Previously a seasoned circus performer with a successful international career spanning 15+ years, an aerial dance teacher for 10+ years, founder of a thriving aerial dance school for 6+ years and costume designer.
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Currently an emerging textile-installation artist scaling work through various disciplines and offering to diverse audiences including festivals, galleries, communities and events.. Being awarded an Arts Council grant accelerated this transition.
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Passionate about participatory art as it merges both teaching and creativity. Good communicator, highly creative, skilled in textile art techniques and excited to expand and develop this in schools and communities.
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Astra Beck CV
Textile-installation artist . Multi career
2022 — ongoing Textile-Installation Artist
Urban Jungle Installation for Whirligig Festival of the Outdoor Arts 2024
Awarded Arts Council DYCP grant August 2023
Ambient Art Garden Installation for Shambala Festival 2023
Walking Garden for Climate Carnival by Super Culture 2023​​
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2020 — ongoing Participatory Art Facilitator
Running tailored Participatory Art Workshops in communities and schools in collaboration with various companies including Curiositree, Creativity Works, KCD Collective, HofBS13, Merchant Academy and Circus Antics,
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2020 — ongoing Costume Designer
Designed and made feature costumes for companies including Mirabelle Arts, CIrcus Antics, The Invisible Circus, Ms Merlin, Hazel Lam, Flame Oz, Pytch and Culture Weston.
The biggest commission being ten feature costumes for the main Origin Stage Opening Ceremony at Boom Town 2022 in collaboration with The Invisible Circus.
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2014 — 2020 Founder of Skylab Studio
Founded a successful, full-time aerial dance studio for 6+ years. Work roles included director, team manager, marketing, branding, teaching, rigging and studio management. Teaching hoop, silks, aerial yoga and signature aerial fitness class Pop Fit.
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2010 — 2020 Aerial Dance Teacher
Working freelance for companies such as London Dance Academy, Flying Fantastic and Taylor's Retreats until founding an aerial dance school.
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2000 — 2015 International Circus Performer
Working freelance for Interstellar Circus, The Invisible Circus, Heir of Insanity, Incandescence, The Dream Circus, Swamp Circus, Circus Antics, Culture Weston and many more.
Career highlights include performing for Para Olympics Closing Ceremony (2012) and stadium show for 50th Anniversary of UAE (2012).
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Work background
Contact
+44 7876440404​
56 Hudds Vale Rd, Bristol, BS57HL
Education
O and A Levels
Singapore International School
Cheadle Hulme School, Cheshire
1982 - 1988
Art Foundation
Manchester University
1988 - 1989
BTEC in 3D Design (1 yr only)
Brighton University
1988 - 1989
Diploma in Fashion / Textiles Stockport College, Cheshire
1993 - 1995
Foundation in Circus Arts Circomedia, Bristol
1993 - 1995
Skillsets
Textile-installation artist
Workshop facilitator
Costume designer
Entrepreneur
Teacher
Circus performer​