The Vision
When I travel the world my goal is to spread joy through movement and circus arts.
Ever since I embarked on my first world tour in 2007, I've been inspired to bring flow and circus equipment to kids in need. Last year I visited schools in Bali and this last Christmas I delivered toys to orphanages. This year Im going to study in India and bring toys to gift to children in need.
My vision is to bring flow and circus arts to kids around the world.
I hope to improve the lives of others while working on my own personal growth.
With your help, I will bring the dream of creative physical expression to children on the streets, schools, and orphanages of India while traveling from Goa to Rishikesh studying Yoga and meditation.
Your contribution creates children's laughter.
You support kids shifting their bodies through space as they learn to express themselves through movement with toys such as Hulu-hoops, poi, juggling equipment and other circus props. Your funds teach children how to interact with the world through joyous physicality, dance, and circus arts.
Together we create something greater than I could alone!
Where I am going?
February 14 - I will arrive Goa, spending 10 days working with children from orphanages to the streets. I am meeting 4 other circus artists in Mumbai (who happen to be in India at the same time) and a videographer Joseph Trivigno who is the founder of The Musical Circus and creator of a documentary called Stuck in Katmandu/A Journey to the Valley of Flowers, that was filmed at the same orphanage we are visiting.
We will bring toys to the Nag Orphanage.
February 24 - We will fly to Nepal and work with the Nag Orphanage, who hosts over 500 kids. We will also work with the local government school. We will spend a few days playing, performing for the children, and delivering tons of circus equipment, all while documenting the experience and the joy it brings to the children.
Feb 28 - I fly to Rishikesh and participate in an International Yoga Convention followed by a yoga teacher training at the Sattva center outside of Rishikesh. The owner of the program also works with local school groups in the area, allowing me to continue my work with the children.
About the Film
Sometimes in life we are blessed enough to leave our comfort zone and adventure into the unknown; in the film "Stuck in Kathmandu" a young american traveler (Briana Kai) sets out on a journey to bring her grandfather's ashes to the magical Valley of Flowers in India. Along the way she gets stranded in Kathmandu, Nepal. The hault in her journey allows her to deepen the exploration of Nepalese culture, and find hidden treasures of truth with in her own being reflected the beauty of the people, the land, and the ancient wisdom of Nepal's most sacred sites.
One of the most profound moments in the film, is the time spent with the NAG school, and the incredible spirits of the Nepali children. The NAG, Nawa Asha Griha, Home of New Hopes, is a home for street children, where kids from the poorest conditions can find a home, a nourishing meal, an education, and a chance at a brighter future. Founded twenty years ago by Nicole Thakuri-Wick, starting with six kids in her living room, now accomodating and supporting over 500 children.
It is truly a blessing and an inspiration, to see the bright spirits of these once downtrodden children. The smiles, the laughter, the love and the sense of family is what is remembered most after spending time at the NAG school, and just as the sun rises each day, there is a chance to create each and everyone of our lives and rise up to our fullest embodiment of who we are. For the children of Nepal, NAG is like the sun, shining light into the dark, bringing new life, nourishing, and inspiring them to grow into their unlimited, highest potential.
What will the donations be used for?Your contribution will help fund this trip.
The donations will allow me to bring a larger number of toys to India, allow me to visit more orphanages, off set travel costs, baggage fees, daily expenses, and make it possible for me to dedicate more time in India to work for the betterment of children.
What do you get in return?Besides the satisfaction of knowing underprivileged children will be getting your gift of flow, you'll also receive some wonderful gifts of your own!
~ For donations of $50, you'll receive a hand written thank you post card from India!
~ For donations of $100, you'll receive a group aerial stretch and strength class for you and two of your friends.
~ For donations of $200 you'll receive three private flow classes of your choice, either poi, hoop, staff or double staff! (plus you can bring a friend or two, if you want)
~ For donations of $300 you'll receive three private aerial classes of your choice, on either silks or lyra! (you can also bring a friend or two, if you want)
The Impact
Children are the future.
What they learn now turns into the building blocks of how they will treat themselves and others when they grow up. Children who have physical outlets, toys that allow them to develop a conscious connection to their bodies, are children that will be ready to tackle the problems of the future.
This isn't the first project I've spearheaded to bring laughter to kids.
This one is the next step.
This is bigger.
Please help me make a larger impact on my quest to bring light and laughter to at risk kids around the world.
Other ways you can help!If you can't donate money, time helping me craft the equipment, or already made props or toys!
Spread the word to your friends, collect child sized Hulu-hoops, or pass around a donation box for old flow toys.
Every little bit helps and I appreciate you supporting me in this vision.
