will perform at a dinner show in Vienna, Austria. I am really lucky to be able to travel and perform all around the globe.
You can catch Katrina Asfardi here at O Beach Ibiza this summer! To book your tickets and beds visit www.obeachibiza.com
It took me around two years of training and PRACTICE before I was able to perform as an aerial artist and circus performer.
