Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
High overhead, Dr Ebony Elliott of Advanced Dental Spa in Ballajura, WA, performs aerial acrobatics on a variety of circus apparatus.
“I started aerial acrobatics when I was 23 years old. While I was studying dentistry, it was a very handy paid part-time gig. I still do paid gigs today, mainly one-off performances for special occasions. I’ve done a Fringe show and New Year’s Eve displays organised by the City of Perth. I’ve also been involved with different festivals, charity events and quite a few corporate gigs.
“When I first started, it was purely for exercise but I liked the idea of doing something fun that makes you strong and flexible. For the first couple of years, I learned at small studios in Sydney.
“When I moved to Melbourne for my first few years of dentistry, I was able to dramatically increase my skills. The quality of coaching is generally higher in Melbourne as it’s the home of the highly acclaimed National Institute of Circus Arts. Eventually, I moved to Perth and carried on. The reason I get to perform regularly is that Perth has a small circus community where everyone knows each other. I’m certainly not the best performer in the world but they don’t have many from which to choose!
“A few years ago, I performed for the launch of the Fringe Festival at Scarborough Beach. They were celebrating a new amphitheatre and installed a rig so we could put on a sunset show. That’s one of my all-time favourite gigs. My husband, Jason Ahipene, is also involved with aerial acrobatics. He performs on the straps that are a bit like gymnastic rings. In 2023, we finally performed together for a telethon. Our little girl was only seven months old, so we had to swap over cuddling duties while the other was in the air.
“I can perform on many types of apparatus—trapeze, hoops, silks—but my specialty is a rope. It’s a strength-based skill where you use momentum to throw yourself around. It helps me as a dentist as I’ve developed stronger hands. It can be dangerous and injuries are certainly possible. A friend fell and fractured his spine. Fortunately, my worst injury has been a couple of strained muscles.
“Aerial acrobatics is a fun form of exercise that keeps you fit while keeping your mind off dentistry. When you’re climbing a rope, you can’t think about anything else. It requires a dedication to practice and intense concentration. In some ways, it’s a bit like a meditation. During a performance, I get to be creative and look pretty in a bedazzled outfit. That’s not something you get to do every day.”
