SADIQ ALI - CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS (CHINESE POLE NARRATIVES)

WHO
Sadiq Ali

WHAT
Sadiq Ali is a mixed heritage contemporary circus artist and performance maker specialising in Chinese Pole. Blending elements of circus, dance, and physical theatre, he crafts unapologetically queer works that serve as both artistic expressions and catalysts for social change.

The workshop will consist of technical Chinese Pole vocabulary and development, enabling participants to explore their own movement style with the apparatus. A focus will be on partner and ensemble work, using poles, bars and various other structures in non-traditional methods to encourage shared support and creativity exploration.

Sadiq will also introduce his process of creating autobiographical narrative work, enabling workshop participants to flesh out their own performative story alongside the development of physical and technical expertise.

This workshop is inclusive to all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Note: This workshop program may lead directly to a paid creative development and performance outcome in 2025/26.

Training Foci:

• Introduction to Chinese Pole
• Chinese Pole explorations and improvements – climbs, drops, movement qualities and dynamics
• Partner and ensemble
• Creating physical environments with poles and structures – climbing, moving, dancing, lifting

Conceptual Foci:

• Working with semi-autobiographical subjects in performance
• Expanding our understandings of the issues important to us
• Expression through non-verbal physicality and story telling

WHEN
10 Days, Aug 19 – 31
Week 1 Aug19-24 / 09:00-15:00
Week 2 Aug 26-31 / 09:00-15:00

WHERE
Red Box / Legs on the Wall – 91 Canal Rd, Lilyfield, Sydney

SKILLS
Contemporary Circus, Physical Theatre Contemporary Dance

COST
$600AU

PATHWAYS
To maximise your IDEA journey and experience, you can combine this workshop with:

• Hofesh Shechter 1 and/or 2
• Crystal Pite 2
• Maxine Doyle + Gabrielle Nankivell

LINKS
https://www.sadiqsadiq.com/
@_sadiqsadiq
https://twitter.com/_sadiqsadiq

BIO
Sadiq Ali is a mixed heritage contemporary circus artist and performance maker who graduated from London's National Centre for Circus Arts.

Blending elements of circus, dance, and physical theatre, Sadiq crafts unapologetically queer works that serve as both artistic expressions and catalysts for social change. His work often offers a perspective on issues close to his heart—stigma, HIV awareness, belonging in queer spaces, and the complexities of addiction. Sadiq firmly believes in the transformative power of storytelling and the inherent value of the artist's voice in shaping a more inclusive society. For him, the process of creation is as meaningful as the final performance, inviting both artists and audiences alike to join him on a journey of exploration, empathy, and empowerment.

With his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional circus narratives, Sadiq debuted his work, "The Chosen Haram," to resounding critical acclaim. This inaugural work has toured internationally through 2022-24 and not only showcases his skill but also challenges preconceived notions of what is capable with circus and non-verbal storytelling.

Current Touring Works (As creator or collaborator): “The Chosen Haram”, “Stuntman”, “Party Scene”,

In Development: “Tell Me” (HIV Circus), “The Kelpie” and “The Phoenix” (Queer Children’s Circus Show)

“AN ASTONISHING FUSION OF CIRCUS AND STORYTELLING” - Fest Mag ★★★★★

“POWERFUL, STRONG AND SENSUAL” - The Queer Review ★★★★★

“BEAUTIFULLY CHOREOGRAPHED, TOTALLY UNMISSABLE” - The Recs ★★★★★

*By booking this workshop you acknowledge and agree that:

• You are over 18yrs of age and have the demonstrated skills to satisfy this program. If your skills prove unsuitable FORM Dance Projects will do their best to place you in another workshop program. Gently noting that there will be no refund for this workshop
• All IDEA spaces are safe spaces, and we will not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour on the basis of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity or religion
• FORM Dance Projects is neither responsible nor liable for injury to your person nor the loss or damage to personal belongings during your time in this workshop or in the identified venue

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The program is made possible by the generous support of Sadiq Ali, Turtle Key Arts, Create NSW, QTopia and Lucas Newland.

Images: The Chosen Haram - Photos by Max Crawford.