The Performance Artistry of Laura Shum
Aerialist

About the Artist

Laura found her passion for the aerial arts (focus on aerial silks a.k.a. aerial tissu) in 2013 after taking a class at Hercinia Arts Collective in Toronto, Canada. Before discovering the wonderful world of circus, Laura was a competitive cheerleader for the Cheer Force All Stars and co-captain of the University of Toronto cheerleading team. 

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Laura moved to Australia in 2018 and began teaching and performing shortly after arriving. She has taught kids, teens, and adults alike with La Luna Youth Arts, Cajam Circus, and as a freelance instructor. Laura is a graduate of the Aerial Physique Teacher Training Program which is recognized by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and the American Circus Educators Association. Laura has also completed the lyra (aerial hoop) teacher training and corde lisse (aerial rope) program with Paper Doll Militia. Her teaching method focuses on proper technique, clean lines, and sequencing. Laura is currently a student of Womack and Bowman's reputable Master the Silks training program. Laura has had the privilege of training with highly professional aerialists from the Toronto Circus Collective, Aerial Physique (USA), Aerial Movement (Brisbane), Aerialize (Sydney), The Movement Academy (Sydney), Blue Circus (Melbourne), and Circa (Brisbane). In 2019, Laura was the champion of her division at La Folie Aerial Silks competition in Brisbane. In 2020, Laura was first runner-up for the Australian Aerial Championships. In 2021, Duo Sapphire was first runner-up for the Once Upon A Lyra and Miss Lyra competitions. They also received the "Most Creative" award for La Folie Fantasy (international aerial competition) in 2021. 

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Laura has performed aerial silks and lyra at various community and corporate events with La Luna, The Vertigals, and as a solo artist. Past performances include Townsville Cup, Ravenswood annual scavenger hunt, Cate's Chemist Winter Ball, Castletown's It's a Circus in Here, Bad Guy 2 by Diamond Dolls NQ, and Our Townsville hosted by Townsville City Council. More recently in 2021 and 2022, Laura put together a performance at the Northern Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) called The 7 Deadly Sins. You can look forward to more circus performances at local events around North Queensland.