Meet Elaine: Stockholm University Of The Arts Dept. Graduate

Circus News

Meet the Graduate from SKH – Stockholm University Of The Arts Department Of Circus – Elaine Briant

It’s an uncertain time for all of us in the circus community, not the least of all the graduating students of 2020. Many are still unsure of when their graduation shows will be and what their future holds. We have decided to continue as planned with our 2020 “Meet the Graduate” series in order to be able to feature these artists and the hard work they have put into their final year at their circus school. Next up, SKH – Stockholm University Of The Arts Department Of Circus (formerly known as DOCH) graduate Elaine Briant
hand balancer
Hand balancer and circus school graduate Elaine Briant

Elaine Briant comes from Brussels and has been active in just about everything since she was very small. At 19, she discovered circus. She instantly knew that circus would be a good place for her. It offered her the freedom to express herself by combining all her previous skills from dance, gymnastics, and music. Elaine started in France at the CRAC of Lomme (preparatory) and then at the Académie Fratellini (preparatory) which finally brought her to the Swedish landscapes atSKH – Stockholm University Of The Arts Department Of Circus (bachelor) in Stockholm where she specializes in handstands.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Elaine does not yet have her graduation act on film, but you can view Elaine’s demo video below.

Elaine says that the starting point for her final act was the handstand base that she designed for her canes a year ago. She says that “The canes offer me a lot of possibilities to develop special handstand material.” Her act has a big focus on movement and aesthetics, especially the esthetic of lights, colors and shapes.

When asked what the most important thing she learned during her time at SKH was, Elaine responded, “What I have mostly learned is that to be an artist is not only to go to school, but to learn wisely. School will propose things to you, but then it is up to you to decide to take them and make something out of them. Take the opportunities!”

Despite the Covid-19 crisis, following graduation Elaine still has some plans like playing in a children’s show with Kompani Giraff in Sweden for a few months. Then her aim is to tour with the duo hand-balancing act she created with another hand balancer,  Antonio Panaro. They are called the Bulldogs duo. Elaine is also developing a street show with her partner Benjamin Beaujard using juggling, handstands, hand to hand and music (piano).

You can RSVP on CircusTalk to watch the SKH – Stockholm University Of The Arts Department Of Circus 2020 graduation show Closing Acts (June 17th.)

All photos courtesy of Elaine Briant. Photo credit for all photos: Einar Kling-Odencrants of Ekopics
Sierra Rhoades Nicholls
Community Coorinator, Circus Student -United States
Sierra Rhoades Nicholls is the founder of CSAW (Connecting Circus Students Around the World) and is the former Community Coordinator for CircusTalk. Originally from Missoula, Montana, Sierra was a gymnast for 10 years before pursuing a professional circus career. Sierra currently attends Circadium School for Contemporary Circus where she specializes in handstands and partner acrobatics.
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Sierra Rhoades Nicholls

Sierra Rhoades Nicholls is the founder of CSAW (Connecting Circus Students Around the World) and is the former Community Coordinator for CircusTalk. Originally from Missoula, Montana, Sierra was a gymnast for 10 years before pursuing a professional circus career. Sierra currently attends Circadium School for Contemporary Circus where she specializes in handstands and partner acrobatics.