Glitterbitch Meets: Circus Performers Yam and Leo

Can you tell us a bit more about yourselves?

Yam: I'm a theatre & circus performer originally from Israel. I came to England five plus years ago to develop my aerial and acrobatics skills. Beside circus I love anything else that keep me moving like cycling, rock climbing and marching in London from one coffee shop to another.

Leo: I am originally from Stockholm, Sweden and have been doing contemporary circus ever since I discovered it 9 years ago. I've always loved climbing things so choosing aerial as my speciality was a natural choice. I met Yam for the first time in July 2007 and soon discovered we worked very well together and also became fast friends. We established Leo and Yam- aerial circus at the end of October 2007. Apart from Circus I love flowers, coffee and jazz.

Are you full time performers or do you have day jobs?

Yam: I am a full time circus performer hoping to start getting lots of gigs at the beginning of the season in April.

Leo: I also work as a circus rigger/technician and from time to time as a life model.

Where else would we have seen you?

Yam: British Juggling convention, many festivals inc. Glastonbury, Northern and big green gathering, Solfest, playing a part in aerial productions inc. 'Park Life' (by 'Exfeat' productions) and 'Humansects' (by Urban Angels Circus) and even in the 'Aladdin' pantomime show at Christmas in Sheffield City Hall!

Leo: Graduation shows at The Circus Space, Ministry of Sound, Rio Cinema or Circus of Horrors 2006-7 Tour and together with Yam in 'Humansects' or Parklife'.

Why Rockabaret?

Yam: Because it's a great combination between good and stylish entertainment, fantastic music and the best audience in London!

Also this is one of the rarest venues in London where we could do both aerial & fire shows and experiment using new original ideas.

Leo: It has a great crowd and an exciting atmosphere in a beautiful venue with a great mix of experimental, gorgeous and crazy art, cabaret and theatre performances.

What else would you like to see at Rockabaret?

Yam: People daring to dress up extremely. It is such a great opportunity to pretend to be someone else for a few hours. More crazy shows that blow your mind away, I would love it to end later than 2am so then I will have more time to party after performing, but that's up to the council.

Leo: Agrees totally with Yam.

Where would you most like to perform?

Yam: Big theatre and dance productions.

Leo: Somewhere with massive ceilings so I can climb really really high.

What's your favourite venue in London? To perform in and to go out in?

Yam: Obviously Rockabaret is a winner! And Favela Chic near Old Street.

Leo: Rockabaret is in a fabulous venue and a super night out, as well The Rio cinema in Dalston which was great fun to perform in.

When was the last time you got drunk and fell over in London?

Yam: Ha ha, Rockabaret - May 2007... as I said before, it's very hard to catch up with a party when you have only one hour left!

Leo: Last month, luckily Yam is used to lifting me and got me all the way home.

Favourite London secret?

Yam: 'Gossip' - the best little coffee shop on Broadway Market.

Leo: You can find the perfect Monmouth Coffee in the courtyard just behind the Colombia flower market to make your Sunday complete.

Best thing about London?

Yam: Gorgeous men

Leo: Endless opportunities and adventures

Worst thing about London?

Yam: People who never smile to you.

Leo: Greedy estate agents in general, and especially the ones building three story apartments that are going to block out the sun to my lovely patio.

Anything else you want to tell us?

Leo & Yam: All the people in London should come and join the Rockabaret parties, it's rocking!

The next Rockabaret is Saturday 15 March with the successful theme Time Machine where Leo & Yam are back with a brand new fire show and a daring aerial demonstration inspired by the 90s and Question Of Time by Depeche Mode!

Photo by Angela Tran.