Guest Blog: Felicity Simpson On CIRCOLOMBIA

We're a family at Circolombia, and it is this familial trust that allows us to take the death-defying risks we perform live on stage, every night.

This show is all about taking risks - having the courage to move forward. And, most importantly, it's the girls who lead the way.

Colombia has a real dynamic force propelling it forward; that force is human. Living in Bogota, where the pace of daily life is really accelerated, has influenced our questioning of the world and what we wanted to explore on stage. Are we Third World, First World or the Brave New World?

For me, without doubt, we are the Brave. Circolombia's motto is "Compartir es Vivir" or "To share is to live". So here we are, sharing.? Our job is to provoke real emotions as audiences witness extraordinary feats performed live in a very intimate space.

Circus is the only art form where risking your life is a? daily ritual. Thanks to the trust, confidence and solidarity between us, Circolombia's 'circo-concierto' (circus concert) is all killer, no filler.

It's a magical world which our artists throw themselves into. This show allows the audience to believe in the impossible, but really that magic behind the circus is sheer hard work, determination and courage.

Circolombia was first born in January 2006 from the distinct need of professional opportunities for graduates from Circo Para Todos in Colombia, the world's first professional circus school for disadvantaged youth.

Thanks to the Colombian Ministry of Culture, Circo Para Todos has since become Colombia's National Circus School with two sites in Cali and Bogota.

Circolombia (a separate entity) has produced major shows, URBAN and ACÉLÉRÉ. Since 2011 these shows have been touring around the world to international festivals and major venues, from Broadway to Brisbane, China to Colombia, Helsinki to Washington.

Uniting youth and celebrating their achievements in excellent and innovative productions is intrinsic? to Circolombia, as is helping young people? start their own journeys of self-discovery and development.

Circolombia headlines the Underbelly Festival Southbank, 24 May-14 July