OUR TEAM

Rachel grew up in Gladstone and made Agnes Water her home 14 years ago, when she began teaching circus and dance in the area. From the age of four, she trained in dance, acrobatics and theatre, which eventually led her to circus arts. She has now been teaching physical movement disciplines for over 25 years. Her wide range of experience and study across multiple genres allows her to offer depth and versatility to both her students and her performance work. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts, with a focus on dance and movement arts, and is a graduate of the international circus school Circomedia, where she specialised in Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre. Since then, Rachel has worked extensively as a teacher and performer both throughout Australia and overseas. With a strong commitment to providing the highest standard of training, she prioritises ongoing practice and professional development. She has also completed multiple coaching certifications with Circus Training Australia in acrobatics, circus, aerial silks, trapeze and lyra. Rachel is the founder of Meraki Circus and is deeply passionate about sharing her love of movement, creativity and circus with her community.

ASHLEIGH CALLEJA-BOURKE

​Ashleigh is a fully qualified aerial instructor, acro and circus coach, and personal trainer with over a decade of experience, teaching students of all levels both in Australia and internationally. Her coaching goes beyond learning tricks, with a strong focus on foundational theory, fundamental movement patterns and anatomy. This approach supports students to move safely, develop strength and flexibility, and explore their own creativity both in the air and on the ground, building confidence and individual artistry. Ashleigh is passionate about progression, movement exploration and helping every student achieve their goals, and she enjoys sharing the science behind aerials with her students. Outside the studio, Ashleigh enjoys outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, salsa dancing and chasing anything that gets the adrenaline pumping!

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