POISE

POISE - Suspension and acrobatics at the fragile limits of balance

Poise explores the state of equilibrium. Maintaining equilibrium is relatable, tangible, constant. It is present in different facets of our life. We try to find a balance in our work and private life, interpersonal relationships, time spent with family and friends, and alone time.

Often in the process of trying to find balance in our lives we encounter moments of imbalance, what happens when we end up in this situation? Will everything come crashing down? Poise uses counter-weighting aerial circus to embody this state, and explore its limits.

By using a pulley system that connects two aerial ropes, the artist’s every action affects one another, and neither can explore or move in the air without the complicity of the others.

To further explore the dependency on others, Poise will be created with the input of regular audiences as a way to access a perspective on circus that is inclusive and welcoming for audiences outside of the professional touring circuit. Poise is being created to be played outside and inside, with a focus on public spaces and spaces that are not traditionally used for performing arts. As a project, Poise, strives for inclusivity both in the material of the piece, but also in the access to art for everyone.

Partners & Collaborations

Poise is looking for residencies, co-productions and a premiere in 2028. We are looking for creation space, as well as work-in-progress showings in public spaces, and interested parties for future touring.

Technical requirements

The performance requires an aerial rig/truss at 7m height, which is at least 6m across. Stage 8x8m.

ARTISTIC TEAM

The artistic team consists of three aerial rope artists, Betka Ticha, Joe Baker and Jakob Jacobsson.

Betka Ticha - Stared as a dancer at the esteemed Duncan Centre dance conservatory in Prague, and after finding circus graduated Codarts Circus Arts Rotterdam. As a performer she took part of several projects: "Jeníček a Mařenka" by Matěj Forman, "Kid" by Francesco Sgró, "Li(n)es" by Daniel Gulko, "Rezervace" by Eliška Brtnická. She is a cofounder Feel the Universe Circus Company.

Joe Baker - Graduate of Codarts. Since then has been working in the professional field both independently and in bigger productions (Scapino Ballet Rotterdam). Working independently on his own personal project in which he received residency and funding support from co-producers Perplx and was offered residency space with Dommelhof.

Jakob Jacobsson - Swedish born circus artist who graduated Codarts Rotterdam in 2018. Since then he has founded The Nordic Council, and toured the two pieces Three men from the North (2019) and Häppy Hour (2024). He created Dear Doubts (2021), and recently premiered his debut solo Insomnia (2025) which is a circusnext co-production. In 2026 he will premiere the collective creation Il va pleauvoir.