Who is Hugo Bladel?
Hugo Bladel is a 22 year old Singer/Songwriter and Circus Artist, studying the second year of his Bachelor at the National Institute of Circus Arts – specialising in clown and soccer ball manipulation.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would not change a thing. I come from a soccer playing background with aspirations of playing professionally and I learnt a lot about myself and the nature of physical training through that process. I needed to express myself more creatively so I have found a perfect balance of physical training and creative performance with circus.
Who inspires you and why?
My parents. They run an arts company in Tasmania called Kickstart Arts that works with the community to help develop culture and make an impact on peoples lives. The amazing work they continually do and the fact that they have survived so long in such a difficult industry whilst raising three boys is absolutely incredible.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Like my parents I believe that art can make a huge impact on peoples lives. I believe my training in circus and music can help me express myself in a way that can inspire and hopefully provoke thought in my audiences. Circus and Music are universal and everyone can be involved no matter what level they are at or which background they come from.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The Bay of Fires, Tasmania. Everything is so beautiful and clean, although it might be a bit cold, there is a real cleansing feeling you get after having a swim in the clear waters and lying on the white beaches.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to see some live music. There are always amazing bands on in Melbourne, we are really lucky to have such a thriving live scene.
What are you currently reading?
I read and write a lot of poetry. My favourite poets at the moment include Brother Ali, Jehst and Leonard Cohen.
What are you currently listening to?
I am currently listening to D’angelo and the Vanguard. D’angelo’s smooth soulful voice mixed with their lavish licks and funkadelic fusion just screams ‘lay me down by the fire’. Great for a romantic date or just chillaxing on a Sunday.
Happiness is?
For me, true happiness has to come from within. Being able to see emotions for what they really are with equanimity and understand the impermanence of them can help with inner contentment. A great way to bring joy to your life is knowing that you’ve made a positive impact through your actions.
What does the future hold for you?
I will travel the world performing my own original acts at festivals or in a circus. I will have a long career performing and teaching circus and music. My dream is to perform a half time show at a Manchester United Game in Old Trafford, Manchester.
Born and raised under the shadow of Mount Wellington in the picturesque harbour town of Hobart on the windswept south east coast of Tasmania, Hugo Bladel grew up pursuing a career in Soccer. Hugo left high school several years early to train and work in a cafe to save for professional trials in Birmingham, England.
After a stint in England and playing at the highest level in Tasmania, Hugo fled his hometown to transfer his high-level soccer skills into a circus context. Hugo is currently training at the National Institute of Circus Arts under the guidance of one of Australia’s finest jugglers – Earl Shatford, to create a unique act that combines soccer, comedy and music.
The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is inviting aspiring circus artists to submit their applications for entry into the 2016 suite of courses. Applications close this Monday (14 September 2015) with auditions taking place around Australia from 21 September to 18 October 2015. For more information, visit: www.nica.com.au for details.
Image: Hugo Bladel