How a Spiral Works

Have you lost the time to care for yourself? In this performance, the artists fight for time to care for themselves, care for each other, even under extreme circumstances. How hard is it to care under tension? In the middle of a whirlwind? At great heights? While feeling pain?

Renowned British circus director Jason Dupree, acclaimed choreographer Alise Bokaldere (LV) and the phenomenal aerialist Izabele Kuzelyte (LT) join forces creating a unique, hypnotic, and powerful contemporary circus performance, blending contemporary dance, hair hanging, aerial rope and reinvented Baltic folk music. One dancer, one aerialist, and one rope tethered together in their R-evolving relationship.

“How a Spiral Works had its UK premier at Jacksons Lane in 2025 to an enraptured sold-out audience. The hypnotic, almost zen-like circus and choreography had the audience gripped from start to finish. An absolute highlight of our first 50th anniversary season.” – Adrian Berry, Jacksons Lane

‘In the current world where everything is fast-paced, caffeinated and loud, This piece was a beautiful contrast. A performance full of care, that took its time, and allowed my brain space to engage. If you want a reset then this performance is the one’ – Audience Member

 

Art For Rainy Days is a performance collective made up of a circus artist Izabelė Kuzelytė, a dancer Alise Bokaldere and a dramaturg Jason Dupree. Combining perceptions, the aim is simple: to be inspired by each other’s artistic standpoints and to create by melting brains. Art For Rainy Days is a slow breakfast, scribbles in notebook, a daydream. Artwork inspired by tasks and projects taken up on unproductive days to relax, breathe and find time for yourself.

 

★★★★ Best Contemporary Dance Performance and Best Dancer Awards | Latvian Dance Awards, 2024

 

It’s mesmerizing. The absolute highlight of our season.

— Jacksons Lane

 

One of the finest works of contemporary circus—technically flawless and deeply moving.

— The Lowry

 

Jason Dupree (b. 1988) has been working with circus since 2013. He trained at Aircraft Circus before being accepted onto the degree National Centre For Circus Arts, where he received the Levehulme scholarship for outstanding achievement. In 2016 Jason went on to work with the Living Room Circus, an experimental Circus company. As well as Directing, Jason teaches Circus around The UK including being a teacher on the degree at the National Centre For Circus Arts. At the moment Jason conducts aerial acrobatics as well as handstand classes for both children and adults in Riga Circus School.

Alise Madara Bokaldere (b. 1997)  is a Latvian dancer and choreographer.  She works very closely with the details and nuanced movement in her creations, focusing on performance presence, movement quality, and concept. She graduated from The Latvian Academy of Culture in 2018, with a BA in The Art of Contemporary Dance. She was nominated for the Latvian Dance Awards 2018/2019 and the Estonian Theatre awards 2020. Bokaldere has worked both in Latvia and abroad, collaborating with people and venues like Jorge Crecis (ES, choreographer), Jason Dupree (UK, Circus director), and Kanuti Gildi Saal (EST, theater venue). She is part of the collective “Art for rainy days” which merges contemporary dance and contemporary circus.

Izabelė Kuzelytė (b. 1996) is an artist and performer of aerial acrobatics and dance, who contributes to the promotion of contemporary circus and its development in Lithuania. She also teaches the discipline of aerial acrobatics for the groups of children and adults. Izabelė participates in various projects in Lithuania and abroad as a freelance artist and choreographer. A Lithuanian contemporary circus artist, residing in Munich for the time being. Touring and teaching across Europe with an idea to reshape audience’s perception of circus. Izabelė also participated in trainings hosted by various international festivals and projects.

 

 

 

 

Credits:

Artistic directors: Jason Dupree, Alise Madara Bokaldere, Izabelė Kuzelytė

Performers: Alise Madara Bokaldere, Izabele Kuzelyte

Dramaturg: Jason Dupree

Music composer and producer: Adam Dupree

Costume designer: Aurelija Rancane

Creative rigger: Jacob Jakobson

Lighting designer: Nikola Suhareva

Hair hanging mentor: Ingrid Eskusson

 

Premiere: 19 November 2024

 

Supported by: La Volière, Le Plus Petit Cirque Du Monde, Visaginas KC, Arts Printing House, Teatronas, Rīgas Cirks, Sansusī, Epicirq

Funded by: Lithuanian Council For Culture