The circus is coming to town but for Gold Coaster, Helena Merten, it is a case of coming home. As a five-year-old Helena started gymnastics on the Gold Coast and by the tender age of seven she knew she wanted to join Cirque du Soleil. She was an Australian champion in tumbling and at 21, she became the youngest athlete to compete in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2015. Fast forward two years later and Helena joined Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA as a Hoop Diver, Swing to Swing and Acrobatic Pole Artist.
Since then, Helena has been cast as The Running Women, a role she shares with another artist. She wears a stunning monarch butterfly inspired costume, with huge wings that are six metres long each. Her appearances are breathtaking, surreal, and
beautiful.
Her character introduces the imagined world of Mexico to the audience – LUZIA draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Mexico’s cultural heritage, and unfolds as a stunning kaleidoscope of colour, sound, and gravity -defying feats, with 47 artists from 26 countries wearing some 1000 costumes.
Helena has already travelled through parts of America, Europe and Asia with Luzia but it will be the Brisbane season that means the most to this talented performer. It is her first time performing for family and friends. She Society spoke to Helena ahead of the LUZIA season which runs from 25 September to November 10 right here in Brisbane.
1. Who inspires you and why?
Daily my colleagues inspire me. Working in an environment where people are so passionate and motivated by what they do is contagious and even after so many years working with them, I still catch myself in awe of their talents and that does not just go for performers.
2. Favourite holiday destination and why?
After travelling the world for over 11 years, I would have to say Australia. I love the great outdoors, the laid-back open people and the active lifestyle. We have such diverse and unspoiled landscapes with beaches, mountains, desert, rainforests and reefs. Otherwise to name just a few, Cuba was incredibly unique, the Portuguese islands of Madeira and Azores left me in awe of their landscapes and Mexico for its rich culture and traditions.
3. What are you currently reading?
When possible, I love to read a book about or from the city we are visiting. (May I recommend Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton!)
4. Best hidden treasure in Queensland?
I still have much of Queensland to explore but one that pops to mind is Stanthorpe for its hiking, great fresh produce and underrated wineries. Coomera circuit in Lamington National Park in the Scenic Rim must go down as one of my favourite hikes. The first time I went on this trail I walked most of the 17 km with my jaw dropped. Around every corner is something special and it’s a length that really lets you unwind.
5. Favourite place to holiday in Queensland?
For now, it would be camping in Southeast Queensland, but I am excited to finally see more of Queensland this year – to see tropical North Queensland and finally dive on the Great Barrier Reef.
6. Best local coffee haunt on the Gold Coast?
Jekyll and Hyde Coffee Lab in Reedy Creek. It is quite tucked away, but I was living nearby when I found it. They have great coffee, and everyone is so friendly. Any coffee shop that opens past 3pm gets points from me too.
7. Favourite restaurant on the Gold Coast?
I wouldn’t be a Gold Coaster if I didn’t answer this with a brunch restaurant, Commune Café. The décor is fun, and it really has that local feel. Obviously, great fresh food and coffee too.
8. Favourite place to meet on the Gold Coast?
One of the best places to meet people would be OUT IN THE SURF. On a calm day, it’s nice to find easy-going like-minded people from all walks of life, and all generations, enjoying some time on the water.
9. Where and when do you exercise on the Gold Coast?
Typically, I exercise every day on the Gold Coast. I love training at Gold Coast Gymnastics Club as their facilities are amazing, also Core Climbing in Carrara because of the incredibly friendly atmosphere. I love that I can train outdoors all year on the Gold Coast. Whether it’s the outdoor bars at the beach in Phillip Park, handstands in the park at Burleigh Heads with my best friend or running along the beautiful coastal paths from Currumbin to Coolangatta. It’s hard to take days off exercise as my hobbies outside of work are all active. On the weekends I really enjoy surfing with friends, going for a snorkel or hiking in the Scenic Rim.
After speaking to Helena, it’s safe to say you can take the girl out of Queensland but never the love of Queensland out of the girl. To see Helena Merten and the talented cast of LUZIA – Cirque du Soleil you can head to the Big Top next to Royal Queensland Golf Club this September/ October. Keep an eye out for the beautiful monarch butterfly with the huge Queensland heart … almost as big as her wings.
#SheInspires
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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