NICA fondly remembers having 2008 graduate Lewie West in the building, demonstrating his outstanding aerial straps, acrobatic and handstand work. It was Lewie’s dedication to training consistency which set him up for a successful time at NICA: a trend that has continued into his exciting and varied career.

So exactly what has Lewie been up to over the last 11 years?

Since completing his Bachelor of Circus Arts, Lewie has worked with some of Australia’s most notable contemporary circus companies. Upon graduation, he performed as part of leading Australian circus company CIRCA’s ensemble, touring from 2009 – 2015 at which time he was their longest serving ensemble member. Lewie has since performed with the exciting, breakout, contemporary circus company, Gravity and Other Myths (GOM); he has been featured in a remount of GOM’s inaugural work Backbone, and most recently in Out of Chaos as part of the Adelaide Festival in 2019.

In addition to being an incredible performer in ensemble acrobatics, in 2013 Lewie came home from the 34th Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain with a gold medal for his solo straps performance.

Back on home turf, Lewie has recently performed in FOLD. This piece was devised by Lewis along with NICA Cert IV alumni – Mieke Lizotte, and directed by Darcy Grant. The show recently sold out its season at Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this show.

Fantastic work Lewie! We’re lucky to have you as part of our NICA alumni. Check out some of his footage here.

Considering studying circus and forging a career like Lewie? Check out our course info and make sure to subscribe to the mailing list for prospective NICA students. Follow NICA on our hashtags #NICAAuditionJourney and #NICAAustralia

Photo by Carnival Cinema

01 Jul 2019